Every year, brides-to-be search for the ultimate jewelry accessories for their wedding – from tiaras to pendants, bracelets, and wedding bands…pulling it all together will be easier when you know what’s hot and what’s not…and what works for you. Glamour always begins with your engagement ring and wedding band…but these special pieces need to play a role long after the splendor of your ceremony and reception. Today’s brides are looking for standout pieces with unique details…while traditional solitaire engagement rings will never go out of style, the settings and engravings found on today’s rings should offer a little something extra… Brides-to-be are looking back to their own heritage when they shop for the perfect wedding rings. For example, brides of Irish, Scottish or Welsh heritage often choose Celtic engagement rings adorned with Trinity Knots (symbols of the Holy Trinity) or Celtic warrior shield symbols (denoting strength and loyalty). Some brides and grooms opt for matching “his and hers” wedding bands – grooms often enjoy the intricacy and boldness of warrior shield wedding rings.
By choosing jewelry that references their own heritage, brides-to-be take a little piece of the past with them as they walk down the aisle… Other countries will also have their own symbols and motifs…for individual style, be it Roman, Indian, etc., look for wedding rings that feature engraved or embossed designs that represent the art and history of your ancestral nation. If you need help tracing your own heritage, ask an older relative to help you put together a family tree. This can be a great conversation piece if you display alongside the guest book at your wedding. Sparkle and crystals are hot trends for hair accessories and headpieces this year. Delicate tiaras work well on their own or with gauzy veils.
Embellished headbands are another modern option for sleek style. Many companies manufacture hair accessories and headpieces encrusted with Svarovski crystals – these will always offer good quality for the money. Think about your overall body type and head size when choosing the right accessories – if you’re tall and in proportion, bolder pieces will suit you. If you’re small and delicate, balance your body type with feminine, understated pieces that don’t have a lot of “bling”. For a larger head, a sleek hairstyle and simple headband (with little embellishment) might work best. For a smaller head, a fuller hairstyle, veil, and tiara can add fullness and balance your proportions on the big day. It’s all about what works with your own particular type of beauty… Bold pops of color are another hot trend for 2010 – sapphires, in pink or blue, can add visual impact to an engagement ring, wedding pendant, or drop earrings. Pearl bracelets with interspersed silver beads can also be a great way to accent a perfect manicure and beautiful engagement ring. In fact, pearls are a timeless choice for earrings and pendants as well.
Colored pearls, such as dove-grey cultured pearls, can be a great way to add some individuality to your ensemble. Semi-precious gemstones will offer the most value for your money – if sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are out of your reach (budget wise), get creative and look for pendants that feature lower-priced gems, including rose quartz or topaz, or even jade…look at your eye, hair and skin color to determine what will suit you the best. Women with cooler coloring will look better in magenta, every shade of blue, and bright jewel tones. Women with golden or warm coloring will radiate when they wear accessories featuring amber, topaz, or citrine (to name just a few)… Pendants and bracelets that feature silky ribbon “clasps” can also be fashionable on your wedding day – however, avoid anything too trendy. In general, classic pieces with a little twist will be the most flattering. Remember, you will want to enjoy your wedding photos decades from now, so keep it timeless. Look for accessories that accent your natural beauty, without overpowering your body type. When you consider all the elements, you can find a way to bring a little sparkle and color into your bridal jewelry.
Written by Leigh Maher Leigh Maher writes for Irish Celtic Jewels: an online Celtic jewelry store. He writes about all things Irish and Celtic on his blog, including wedding traditions and Celtic wedding rings.