The Right Jewellery for the Right Gown

Once you've decided on your wedding dress, you then have the fun task of deciding on your jewels.

You don't have to be dripping with diamonds to be beautiful on your wedding day - your jewellery should accent your wedding gown in the most elegant, tasteful and delicate way.

Here are some tips to consider when picking your jewellery...
1.    Consider the Colour
Pure White: This colour is such a stark white, it probably is best accompanied by platinum or silver toned jewellery...and of course, pearls.
Natural White: Just as most people suit natural white gowns, so does most jewellery!
Ivory: This colour gown has a hint of creamy yellow, which means gold jewellery will look lovely with this hue.
Champagne: The hint of pink in champagne coloured fabric suits platinum or silver based jewellery nicely...it also looks beautiful with pearls.
2.    Beading & Crystals = Minimal Jewellery
If your gown has quite a bit of beading, crystals or other detailing, you don't need to go overboard with your jewellery. Keep it subtle - maybe match the crystals in your gown with some Swarovski crystal drop earrings, or match the silver stitching and beading with some platinum (or platinum coloured!) earrings or bracelet.
3.    Necklines - Naked or Not?
The neckline of your gown will actually play quite a big role in determining your jewellery. A few popular necklines:
Strapless: The world is your oyster with this neckline really, but don't feel like you have to pile it on. Any necklace will probably look beautiful, but if you go for a fairly extravagant neckpiece, you might want to keep the earrings understated. If you choose to wear heavy drop earrings, you probably don't need a necklace at all, but rather team it with a bracelet or a statement ring.
Sweetheart: The shape of this neckline works well with a bare chest, as you want to ensure you keep the focus on its shape (of the neckline, I mean!). However, team the gown with an ornately designed cuff or bracelet and studs, or alternatively, chandelier earrings and a simple bracelet will look gorgeous.
V-Neck: Depending on how deep the V is, this style suits necklaces with a bit of length. Maybe a simple chain with a beautiful stone pendant, a locket or a set of pearls? If you want a bit of vintage glamour, try a long strand of pearls or crystal beads, although make sure this doesn't take away from your gown, say if you have any adornment around your waist. Matching earrings, albeit fairly simple, and even a corresponding bracelet will finish off this look beautifully.
Halter: This neckline does not allow for much room around the chest, so you should probably give necklaces " a miss". However, this is where some elegant drop earrings and a delicate bracelet will work well with the gown. Alternatively, wear some simple studs and a beautiful crystal hairpin or large flower.
4.    Heirlooms Should be the First Step
Not every piece of jewellery will look good with every dress...so if you have an heirloom you are adamant you want to wear on you wedding day, bring it along when you go for your dress fittings. In this way, you are most likely working in reverse to other brides...jewellery first, dress to follow.

You may want a beautifully adorned halter neck dress, but your grandmother's ornate crystal and pearl necklace could be a bit too much for the gown. Decide which is more important to you, and go from there. If you face this predicament, here's a potential solution - take the piece to a trusted jewellery and have it made into another piece or pieces that will work with your wedding dress.
5.    When in Doubt - Pearls
If you are struggling to find the perfect jewellery, remember pearls. They are elegant, sophisticate, classic and yet simple...and will no doubt suit most gowns. They come in an array of colours, so you can match them to your fabric and colouring.
6.    Most Important!
When selecting your jewellery, the most important thing is to remember what suits you...your traditions...your personality...your style...and, well, you!