Wedding Jewelry in 2006 is Not 1956

In the past, the wedding gown has always been the only focal point of her special day, but that is now changing. The gown is now just a part of her ensemble. No longer does the bride need to be afraid of using color, or jewelry, or other accessories as part of her special look.



Fading away is the all-white look of innocence! Fashion-conscious brides are now choosing to wear gowns in colors, are choosing rings in colors, or are adding accessory pieces in color to their special day. Engagement rings designed with stones other than clear diamonds started to grow in popularity with the magnificent sapphire ring worn by Princess Diana. Today, rings in yellow diamond, tanzanite, sapphire and emerald are rapidly becoming more and more in favor. This interest in color touched off by the engagement ring, is flowing over into the wedding jewelry worn during the ceremony. A necklace with colored stones matching the stone in the ring, can accent a bride's dress during the wedding, then becoming a wonderful part of her jewelry wardrobe after the ceremony. And for the less formal wedding, chunky colored beads, whether they are in the pink, green, or blue tones, can add a refreshing touch!



In addition to the color trend in wedding wear, brides are choosing to accent their gowns with big, bold necklaces. The dainty little necklaces accented with pearls or crystals are losing out to necklaces that aren't just a nice little touch, but are focusing all attention onto the bride. Dramatic collars, clusters or long strands of large pearls or beads, asymmetrical looks, multi-strand drops and V-necks are all styles of necklaces that are letting the bride boldly express her individuality. Dresses for fall and spring are often strapless, or have very little neckline interest. Both of these features permit the bride to create her own interest using bold jewelry pieces, often in color. The jewelry, not the dress, is creating and demanding more and more attention.



While the main jewelry trend is big necklaces, there are other jewelry pieces that a bride can use to accent her wedding look as well. Chandelier earrings are back in a big way and the bigger the better! Metals, stones, crystals, and even colored beads are dangling from the ears of many a bride. With or without a complementary necklace, chandelier earrings are often big enough to give the bride the dazzle she desires. And don't forget about bracelets! Big bold cuffs in metal, multi-strands of beads, or single strands of large chunky beads have found their way onto the arm of brides who want to really make a fashion statement.



A great way to incorporate the old saying of needing something blue in your wedding is to put the blue color in your jewelry. Blue stones or beads in the earrings or necklace, or even an anklet with blue stones can keep that bit of tradition alive. The something old part of that saying can be preserved by enchantingly using a vintage pin as an accent on a wedding dress. Pinned near the waist or at the neckline, in either the front or back, a vintage pin can add just the needed touch to a retro-styled dress.



Brides of today have a medley of choices when choosing how they want to look on their wedding day. The frilly white dress adorned with pearls or beads, a dainty little necklace and earrings, and a multi-tier veil are no longer the paradigm of the perfect bride. Toss in some color, a very bold necklace, large chandelier earrings, or a large bracelet and you have a much truer picture of today's bride.