Summer is finally here, and love is in the air! Did you know that 16% of weddings that occur annually in the United States take place in June? It’s true! So whether you’re the blushing bride, merry maid of honor, magnificent mother of the bride, bubbly bridesmaid, or gleeful guest, it’s time to get accessorizing! For brides in particular, it is vitally important to accessorize one’s gown wisely, choosing jewelry that accentuates it without distracting or detracting. But how does one choose the “right” pieces amongst the sea of blingy bridal baubles on the market?
This can be a delicate balance, but we are here to help!
The first consideration when shopping for jewelry is dress color. Although 87% of brides elect to wear white on their special day, not all whites are created equal! “White” gowns are offered in a vast range of hues and chromas (saturations/intensities, the extent to which undertones are apparent), options ranging from stark winter white to softer ecru, eggshell, cream, ivory, or vanilla. Most commonly, however, gowns are fashioned in one of three tones, including Pure White (also called Bright or Winter White), Diamond White (a subtle off-white), and Ivory (under which falls subtly differing variations like Eggshell and Candlelight).
It’s your special day, and of course, you want to look perfect (pictures last forever!). While there is no “wrong” jewelry selection for any gown, some pieces compliment specific white tones more flatteringly than others, and this is necessary to bear in mind when trying to create an overall aesthetic. For a bride in a Pure White gown, it is recommended to choose jewelry featuring platinum, silver, and pearls, as these neutral materials do not introduce tones that may clash with stark and striking color. By choosing cooler hues, your jewelry will tastefully embellish your gown, creating a classic and cohesive look without visual conflict and “busyness”. Contrastingly, Diamond White gowns are significantly more versatile, due to the neutrality lent by slight warm undertones. Gowns in this shade can be accentuated by nearly any metal or material, including Yellow Gold, White Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Pearls. While Ivory gowns may also be paired with a wide array of materials, it is suggested that those donning these dresses accessorize with yellow gold pieces, which mirror the light yellow and cream undertones of Ivory.
Another consideration to bear in when browsing bridal jewelry is the neckline of your gown. Most vital when selecting necklaces, an important rule of thumb; pick a piece that mirrors and falls within the shape created by your neckline. Your chosen necklace should accentuate and highlight that which is already there, rather than draw attention away from your gown (which we all know is the true star!). Gowns come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, however, the most commonly featured necklines are Scoop, Sweetheart, V-Neck, and Straight Across, each of which can be most effectively accented by particular types of necklaces.
Scoop necks are well emphasized by a bib-style necklace, such as our stunning scalloped White Gold and Diamond necklace or 15 carat Diamond and Yellow Gold double-strand, the curved shapes flatteringly mirroring the gently sloping neckline. It is recommended to avoid pendant-style necklaces when donning this dress, as a drop may lay unflatteringly against the material and create a contrasting shape (best to save this for a Sweetheart of V-Neck gown). The ever-popular Sweetheart neck can be accompanied beautifully by a piece that comes to a point, mirroring the bowed lowest point at the center. An elegant exquisiteness may be lent to this style by our Tahitian Pearl, Tourmaline, and 18 carat gold drop necklace, or a more fun, eclectic twist offered by our Diamond and Yellow Gold Sunburst Pendant (also an optimal choice for a V-Neck gown).
Lastly, the modern and chic Straight Across neckline is best complimented by a collar style necklace, adding visual interest to the bare neck and décolletage. This provides the opportunity for a truly dazzling, eye-catching statement piece, like our 18 carat Gold choker encrusted with Diamonds and natural Pink, Blue, and Orange Sapphires. Simpler pieces can be just as beautiful with this style, a more refined and understated option our timeless and elegant double-strand Pearl and Diamond choker. But the most important tip? Be yourself, feel beautiful, and enjoy your amazing day!
