Bridesmaid Jewelry

Classic Bridesmaid Jewelry

Elegant, simple, and stunning, classic favorites for bridesmaid jewelry include pearls, sterling silver, and rhinestone or crystal pieces. Classic jewelry will complement traditional or formal gowns, but not be overpowering.

Earrings

Earrings are a traditional piece of bridal jewelry found in many styles. Classic earrings include:

• Elegant drop style earrings
• Dangle ropes
• Crystal, pearl, or silver stud earrings
• Small silver hoops

Drop and dangle earrings should be of a moderate length, and earring size should remain small to medium to remain eye-catching and attractive rather than gaudy.

Necklaces

Another traditional piece of bridesmaid jewelry is the necklace. Simple pearl chokers, a strand of pearls, or a simple silver chain will be a lovely accent to a bridesmaid's attire. A crystal, pearl, or other solitaire charm, such as a silver heart or floral design, on a pretty chain will also be a charming accent.

Look for necklace cuts and styles that are flattering to the neckline of the bridesmaids' gowns. A bridesmaid dress with a squared neckline, for example, will look more appropriate with a short strand of pearls rather than a long lariat-style necklace.

Bracelets

Although necklaces and earrings are the most common bridesmaid jewelry, are also available in many classic styles that can complement a bridesmaid's ensemble. Vine style bracelets are a pretty, feminine touch. A charm or toggle charm bracelet can be engraved as a special, personalized memento for your bridesmaids.

Bracelets are a perfect accompaniment to sleeveless bridesmaid gowns. They can also work well with cap, short, or sheer sleeved styles. If the bridal party dresses you opt for are long, full sleeved styles, you may want to skip the bracelet altogether.

Vintage Styles

With the return of the vintage wedding dress, more bridal parties are appearing in lovely styles from the past. Vintage bridesmaid jewelry is a natural accompaniment.

Brooches are a piece of jewelry that can look stunning when paired with a lacy or Victorian style wedding dress. To avoid overdoing it, skip the necklace when using a brooch.

Other vintage jewelry ideas include:

• Rose pendant chokers
• Dual layered crystal necklaces
• 'Jackie O' style pearl chokers
• Milk glass earrings and brooches
• Chunky art deco necklaces
• Bangle bracelets
• Pear cut gem necklace and earring sets

Unique Bridal Party Jewelry

You don't have to stick with classic or return to retro or vintage looks to find the perfect jewelry for your bridesmaids to wear. If you are having an informal wedding, the jewelry you choose can reflect the casual atmosphere.

Pretty pink coral necklaces and earrings, chunky seashell bracelets, or delicate anklets are perfect for a beach wedding. For an outdoor or spring wedding, floral designs, pink pearls, or pretty beaded pieces in soft pastels or pretty brights may work well. For a fall wedding, beading with rich oranges, yellows, reds, or browns may accent the colors of your wedding day and the bridesmaid's gowns. Winter is perfect for the lovely, icy look of Swarovski crystal pieces, or shimmery, snow-inspired triple-drop pearl earrings.

Another alternative is having your bridesmaid jewelry handmade or individually designed to give a one-of-a-kind gift that your bridal party will cherish. Although it may incur a higher cost, the price may be worthwhile to find exactly the jewelry you want and create a special gift.

How Much to Spend

Although there is no set guideline on how much to spend on jewelry for your bridesmaids, you probably want to skip the local discount store and opt for something a bit higher quality instead. You can find many jewelry stores, such as Love's Bridal Jewelry that sell bridesmaid and bridal jewelry sets under thirty dollars per set.

Tips

• A bridesmaid's jewelry should never outshine the bride's.
• Keep in mind that the jewelry a bridesmaid wears should be in keeping with the style the bride wears -- no oversize eighties hoops in the bridesmaid's ears when the bride is wearing vintage pearl drops, for example.
• Uniformity in the jewelry of the bridal party is a nice touch, but not essential. If you'd like to do something different, a special piece for the maid of matron of honor, for example, you certainly can.
• For bridesmaids buying their own jewelry, check with the bride as to what style she prefers and whether she prefers the bridesmaids all have the same jewelry.

Shopping Links

Retailers offer more bridal jewelry choices than ever before. Here are a few sites offering sets or individual jewelry pieces for bridesmaids:

• Anna Bellagio
• American Bridal
• Looney Maiden
• Sensible Weddings
• Dawn's Designer Jewelry