Picking Bridal Jewellery: the 6 tip-top tips

1. Compliment the Dress to Impress

The key to styling jewellery with your dress is finding balance. For a dress with heavy embellishments, go with understated jewellery to avoid overpowering the look. But if your gown is simple, you can enhance it with bold, statement pieces.

2. Times on Your Side

Embrace antique bridal jewellery on your wedding day to add an air of sophisticated charm. But warning! Stick to similar design eras for a cohesive look. For instance, Victorian era’s romantic ornamentalism might compliment the flowing lines Art Nouveau. On the other hand, the geometric boldness of Art Deco may clash with Victorian curves but be perfectly complimented by the modern simplified- but statement-making- shapes of the 60s.

Of course, you could be one of those rare fashionistas who can pull off an intended clash of styles. In this case, get creative!

3. Don’t Cross the (neck)Line

Match your jewellery to your dress neckline so it flatters, not overpowers, your look. For example, high necklines like halters can feel a bit too busy with a necklace, so go for some fabulous drop earrings instead. Choose pieces that bring out your style while keeping the attention on your face! For a lower neckline, take the lead from the starlets of the 1950’s they would wear necklaces at the base of their neck to highlight the decollete neckline of the new hourglass silhouette.

Luckily bracelets are exempt from this dilemma. So if you want sparkle but feel any bold jewellery on top is too much, why not compensate on your wrists?

4. Watch Your Tone(s)

Let your dress colour guide your choice of metals. A pure white gown pairs beautifully with silver, white gold, or platinum. If your dress is ivory, gold jewellery complements it best. For dresses with unique touches, like feathers, rose gold adds an extra touch of individuality and charm.

Learn more

• Choosing Jewellery to Match Your Skin Tone
• Should You Wear Your Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day?
• Should You Sleep With Your Engagement Ring On?

5. Match Your Materials

Let your dress fabric inspire your jewellery choice:

For rich fabrics like satin or silk, diamonds add the perfect touch. While a dress that features vintage lace could be lifted by coloured gemstones, like ruby or emerald for an eye-catching match.

And when unsure, go with pearls—they’re a classic bridal choice that complements any style.

6. Something Blue…

“Something old, new, borrowed, and blue…” If you have a meaningful piece of jewellery passed down from a loved one—like your grandmother’s pearl earrings or your mother’s locket—your wedding day is the perfect time to wear it. And if you don’t have one yet, consider starting your own tradition with a special piece that can become a future family heirloom, forever tied to the memory of your day.

Sapphire is an ever more popular engagement ring choice for this reason- and of course the royal influences of Princess Diana and Princess Kate. But Aquamarine is another stunning option to consider. In Buddhist tradition, Aquamarine is a customary gift from a husband to his wife the day after their wedding, as it encourages happiness in marriage. Medieval Christians also believed aquamarine is a symbol of a joyful union.