Diamonds and pearls.
“They’re classic items,” said Debra Wexler, CEO of Whiteflash.com. Brides do need some sort of jewelry; even if they don’t wear earrings or a bracelet, a necklace definitely should be part of the ensemble. “A necklace should be a standard, because it brings the focus back up to the bride’s face,” she said.
As for the necklace, just a single solitaire is all that is needed, but the bride may choose a diamond in the same shape as her engagement ring diamond. If a bride is wearing a strapless wedding dress, she can wear a bigger necklace, Wexler said. But, if her dress has a sweetheart or princess neckline, it’s best to stay with a smaller size.
Most brides today still wear small pearl earrings with a diamond drop or hoop on their wedding day. You can never go wrong with diamonds or pearls, she said.For example, many bridal gowns today have intricate beading on the bodice or in the gown. Simple pearl stud earrings probably would look best, she said.
Just remember that pearls come in a variety of colors, from the whitest of whites to creams and even pinks. White pearls look good on tan skin, while a creamy colored pearl works best on lighter skin. Pink pearls look good with darker skin, but work well on most skin tones.
If more jewelry is desired, brides can go with a pearl bracelet or a diamond tennis bracelet, or maybe some other more unique piece. But these items often are borrowed to fulfill the “something borrowed” tradition. “You want jewelry to complement, not overpower,” Wexler said.
Tiaras are “definitely in,” Wexler said. They look particularly good on brides that wear a long cathedral veil. A diamond clip is best for a short veil, however, especially when placed at the base of an updo.
Big, bold jewelry for the wedding day is not in and not recommended. Brides want to have, and should have, the focus on them. The bride usually is the one wearing gold pieces, while the bridesmaids wear sterling silver. Cuff bracelets are often given to the bridesmaids to wear on the wedding day.
A multicolored or chocolate strand of pearls is often given to both the mother of the bride and mother of the groom, who traditionally receive the same gift, Dobbs said. These pieces of jewelry also are worn on the wedding day.But whatever you choose, pick something that can be worn everywhere after the wedding day–at work, out at night, with blue jeans or to a black-tie event. Then, you will also have a family heirloom you’ll be able to hand down for generations.
