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Top Tips For Choosing The Perfect Wedding Jewelry

Need inspiration for picking out the best wedding jewelry for brides? We’ve got several useful tips for choosing the perfect wedding jewelry to make you glow on your special day.

Wedding jewelry

Congratulations, you’re about to walk down the aisle!!! We know it’s stressful, with all the wedding planning and last-minute hurdles, but it’s still a one-of-a-kind moment you’ll remember forever. And at this moment, it’s only fitting that you look and feel your absolute best! 

First, you say yes to the dress, and then you get to accessorize! But what wedding jewelry fits you best as a bride? We’re here to help you figure that out. 

Keep reading to learn how to choose the best wedding jewelry for your chosen bridal style. 

Wedding Jewelry Ideas & Inspiration

Picking out all the little bits and bobs for your wedding day can be tiring, especially if you have pesky opinions following your every move. But remember, this day is all about you and how you want to look and feel. Ignore the noise and follow your heart. 

Easier said than done, we know! It goes without saying that every bride and groom needs a little inspo, whether you’re adding ideas to your Pinterest board or looking online. 

So let’s start by understanding what type of look you’re going for. Our hot tip here is to keep your wedding dress style in mind. It’s the simplest way to go about choosing your wedding jewelry. 

Classic Wedding Jewelry

The classics are loved for a reason. It’s known that bridal jewelry usually sways toward the ever-popular pearl. Pearl jewelry sets are a traditional choice for brides-to-be because they add the perfect chic aesthetic. 

If your bridal look is classic chic, make a play for pearls. You can always find pearl jewelry in various colors, from white, pink, gray, and black. Shop online to find a wider variety of styles, designs, and metal choices. 

Romantic Wedding Jewelry

Romantic wedding jewelry moves more towards fairytale-inspired styles, from floral designs to jewelry set in rose gold. Here, you want to pick pieces that are a little softer on the eyes, perhaps with light colors that speak to the romantic element you’re adding to your bridal look. 

This look is especially memorable for daytime weddings that are set in gardens, vineyards, or any nature-centric venue. Captivate your groom and guests by choosing wedding jewelry that makes you look like the woodland bride you dreamed of being. 

Romantic wedding jewelry

Diamond Wedding Jewelry

This one is for the bride who wants to make a glittering statement and remain the center of attention throughout her special day. Diamond wedding jewelry and, more importantly, diamond wedding jewelry sets are perfect for the bride who wants all eyes on her. 

In this case, you should be looking out for a tennis bracelet, diamond necklace, and diamond earrings. We know the word “diamond” might shake the wedding budget. But fear not; you can always opt for lab grown diamond jewelry at a third of the price of earth created diamond jewelry. 

Let this be your “something new” gift if your family and friends are so inclined! 

Diamond wedding jewelry

Boho Wedding Jewelry

Now, this is for the bride who loves all things boho. Boho weddings have been on-trend for many years now, and their popularity isn’t slowing down anytime soon. For the bride who wants to throw tradition to the wind (or tone it down a bit), we’ve got the perfect tips for picking your wedding jewelry. 

Don’t be afraid to mix and match metals and add several mismatched designs to your wedding day look. Try jewelry designs with textures, organic gemstone colors, and don’t be afraid to try on some larger-shaped jewelry. 

Boho wedding jewelry

Our Top Tips For Picking Bridal Jewelry 

Once you’ve put your bridal style into a specific category, remember to keep these top tips in mind for choosing your wedding jewelry.

Incorporate Your Sentimental Accessories

Make your day even more meaningful by adding your family heirlooms to your bridal accessories. Whether it be an old piece of jewelry from a special woman in your life or an accessory given to you by a close family member or friend, there’s always a way to fit it into your day. 

Some brides make sure their “something borrowed” is more than an afterthought by taking it with them as they look for a dress, ensuring it’ll match. If you don’t want to center your style around one piece of jewelry, you can always alter your look for the wedding reception and have it be a significant part of that moment. 

Related post: Something Borrowed & Something Blue: Meaning And Ideas

Mismatched Pieces Can Work

Too many styles to choose from? We’ve been there! Do some research, and you’ll find that some metals definitely work to complement each other, and it can be done in a classy way. While some metal colors fight each other, it’s easy to tell which works. You only need to trust your eyes. 

Getting out of your comfort zone may be challenging, especially knowing your wedding pictures are there forever. That being said, why not look back at those photos and think, “wow, I made a statement.” 

Change Your Look

Think of weddings as a two-part series. First, you have the ceremony, your all-eyes-on-me moment, and then you have the wedding reception. Apart from speeches, this is the time of your wedding when you can let loose and have fun. 

So, why not change your look? Many brides take a moment to swap out of their first dress and put on something more moveable for the reception. This will give you the perfect excuse to throw on new wedding jewelry. And if you don’t want a second dress, an accessory switch-up will be just as noticeable and fun! 

Match Your Necklace To Your Neckline

Here’s one of our more practical tips for choosing wedding jewelry. Always match your necklace to your neckline. Why is this important? 

Well, some believe the general rule of thumb is to pick one that follows the neckline of your dress. 

If you’re wearing a V-neck, accessorize with a pendant. For off-the-shoulder gowns, a choker or a statement piece works best for strapless dresses. If you’re not into those options, simply remember the necklace should sit on your skin, never the dress. 

Generational Trends Aren’t For Everyone

We know it’s hard to say no to mom and grandma, but sometimes they don’t know best. Your wedding is a celebration of you and your soon-to-be spouse. They’re hoping to recognize the person they marry while you walk down the aisle. That’s why it’s so important that you dress and style yourself according to your preferences and personal tastes. 

When it comes to your wedding jewelry, trust your instincts and go with the pieces that make you feel like you

Your Personal Style Is More Important Than Current Trends

We all jump on trends. No one’s hating. But remember that terrible feeling you get when you look at your old photos and ask yourself, “what was I thinking?” When reminiscing about your wedding album, let’s avoid that feeling at all costs. 

Stick with what you love! Trust your preferences and your style, and don’t go too crazy with current trends. Some statements are groundbreaking, and others make us cringe, so use caution when choosing your wedding jewelry based on what’s in right now. 

FAQs

  1. What jewelry is appropriate for a wedding? 

As a wedding guest, your accessories shouldn’t be overly flashy with the chance that you might upstage the bride. However, if you’re close with the bride or groom, consult with them if you want to wear a piece of jewelry you’re unsure of. 

  1. Should you wear silver or gold jewelry for your wedding? 

The metal you choose to wear for your wedding is entirely your preference. There are no right or wrong answers. But it might help to see if the metal you want suits your dress and then decide. 

  1. What kind of earrings should a bride wear? 

A bride can wear anything from classic pearl earrings to diamond or blue gemstone studs. In reality, it’s best to choose the style of earrings based on your hairstyle for the event and the dress style you’ve chosen.

Visit us At JamesAllen.com where you will find no shortage of personalized and trendy jewelry pieces for every budget and for every bride.

And don’t forget to subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

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Something Borrowed & Something Blue: Meaning And Ideas

Wondering what’s the deal with the something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue? We’re breaking down this popular wedding tradition and giving team bride some ideas on what to gift the soon-to-be Mrs!

A wedding ring

What’s The Origin of Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue?

This tradition originated in Victorian England. It’s based on an old English rhyme, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe.” 

While it’s historically a primarily western Christian tradition, many brides worldwide have fallen in love with the custom and have added their own unique twist to it to suit their wedding day. 

The History of the “Something Old, Something New” Rhyme

This rhyme symbolizes luck for a bride on her wedding day, with each “something” representing an item to be given to the bride before she walks down the aisle. It’s meant to signify the hope of a new and fruitful beginning while simultaneously incorporating tradition in a meaningful and fun way for both the bride and her nearest and dearest. 

So, what are the four different somethings you might want to add to your special day? Let’s pick apart the different popularized meanings of each element, and we’ll give you some of our cutest suggestions on what to gift your favorite bride-to-be. 

The Meaning Behind Something Old

The meaning behind “something old” is an item that ties to the bride or the couple’s past. It could be a trinket they want to bring into their marriage that represents a part of their non-married life. Or, for the bride, more specifically, an item with significant meaning from their past. This often includes a piece of jewelry worn by the bride’s mother or grandmother. 

Wedding couple

The Meaning Behind Something New

The meaning of “something new” stands for hope for a bright and happy future as a couple. It also represents the start of a new journey for the bride and the couple. This is by far the easiest gift to shop for. In many instances, this may include the bride’s wedding day attire items, from the dress to her hairpiece, bridal jewelry, and even the wedding ring. It could also include a gift from the groom or the groom’s family. 

The Meaning Behind Something Borrowed 

The meaning behind “something borrowed” is a little more superstitious as it’s believed that borrowing an accessory or trinket from a happily married relative or friend will help the bride bring good luck and fertility into her new marriage. 

The Meaning Behind Something Blue

Blue stands for strong love, fidelity, and purity, and it’s also a popular color for the bride to wear before the wedding. The meaning behind “something blue” comes from believing that the color blue wards off the evil eye. Traditionally, the bride’s garter would be their blue accessory. 

Who Gives The Bride Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue?

In some cases, the bride’s family and friends may decide on their own who will give her the various objects. However, it’s not uncommon for the bride to ask for specific items from specific people. There aren’t any hard and fast rules when it comes to this special tradition, and it has the potential to be unique to every bride and wedding. 

Something Old Ideas

“Something old” can be a sentimental piece of jewelry worn by the bride’s mother, grandmother/grandfather, or any individual they love. It might be their chosen person’s wedding ring, veil, or even their old wedding dress. Many brides incorporate pieces of fabric from their mother’s dress into their own. There’s a new trend of adding their “something old” item, like an old photo, into their bouquet as a tribute to lost loved ones. 

Something New Ideas

Anything bought new can be a gift for the bride on her wedding day, whether it be the shoes, hairpiece, jewelry, or even the dress she wears. Most brides appreciate new bridal jewelry, and this gift can come from one or even multiple people who want to spoil her. Try a group gift,  especially if she’s eyeing a pearl jewelry set or matching diamond jewelry pieces.

 If you’re in charge of getting the “something new” item for the bride, it’s always a good idea to find out what bridal accessories she’s dreaming of for her big day. 

Something Borrowed Ideas

Since this one is more for the bride to think about, the special woman in her life can help ease the stress by gathering several “something borrowed” items for her to choose from. Suppose she’s not lacking in the accessories department. In that case, the bride could always borrow her parent’s first dance song, a traditional toast to make at the reception, some marriage advice from her closest ladies, or something as simple as perfume! 

Something Blue Idea

Go ahead and have a blast with “something blue.” Here, the bride can add a touch of blue to her wardrobe, from blue shoes and blue hair pins to a blue garter. If she’d prefer to keep the blue off her person, blue flowers can always be added to her bouquet or the wedding decor. 

Most brides might prefer to get their pop of blue from their jewelry. You could incorporate the “something new” and “something blue” by gifting the bride-to-be some blue gemstone jewelry. And there are plenty of blues to choose, from blue sapphire earrings to aquamarine necklaces and blue topaz bracelets. Whichever shade of blue the bride wants, she can have it! 

FAQs

  1. What is the saying something borrowed something blue? 

The saying comes from a 19th-century Victorian-era rhyme.

  1. What are the four things brides need?

A bride needs something blue, something new, something old, something borrowed, and a sixpence in her shoe.  

Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

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Unique Christmas Gift Ideas for 2021

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for that special someone? Or maybe you’re looking to reward yourself with some end-of-year sparkle? James Allen is here with the best holiday gift ideas for 2021.

Unique Christmas Gift Ideas for 2021

The 2021 gift-giving season is a complicated one. Supply chain issues and shipping delays have made it even more difficult to find – and receive – great gifts in time for the holidays. But no worries! Below you can find a list of unique Christmas gifts that, yes, will ship in time for you to put them under the tree.  

For the 2021 holiday season, we’re focusing on gemstone jewelry sets. Gemstone holiday gifts are particularly popular this year, and as you read on you’ll learn why.

What Are Jewelry Sets?

What’s a jewelry set? It’s a pair, or trio, or quartet of matching or complementary jewelry pieces. Any combination of earrings + necklace + ring + bracelet counts as a jewelry set. 

Why Should I Purchase Jewelry As a Set? 

Purchasing a few pieces of jewelry at once is a greater commitment than purchasing them one at a time. So why do it? 

  1. Because wearing matching jewelry makes a much larger visual impact than wearing disparate pieces. Jewelry sets look extremely professional, put-together, and they take the stress out of coordinating your jewelry “wardrobe.” Just throw on the matching set and you’re good to go!  
  2. It’s a versatile purchase. Any jewelry set can be worn separately for any occasion. 
  3. Gifting a jewelry set is guaranteed to drop some jaws. Unwrapping multiple pieces is an experience that any gift recipient will remember for ages. 

How Should I Gift a Jewelry Set?

Holiday jewelry sets are a way to take your gift-giving to the next level. We recommend gifting them one of two ways. 

Option 1: gift the whole set together. You can wrap them in a single package or draw out the excitement by wrapping each piece individually. Now that is an unforgettable Christmas jewelry gift!

Option 2: gift the set gradually over the course of a year. For example, gift the necklace during the holidays, then give the matching earrings on Valentine’s day, and finish with a bang by wrapping up the matching ring as a birthday present. 

The Pros of Colorful Jewelry

Diamonds are a classic choice, and purchasing them as a set is a great way to ensure their wearability across a variety of wardrobes. However, don’t be afraid to go for nonstandard pieces or ones that feature a bit more color. 

While the disadvantage of colorful gemstone pieces is their suitability with only certain outfits, the main advantage is the statements that they make. As a rule, matching gemstone pieces make a greater impression than matching colorless pieces thanks to the striking effect of their unique hues.

The Affordability of Gemstone Jewelry

Another advantage of gemstone jewelry sets as Christmas gifts is their relative affordability to more expensive stones. Usually, your budget will go further when you buy gemstone jewelry as compared to diamond jewelry – meaning that for the price of one diamond piece you can often buy a couple gemstone pieces. 

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas:
Diamond Jewelry Sets

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas:
Ruby Jewelry Sets

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas:
Pearl Jewelry Sets

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas:
Emerald Jewelry Sets

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas:
Opal Jewelry Sets

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas:
Diamond Jewelry Sets

More Gift-Wrappable Ideas

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Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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Pearl Jewelry: The Glowing New Arrivals

The world is your super-sophisticated oyster with our new pearl jewelry arrivals!

Pearl jewelry earrings necklace

This just in: our brand new collection of pearl fine jewelry! Get ready for must-have luster. The new June birthstone jewelry pieces feature freshwater, Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea cultured pearls. Read on to browse the new designs and head to our site to give the pearls a twirl in 360° HD!

New Pearl Jewelry Earrings

Pearl earrings pair with any personal style, whether you rock blown-out waves or the Markle signature messy bun. Explore pearl, diamond studs, drops, and hoop earrings.

Diamond and Tahitian Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings

14K Black tathitain South Sea Cultured Pearl And Diamond Drop Earrings

These “Girl with a Pearl Earring” lookalikes are a work of art! A combo of unique black pearls and diamonds creates an almost magical air.

Diamond and Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings

14K Rose Gold Crown Freshwater Pearl And Diamond Earrings

An absolute pearl jewelry staple, accented by edgy and glamorous melee diamonds. These take basic pearl studs to the next level.

Freshwater Seed Pearl Hoop Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Seed Pearl Hoop Earrings

Small freshwater pearls line the inside and the outside of these hoops, creating a soft shine from every angle. P.S. Hoops are one of 2019’s hottest fine jewelry trends.

Shop Pearl Earrings

New Pearl Jewelry Necklaces

Pearl necklaces lend a chic touch to any jewelry set. Explore single pearl pendants, pearl chain necklaces, strand pearls, and more.

Seed Pearl Open Circle Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Seed Pearl Open Circle Necklace

Smaller seed pearls fit this halo perfectly, combining the timeless style of pearl jewelry with a modern open circle design.

Pink Pearl Station Necklace

pink pearl jewelry station necklace

Though we love how this pearl necklace goes with a v-neckline, it’s honestly gorgeous with anything. Varying shades of pink pearls are attached along a graceful 18-inch gold chain.

Shop Pearl Necklaces

New Pearl Jewelry Rings

Pearl rings make for elegant gifts, beautiful non-traditional engagement rings, and unique wedding rings. Mix pearls with other stackable rings for a complete look.

Twist Freshwater Cultured Pearl Ring

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl Twist Ring

This seemingly simple pearl ring brings a major dramatic twist. Make sure to view this one at 360° to take in the full effect!

Crescent Freshwater Cultured Pearl Ring

14K Rose Gold Freshwater Pearl Crescent Ring

We’re over the moon for this modern pearl ring design. The gold and pearl connect like a moon and sun in eclipse – that’s one small step for glam…

Open Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Ring

14K Yellow Gold Petite Open Freshwater Cultured Pearl And Diamond Ring

Achieve all-around perfection with this pearl and bezel-set round diamond duo. Although the diamond and pearl elements are classic, the negative space sets this ring apart.

Shop Pearl Rings

New Pearl Jewelry Bracelets

Pearl bracelets are sweet and chic for every season. Explore pearl chain bracelets, pearl bangle bracelets, strand pearls, and more (and check out our bracelet guide for a more general FYI!).

Station Pink Pearl Chain Bracelet

14K Rose Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl Station Chain Bracelet (6.0-6.5mm)

Choose pretty in pink with this rose gold and freshwater pearl bracelet. The chain clasp bracelet is a particularly good gift for those with small wrists.

Brilliance Akoya Cultured Pearl Bangle

14K Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl And Textured Brilliance Bead Bangle Bracelet

Perfectly spherical Akoya pearls meet their match in this bangle’s textured gold, which sparkles as you move. Polished and innovative all at once.

Textured Beads Akoya Pearl Bracelet

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl And Textured Bead Bracelet

Say hello to this update to your grandmother’s pearls! This bracelet features playful gold beads between its glossy pearls, which are sourced from Japan and China.

Shop Pearl Bracelets

Time to take on a world of pearls!

Pearl Jewelry: More Pearls of Wisdom

Fine jewelry finds: Fine Jewelry Trends 2019Diamond Pendants GuideDiamond Studs Guide – Diamond Bracelet GuideDiamond Eternity RingsDiamond Cluster JewelryBirthstone Jewelry GiftsRed Carpet-Inspired Jewelry

Jewelry gift guides: Anniversary GiftsValentine’s Day Gifts –  Gifts for Friends

Obsessed with one of these pearl jewelry styles? Let us know in the comments below, or on our social channels: Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Pins are a pearl’s best friend (pin this!):

pearl jewelry pin pinterest

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Tova Kamioner

Tova is a lover of fantastic stories, and although she is skeptical of romantic comedies, she can quote most of the classics by heart.

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