Jewelry Guide

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW – THE BRIDE'S JEWELRY

Next to her wedding gown, a woman's bridal jewelry – which includes her engagement ring and wedding band – are undoubtedly the most important, and most visible, symbols of her nuptials.

Yet while the engagement ring rightfully gets most of the spotlight – after all, diamonds are the ultimate symbol of everlasting love – there are other jewelry categories that make perfect wedding day accessories. And the great thing about the bride's jewelry ensemble is that it's an easy way for her to fulfill the long-time wedding traditions of "something old, something new" as well as "something borrowed, something blue."

Of course, nothing symbolizes love and commitment quite like diamonds, so a bride certainly can't go wrong decking herself out in diamonds on her big day. Typical diamond fashion items the bride can wear include a diamond solitaire or three-stone necklace, stud earrings or a diamond tennis or bangle bracelet. Diamond hoop and leverback earrings also can make a simple yet strong fashion statement. The best thing about these kinds of basic diamond items it that they can be worn with almost any outfit, for any occasion, long after the ceremony is over.

Perhaps your mother or grandmother has a cherished diamond necklace, set of diamond earrings or diamond pin they wore on their own wedding day. This is the perfect opportunity for them to "hand down" these emotionally priceless items for you to wear and start, or continue, a family tradition.

Now, let's move on to pearls. Cultured pearls are a beautiful, traditional accompaniment to any bride's wardrobe – and they have almost become synonymous with brides on their wedding day. And while there are a wide range of pearl choices to pick from for that important day, one doesn't have to "break the bank" to find the right style. Freshwater pearls are a beautiful, more affordable alternative to saltwater akoya pearls.

For the bride, a classic pearl choker or multi-strand collar is a sophisticated, elegant choice that she can wear long after her wedding day. This also is the type of item that she can borrow from her mother or grandmother. Three-stone styles, which represent "past, present and future" are another popular option. Meanwhile, a pearl solitaire necklace makes a simple yet elegant statement on your wedding day.

If you are a bride who would prefer something a bit more modern, you can try some sweeping shoulder-length earrings or a pearl lariat.

Basic pearl stud earrings are another popular choice for brides, because of their simple elegance and versatility. Other styles, including pearl hoops, dangles and leverbacks (all alone or with diamond accents) are popular as well. Pearl bracelets also can make a strong fashion statement for your big walk down the aisle. Whether in single- or multi-strand styles.

Finally, let's not forget colored stones. They offer a rainbow of colors to choose from, and they can provide a stunning contrast to a white or cream bridal gown. Colored stones also make a bold fashion/personality statement for you, and can give you a chance to wear something that ties into your bridesmaids' gown color.

A bold colored stone right hand ring, fashion earrings, pendant, pin or bracelet will give you an extra sparkle on your wedding day. Again, perhaps your mother or grandmother may have an heirloom colored stone ring, pin or other item they would like you to wear for the big event.

One of the things that makes colored stones perfect accessories for a bride is their aura of beauty, rarity and mystery. Colored stones come from some of the world's most exotic locations; many were ascribed mystical powers by the ancients; and many have been associated with royalty throughout the ages.

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