Why Choose Handmade Bridal Jewelry?
Are you looking for beautiful bridal jewelry that stands out from the crowd, but doesn’t burn your budget to a crisp? How do you choose wedding jewelry that will compliment your wedding dress and your personal style? Fear not dear reader, I can help answer these questions and more…
For over 10 years I have had the pleasure of working with many brides in creating adornments for their special day. Planning a wedding is complicated enough, so choosing wedding jewelry should be a real pleasure, and can be achieved without breaking the budget.
Trash or Treasure?
Admittedly, there is a ton of junky bridal jewelry out there made with Swarovski crystals and faux pearls and who-knows-what metal that gives you a rash. With all the generic stuff, it may seem challenging to find unique, handmade jewelry made from quality gemstones, pearls and genuine silver or gold that actually fits your budget. But it is possible, and worth the effort. Why? Factory, machine-made jewelry just doesn’t have the same warmth, elegance, and quality as jewelry made by hand, with love. This generic type of jewelry is mass-produced, can break easily, and usually screams “cheap costume bridal jewelry”- not something you will want to wear again very often.
You may be surprised to find that “real” jewelry can be just as affordable as “costume.” When you wear handmade jewelry, you are wearing a little piece of art…something as unique and special as you are. When you work with a reputable store or jewelry designer you will get personalized attention from someone who cares how you look and feel in your wedding jewelry. Also, there will be someone to help if your jewelry should need repair or alterations in the future.
Remember, of all the special details that go into your ideal wedding day, the jewelry you wear (besides the ring) is one of the few things you will be able to enjoy again and again. Long after the flowers have wilted, the photos are tucked in an album, and the wedding dress has been stored away, your wedding jewelry can be worn and treasured for years to come! So there is even more reason to find special jewelry that you really love, and that will provide sparkle, beauty, and fond memories in your future life.
First Comes the Dress…
Before anything else, it is most important to choose your dress. The wedding dress is a focal point for any bride, while the wedding jewelry and accessories provide the personalized finishing details to your overall look- the “icing on the cake” so to speak.
The neckline and overall shape of your dress will help determine the style and design of your jewelry. It is good idea to use the neckline of your dress as a guide. Pair a strapless or straight-across neckline with a choker or gently sweeping necklace, a deep-V front is the perfect “frame” for an elaborate or dramatically shaped necklace, while a halter-style dress will look great with chandelier earrings and a bracelet.
A long, bias-cut satin dress will look sexy and elegant with artistic jewelry that moves with the flowing fabric- like long dangly earrings, or a vintage-looking lariat necklace. A more structured, traditional dress with a bodice, elaborate skirt and train will call for larger, more formal jewelry that will compliment your dress and stand up to all that fabric and lace. It is best to keep jewelry consistent with the style of your dress for a polished look, but remember to have fun and express your sense of self through your adornments!
Keep it Simple, or at Least Tasteful!
You will also want to be careful of wearing elaborate jewelry with a deeply embellished dress and veil…to much lace, sequins and beading paired with lots of accessories will look busy and overdone. It is easy turn into a “cupcake” with too much icing and sprinkles- you don’t want to cringe when you look at the photos in 20 years! The focus should stay on you, the beautiful bride, and not get overwhelmed by your ensemble. Once the dress has been found, take a picture of yourself in it- this will make it much easier to shop for or design your jewelry with a clear image of the style, color, and neckline of the dress- a fabric swatch can also be very helpful.
Something Blue…Something Fabulous!
Many brides are experimenting with color in their bridal jewelry beyond the traditional white or “something blue.” Even if a bride is wearing a white or ivory dress, bringing in some color with sparkling, colorful gemstones and lustrous pearls of exotic hues can really make a lovely impression. Natural, semi-precious gemstones and freshwater pearls can be absolutely gorgeous and much more affordable than most people think. I have had brides incorporate their wedding colors or the color of their bridesmaid dresses within their necklace, earrings, or bracelet to flattering and elegant effect. This is most successful when the wedding dress doesn’t have too much beading or ornamentation that may “clash” with the jewelry. So have an open mind and consider some color in your bridal jewelry!
Silver or Gold?
I recommend matching the metal color in your wedding jewelry to your wedding band, so if you have a yellow gold band, it is safest to stay with jewelry set in that same metal, or trim the expense by choosing gold plated or gold vermeil jewelry. If your band is platinum or white gold you can easily wear silver jewelry that will keep the “cool” look throughout your ensemble. I also love the look of “mixed-metal” where silver and gold are used side-by-side for a subtle and modern effect. This is getting more popular in wedding bands, and it is fun and fresh to see bridal jewelry that incorporates gold and silver together.
All Together Now – Bridesmaids & Beyond
Of course, jewelry is also great for bridesmaids, flower-girls, and Mothers-of-the-Bride/Groom too! Some brides choose a unified look for their bridesmaids where all the ladies are wearing exactly the same ensemble, while other brides choose to “mix it up.” Selecting a variety of styles in necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in complimentary colors will add detail and interest to the bridal party, and ensure that there will be a style to suit everyone. This is also a great idea for the bride who wants to offer the jewelry as a special gift to her bridal party.
Seek and Ye Shall Find…
So, how do you start looking for this special jewelry? A little online research (local and national) will be a good place to begin your search. Ask your friends for recommendations, and look in fashion magazines like “Lucky” or “In Style” for leads on good designers.
I hope that these tips will help guide you to finding or creating fabulous wedding jewelry that truly expresses your inner and outer beauty, while allowing you to feel confident and comfortable on one of the most important days of your life. Best wishes on creating the wedding of your dreams!
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