A Guide To Bridal Jewelry: Matching Engagement Ring Settings To Necklace Dilemmas

Deciding what jewelry to pair with your wedding gowns can be a fun activity for fashionistas, but a daunting task for the fashionably-challenged. Looking at your gown's neckline and embellishments, as well as following these 3 simple rules will help the you select the perfect jewelry for your big day!

Bridal Jewelry Tip #1: Necklines

The neckline of your wedding gown can dramatically alter the type of necklace you will want to wear on your wedding day. Here are some general rules of thumb to get you started:

• Asymmetric - Skip the necklace all together and go for a dramatic earring and a fabulous bracelet.
• Sweetheart - Depending on your level of comfort have fun with your necklace, you can choose a subtle single diamond cluster or a dramatic diamond encrusted necklace. If you go heavy on the necklace, than go easy on the other bracelet and earrings. Remember you are wearing the jewelry, the jewelry should not be wearing you!
• Straight - A moderately ornate necklace or simple diamond cluster is ideal for this neckline.
• V-Neck - Depending on the depth of your neckline a subtle high set necklace is appropriate but better yet, skip the necklace altogether and go for the drama of a dangle earring and a beautiful bracelet.
• Halter - This is one of those designs that does not easily lend itself to a necklace. Rather than stressing and debating your necklace simply pair your halter gown with a pair of dangle earrings and a bracelet.
• Bateau/Boat Neck - If your dress is plain and you want to play up the 'chic' image go for a dramatic long necklace to drape down over the high neckline. If you dress is ornate or you tend to favor a more conservative look, skip the necklace and select a dangle earring and bracelet.
• Illusion - The illusion neckline is there for a reason, adding necklaces will fight the natural aesthetic of your dress design. Plus, necklaces can snag on the delicate material. Therefore, you will want to select a stunning dangle earring and bracelet instead.

Bridal Jewelry Tip #2: Embellishments

Deciding what type of stone or metals to select for your jewelry is simple. Simply, look at the embellishments on your dress. If your dress has no metal, bling, or pearls than the following rules do not apply, feel free to pick what you love!

• Metal Embellishments - If your dress has yellow gold embellishments, select yellow gold jewelry. Likewise, if your dress has silver embellishments select silver, white gold or platinum jewelry.
• Stone Embellishments - If your dress has pearls select pearl jewelry. If your dress has lots of bling, select diamond jewelry. If your dress has gemstones, select gemstone jewelry.
• Mixed Metal Jewelry - If your the metal embellishments on your gown are in one color and your engagement ring setting is in another, don't sweat! This is a great opportunity to try wearing mixed metal rings, bracelets, etc.

Bridal Jewelry Tip #3: Simple Rules To Wed By

Regardless of your neckline or silhouette, a few simple rules of thumb:1. If you have a busy dress go easy on the jewelry. Remember, your fiance and wedding guests want to see you not your decorations. Go easy on the jewelry. Sometimes a simple minimalist pair of diamond studs can make a bigger statement than trying to match the volume of bling.2. You do not need to have matching jewelry. Mix and match, or mixed metal jewelry, is the way to go today! From mixed metal rings to bracelets (and even mixed metal wedding rings), the options are limitless.3. Have fun with themes. If your ring setting is one of today's popular examples of vintage engagement rings, than why not pair it with other vintage style jewelry. Not only will the theme carry through on your wedding day, but every time you wear your bridal jewelry and engagement setting together in the future.3. Ask yourself what you want to do with your jewelry afterwards.

• Do you want to wear it often as a constant reminder of your wedding? If so, then select jewelry that is universal and can be worn day or night, like a simple pair of diamond stud earrings.
• Do you want your jewelry to be an heirloom for future generations? If so, then select a truly well made piece of jewelry such as a die struck design. Your great grandchildren will thank you every time they too wear your wedding day jewelry.

4. Always be comfortable with your selection. You will feel your most radiant when you are comfortable with your look.

Jewelry Suggestions

NecklacesFrom ornate to subtle, necklace designs can vary depending on your taste and wedding day vision. Here are some looks to consider.

Add-A-Section Diamond Necklaces

These great diamond cluster necklaces allow you to build your necklace, one cluster at a time. Clusters are available in round or oval, all diamond or with gemstones, frames or free form shapes, as well as unique gold spacers that can be customized with hand engraving.

The Y Necklace

The Y Necklace has seen a resurgence in popularity. This drop necklace adds drama to necklines. It is ideal for V-Neck gowns as well as sweetheart necklines. This particular necklace is available in all diamond or with a lovely gemstone variation (worn in sapphire it can be your something blue).

Subtle Necklaces

Minimalist wedding day jewelry can be a great option, especially when you are wearing a true work of art! This beautiful diamond cluster pendant is set in Jabel's signature domed setting. The simple, but radiant effect from this jewelry will pair beautifully with a simple gown while complimenting a busy wedding gown. It's a win-win no matter what!

EarringsEarrings are the perfect wedding day jewelry. First, they can be bold or subtle. Second, they can add a touch of gemstone color or simply radiate a brilliant diamond glow. I have chosen to highlight diamond cluster earrings because they are universally beautiful. They can be worn in all diamond or with a gemstone variation. These particular diamond clusters use Jabel signature's domed setting and are particularly brilliant (after all, what bride wouldn't want to shine on their wedding day).

Statement Earrings

Dangle earrings make excellent statement earrings, plus they will have a slimming effect in your wedding photos. If you are trying to include an heirloom pair of earrings such as pearl studs or diamond studs, try an elongated diamond earring jacket. They can transform any pair of earrings into a dramatic statement earring.

Subtle Earrings

The best part of wearing a simple earring on your wedding day is that you can easily wear them on multiple occasions, if not everyday after. And, if you want the versatility of wearing your earrings after the wedding, try a diamond earring jacket to jazz up your look for the day.Bracelet

Meaningful Bracelets

Bracelets that celebrate milestones are excellent for wedding jewelry. These particular designs from Jabel's Add-A-Section collection start with a single link (or more if you prefer). With every passing milestone in your new life together another link can be added until you have built a lifetime of memories (and a full bracelet). Plus, vintage designs like this one, pair beautifully with vintage engagement rings and other vintage jewelry you may wear. The best part is that the collection includes countless die struck designs. What does die struck mean? In short, die struck jewelry is of heirloom quality made through a rare jewelry manufacturing process. This means your bracelet will be around for generations to admire.

Let us help you find a local fine jeweler at info@jabel.com