Bling - Bridal-style
The engagement period is all about the ring. Go bold on the big day with earrings, necklaces and bra
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller, CTW Features
The engagement ring is what consumes the most attention and research for a couple tying the knot. But, brides should also consider their jewelry for their big day, adornments that go beyond the staid pearl necklace, and steer clear of not wearing jewelry at all, an austere look that is more pronounced in wedding photographs. As brides more freely express themselves in myriad ways during the wedding, they’re breaking from custom and embracing showier styles for their shining moment.
Generating attention are chandelier earrings. The dangling pieces of jewelry showcase two-tier, three-tier and four-tier looks in glittering diamonds, pearls or even glass beads. They ideally frame the face when brides wear strapless or simple gowns.
Another bold style in vogue is the multi-layered necklace. Drapey strands surround dramatic cascading pendants, showing off sparkling gemstones, from sapphires to emeralds to rubies. Even chokers are less demure with extra strands of pearls or beads. Pearls too are getting bigger and offer more options in non-traditional, dyed colors as brides seek to match color palettes on their bridal gowns or the chosen colors of their weddings.
Brides are also showcasing their flair with thick cuff-style bracelets in silver and gold, dotted with dainty gemstones that complement the chunky designs. These aren’t ordinary bangles. At Richmond, Va.-based Tigerlilyjewlery.com, the Web site showcases intricate looks made of leaves, flowers and multiple beaded strands. It notes that some more adventurous brides in Brazil and Japan wear the cuff high on the arm.
It’s not all about metals and gemstones when it comes to jewelry options. Corsages are proving to be an unexpected inspiration, giving brides another outlet for adding a romantic touch. By affixing vibrant, exotic flowers to metallic bases, they’re creating statement pieces. The Color of Magic florist in New York City offers a silver-plated wrist cuff embellished with a combination of cherry blossoms, pink roses, white hydrangea and viburnum. Or, for a daring ring, brides can opt for the silver-plated band bursting with a magenta phalaenopsis orchid accented with galax and coleus leaves.
Tradition is still a great guidepost for brides as they make their jewelry decisions. But, breaking from tradition is no longer taboo and brides who wish to shimmer or sparkle a little more on their wedding day are lucky to have a plethora of options from which to create their fairy-tale ensemble.
