When Should I Buy Bridal Accessories: Bridal Jewelry Checklist

When it comes to bridal jewelry, it's fine--and fun--to dial your typical style up a notch or two. After all, when else will you get to be princess for a day?

If you haven't even started thinking about what jewelry you'll wear on your wedding day, it's time to get going; when it comes to your wedding day, you don't want to overlook any detail. So, let's talk bridal jewelry: Of course, you have your engagement ring that started you on this path to the altar, and it's arguably the most important piece of wedding jewelry you own--which is why you lovingly polish and show it off on your well-manicured hand to anyone you meet--but what about your other bridal jewelry?

As gorgeous as your engagement ring is, it's time to start thinking about your entire wedding ensemble, and that includes jewelry. Often overlooked until the last minute, bridal jewelry is one of the most important bridal accessories and should be given your full attention as it can make or break your look. Go too over the top you'll get drowned out. Forego bridal jewelry and you'll look oddly undone.

Here's a checklist of rough dates to get you thinking about your wedding jewelry:

• * 5-6 months prior to the wedding: Shop for wedding bands, if you haven't already done so. Pick something classic and comfortable--something that you can picture wearing years from now. That diamond-encrusted monstrosity might look great with your engagement ring, but something simple you can wear without the engagement ring from time to time might be a better choice. (Trust me, you'll probably take it off from time to time for workouts, baking, bathing babies, dogs, etc.) A simple band that looks fine on its own is key.
  
  Classic is always in style...you'll love a plain, simple gold or platinum ring or eternity band just as much years from now as you do today. To make bands more personal, send them out for engraving if you like. One final note: Make sure the size is perfect. You don't want your ring slipping off or getting stuck. (And don't forget to bring them to the ceremony; they do play a key part, after all!)
  
  
• * 3-4 months before the wedding: Purchase gifts for each other. It is a tradition for a groom to give pearl jewelry to his bride that she can then wear on her wedding day--Joe DiMaggio gave Marilyn Monroe a classic 18-inch round white cultured pearl strand--and gifts for in-laws, maids, groomsmen, and any shower hostess if different from your attendants. Jewelry makes a great gift for your attendants. Matching jewelry, or something slightly different in the same color or stone, is something bridesmaids can wear both on your wedding day and in the future.
  
  Freshwater cultured pearls are a wonderful option as they are affordable and come in an array of gorgeous pastel colors. Some companies (try the Internet, but check return policies before purchase) even have children's pearl jewelry for flower girls and junior bridesmaids. Order far enough in advance to make sure you like what you chose. If not, you'll have to return it and shop for something else.
  
  
• * 3-4 weeks before the wedding: Finalize your bridal jewelry. Before you decide what to wear, take a look at your dress, which is likely a reflection of your personal style (unless your mom insisted on something different). If your dress is simple and classic, you can pick classic jewelry to accompany it, such as a pearl strand and pearl studs or diamond pendant and diamond studs. A pearl and diamond combination (or CZ) is gorgeous too. A classic dress can also serve as background for a bold, statement-making piece such as a large diamond pendant or pearl choker with an emerald or sapphire clipped on for color. If your dress is ornate, stick with simple jewelry. A simple pearl pendant and pearl-and-diamond (or CZ) studs are elegant and sophisticated. Likewise, a multi-strand pearl bracelet looks stunning as long as you forego long sleeves and gloves.
  
  By now, you should have a very good idea of what hairstyle you'll wear with your wedding dress. Keep in mind that updos can show off necklace and earrings, but long hair needs bolder styles (think dangle or chandelier earrings). On a budget? Consider making your bridal jewelry your "something borrowed." If a family member, friend or future in-law has a gorgeous piece of jewelry they're willing to lend, so much the better, so ask! If you decide to purchase bridal jewelry, choose something you can wear again. Traditional pearl jewelry is not only a favorite of brides since recorded history; it's also a classic style that is consistently timeless. Bonus: Every time you wear your wedding jewelry to work, parties, etc., you'll think of your special day.
  
  
• * 1-2 weeks before the wedding: Make sure, when you pick up your wedding gown, that you try on your wedding jewelry while wearing the dress and that the jewelry and gown complement each other. If you don't like what you see, you still have time to rethink your accessories. Just go online and choose overnight shipping and you'll be a princess for sure.

Jive Jewelry is a Canadian based online jewelry retailer featuring the latest in stunning sterling silver jewelry, sparkling Swarovski crystal and fabulous bridal jewelry. Jive Jewelry works directly with jewelry manufacturers throughout the world to guarantee great selection, and even better prices.

A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America's Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at bridal@moonriverpearls.com for personal recommendations.

Reasons To Use Swarovski Bridal Jewelry

Most couples set a budget while planning their special day. Soon enough, the bride realizes that what she wants is a far cry from what she can actually afford. When planning a wedding, compromising comes with the territory--this is true for marriage as well. Some compromises may be easy to make, while others are more difficult. If you had your heart set on diamond bridal jewelry, but cannot afford it, have no fear--you will not have to make any compromises in this department. Swarovski bridal jewelry is the perfect alternative to diamonds and it is not only elegant and beautiful, but it is also significantly more affordable than bridal jewelry made of precious metals and stones. There are many reasons why you should buy Swarovski bridal jewelry as opposed to other types of wedding jewelry.

First of all, Swarovski bridal jewelry is stunning. These brilliantly cut crystals will please any brides' taste and budget. There are a plethora of other forms of wedding jewelry on the market that are made of lesser quality. While they are even more affordable, than Swarovski crystals they lack superiority and are not nearly as elegant. Swarovski bridal jewelry shows up well in bridal portraits. Many other types of jewelry and stones do not have the reflective value that Swarovski crystals have and they do not shimmer as well.

Another reason to buy Swarovski bridal jewelry is because there are many styles available. No matter what kind of wedding dress you have or the type of wedding you are planning you can find the perfect Swarovski bridal jewelry to complement your wedding dress and your big day.

Remember, you can also buy jewelry made of Swarovski crystals for your mother, the mother of the groom, as well as your bridesmaids as thank you gifts for participating in your wedding. Since Swarovski crystal is more affordable than precious stones you will certainly be able to afford some gorgeous gifts for the women in your wedding.

When you want to look your best, you must have Swarovski bridal jewelry to complete your look. Any bride will love the way that Swarovski bridal jewelry complements her wedding dress and makes her the beautiful bride she has always dreamed of. Go ahead and forget about diamonds being a girl's best friend and think of how beautiful Swarovski crystals will make you look and feel on your wedding day.

Jive Jewelry is a Canadian based online jewelry retailer featuring the latest in stunning sterling silver jewelry, sparkling Swarovski crystal and fabulous bridal jewelry. Jive Jewelry works directly with jewelry manufacturers throughout the world to guarantee great selection, and even better prices.

Michelle Lindsey writes for Silverland Jewelry and gifts at http://www.silverlandjewelry.com where you can shop for bridesmaids gifts of Swarovski crystal jewelry .

Sterling silver jewelry for the modern bride.

Looking for a new trend for your wedding day? Why not try sterling silver jewelry. Versatile and stylish, sterling silver jewelry will not only match beautifully with any style of wedding dress, you can also wear it with jeans or an office suit.


If you going for a.....

Classic and elegant look? Try this sterling silver graduated ball necklace

Funky and eclectic look? Try these sterling silver earrings

Sweet and romantic look? Try this sterling silver charm bracelet

And don't forget about your bridesmaid's jewelry! These ladies have helped you in so many ways that you've lost count right? So return the favour with stylish sterling silver jewelry. A few sterling silver bracelets hanging daintily from their wrists will add elegance and shopistication - plus they'll be elated when they hear they don't have to wear boring old gold jewelry (especially if you already have them wearing sea-foam green!).