Wedding Day Jewelry

Rings are fine and dandy (and a part of the ceremony), but most brides want more than just a wedding band to glitter on their special days. Pearls are the traditional option since they are associated with purity and innocence, but there are many other choices. Consider the look of your dress, the style and formality of your wedding, and most of all your personal taste. Don't feel like you have to stick with an all-white palette; a splash of color can be a fun accent and you'll be wearing plenty of white as it is.

The most important thing to remember is balance. Too much jewelry of any style will not look good. If you love big necklaces, pair one with delicate earings and wisp of a tiara. If dramatic chandelier earrings are more your style, scale back on the necklace.

Old, New, Borrowed and Blue

Many brides who adhere to this old custom have an easy time using jewelry to fulfill some (or all!) of the rhyme.

Old Family heirloom jewelry is a great way to carry on tradition. You can also look for estate jewelry  if your family doesn't have something you want to wear.	New This is easy enough -- treat yourself to something you love, like a gorgeous rhinestone tiara.	Borrowed It's hard to buy something borrowed online. See if your mom can lend you her pearl earrings, or if your sister-in-law can spare that gorgeous antique brooch.	Blue Blue is easy -- there are several stones in a wide variety of price ranges. Try aquamarine  or blue topaz  for sky blue; sapphires  and lapis lazuli  are a deep royal blue. Tanzanite,  iolite,  turquoise,  blue lace agate,  and some white opals  fill in the blue spectrum.

Romantic

Who you are: A woman who loves romantic and traditional looks.

You're probably wearing: A long dress with plenty of volume and a big train.

What you'll love: A sophisticated, feminine look.

Pearls The classic bridal look; simply beautiful. Wear a triple strand  for added drama or a single strand  for simplicity. Don't forget a matching bracelet.	Flowers A floral brooch  or hair piece  will add a touch of softness to your outfit.	Tiara Romantics will definitely love the princess feel of a tiara.  Look for something with a a filigree  design; you want to keep it light and airy.	Earrings If you opt for a simple string of pearls, you can go a little larger with your earrings. Look for pearl drop earrings.

Glamorous

Who you are: Fashionista bride with the latest in everything stylish.

You're probably wearing: A strapless, fitted dress with little or no train.

What you'll love: A super-modern, up-to-the minute style -- and diamonds.

Chandelier Earrings Glamour-brides know -- when it comes to earrings, bigger is best! Look for dramatic, ornate earrings  and pair them with a simple necklace.	Big Necklace If big earrings aren't your thing (or you don't have pierced ears) consider a multi-strand choker necklace.   These look fantastic with strapless or low-necked dresses.	Diamonds Real ones  if you can, cubic zirconia  if you can't.  What's important is how it looks -- and a lot of sparkle looks great!	Art Deco Although art deco  is a vintage style, it fits right in with modern looks. The geometric designs really pop -- and diamonds never looked so good.

Bohemian

Who you are: A woman who loves to mix styles from different cultures and prefers to do things her own way.

What you're wearing:  A vintage or vintage-inspired dress.

What you'll love: Unusual pieces, antique pieces, lots of fine metalwork.

Filligree Earrings Filligree refers to the ornate, fine metalwork that gives these earrings  a Moroccan flair.	Beaded Necklace Colorful beads  are a fun way to accent a white dress. Beads can range from casual to semi-formal and can be any length that flatters your face and dress.	Antique Jewelry Antique jewelry,  especially with coin  and flower  motifs, will give you an ornate look with vintage charm.	Bangle Bracelets A bangle  (or two or three) will accent your bouquet-tossing hand. A few stacked together will chime gently as you move.

Casual/Beach

Who you are: Laid back lady or surfer girl.

What you're wearing: Knee-length, simple dress and fresh flowers.

What you'll love: Nature-inspired and relaxed pieces that fit your location.

Foot Jewelry Barefoot brides can dress up their feet with foot jewelry, which can be simple or ornate. Anklets  and barefoot sandals  are both fun and can be worn separatley or together.	Shell Bead Necklace Keep nature close to your heart with a necklace of seashells.  Casual beaded necklaces  of all kinds are perfectly appropriate for beach weddings.	Flower Motifs You'll probably wear plenty of the real thing, but consider jazzing up your dress with a gorgeous floral brooch.	Wave Motifs You've probably already got your wedding bands picked out, but if you haven't, consider getting one with a wave motif.

External Links

• SaoriC.com: A few years old, but lovely jewelry suggestions nonetheless.
• eBay: A helpful guide to choosing the right look for your bridal ensemble.