Monday, December 27, 2010

Choosing Wedding Jewelry That's Right For You

Whether you are going for subdued glamour or sparkly pizzazz, the right jewelry can add magic to your wedding day. Here are several ideas for choosing an ensemble that will enhance your wedding day look.

Heritage

If you are proud of your cultural heritage, family history, or religion, then show it. Whether it's a simple cross, Star of David, your grandmother's locket, or other special piece of jewelry, it will symbolize what's important to you and help make a wedding uniquely your own.

Jewel size and shape

The shape and size of stones can drastically change the look of a piece. Large, faceted stones create a formal look when set in silver or gold. If you are going for a sparkly, fairy tale wedding consider smaller stones, which reflect more light. For a traditional look, you can rarely go wrong with white, ivory, or pastel pearls.

Color

Color scheme is another consideration. Pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystal, and cubic zirconia (CZ) are all available in a variety of colors.

* Most of us are aware of white, ivory, and pale pink pearls. Did you know you can also find pearls in lavender, coffee, black, gray, apricot, and other colors? Prices range from very inexpensive to exorbitant, depending on type, grade, and other factors.

* An elegant, formal wedding calls for diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires or other precious stones.

* Semi-precious stones are also appropriate. Peridot, turquoise, moonstone, topaz, aquamarine, opal, azurite, agate, amethyst, bloodstone, coral, jade, garnet, and others are options.

* Swarovski crystals are another alternative to precious stones. The faceted crystals are available in 80+ colors. Swarovski also makes round pearls in several hues.

* CZ can add sparkle to a wedding and are very economical for those on a less generous budget. If you haven't considered cubic zirconia, look at some pieces. You may be pleasantly surprised. Quality has improved in recent years, and you can find most any color online.

You can also show off your personality by mixing colors. Pearls combined with other jewelry are gaining popularity. Try twisting a gold or silver chain with a pearl strand. Or, create a pennant for your pearls by attaching a cameo, pin, or even a clip-on earring. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Metals

Platinum, white gold, silver, and yellow gold are all options. Platinum and white gold are nice, but if they are beyond your budget, silver is a wonderful alternative. Similarly, 10 karat or gold-plated jewelry looks very nice on a less-than-14-karat budget.

With so many options to choose from, you are sure to find exactly the right combination to make your dream wedding even dreamier!

Bobette Kyle-Wagner is publisher at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com, a Website helping engaged couples get the most use from Internet wedding resources. The site includes online wedding tips, original articles, and tutorials. Read more about wedding jewelry (shopping tips, tradition, lengths, stones, etc.) at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com/jewelry

Submitted by Bobette Kyle-Wagner, www.myonlineweddinghelp.com

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