A wedding is a big deal. And if you're picking out the jewelry you've probably already made the hard decisions (the dress, the venue, the guestlist, the food, the photographer). But the wedding jewelry is one of the smaller but significant parts of the wedding that can be reflected on in years to come. 

From diamonds to pearls, emeralds to sapphires, the gemstones, the metals and the jewels will find a way to subtly tell a love story of their own. Heirloom pieces for a something old, a switch with a friend for a something borrowed, or there's so many personal ways of story telling through the bridal pieces worn. 

The Influence of Bridal Jewelry on Fashion

Bridal jewelry isn’t confined to the aisle; it often sets trends that resonate throughout the fashion world. Designers draw inspiration from these timeless pieces, incorporating elements of bridal jewelry into everyday wear. The craftsmanship, innovative designs, and choice of precious stones seen in bridal collections often find ways to trickle down into mainstream fashion, and take on a everyday look. 

Bridal jewelry showcased in high-profile weddings and celebrity ceremonies exerts a significant influence on popular culture. Iconic pieces worn by celebrities become instant classics, shaping the preferences and choices of countless brides-to-be and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Celebrities brides such as Kiara Advani's emerald bridal looks and Sophia Richie Grainge's custom teardrop earrings both became huge trends within the bridal space within 2023.

The Endless Charm of Different Styles

Bridal jewelry comes in a vast array of shapes and styles. From classic and traditional designs to contemporary and avant-garde pieces, there’s something to appeal to every bride’s taste. A wedding is a great opportunity to accessorize to your most opulent self – there are no rules, only the chance to embrace your personality and likes on an elevated level. Go for simple studs and a diamond necklace set for a more traditional vibe, or vintage-inspired jewelry to evoke nostalgia and timeless elegance, while modern designs with sleek lines and innovative motifs cater to those seeking a more contemporary flair.

Bridal jewelry encompasses more than just necklaces and earrings and rings. Bracelets, tiaras, and hairpieces can be incorporated into the wedding jewelry allowing brides to express their individuality and complete their bridal look. The power of wedding jewelry is in the details.

 

Symbolism and Sentimental Value

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, bridal jewelry holds deep sentimental value. These pieces often carry stories passed down through generations, symbolizing love, heritage, and family traditions – from heirloom engagement rings, to mothers passing her wedding necklace down to be the something borrowed. Wearing a cherished family heirloom on the wedding day not only adds a touch of nostalgia, but also honors the legacy of love within the family by creating new memories for these sentimental staples.

Just like the wedding band symbolizing everlasting love, wearing sentimental heirloom jewelry for a wedding day is a tangible example of familial love passing through generations. 

Symbolism is a huge part of gemstone jewelry, with many stones representing different energies and protections. Diamond for love, or amethyst for peace and peridot for strength, every stone has its own energy to bring. Putting these symbols into wedding jewelry can be a great way of setting intentions going forward into a union. 

 

Most Used Jewelry Stones and Types on a Wedding

When it comes to wedding jewelry, certain stones and types are often favorites. Associated with purity, love and good health, diamonds continue to be the most popular choice for wedding jewelry – with over 87% of engagement and wedding rings featuring diamonds. Whether in a classic solitaire engagement ring or as accents in earrings and necklaces, diamonds are a symbol of everlasting love. 

Pearls are another popular choice, exuding elegance and sophistication. Symbolizing good luck and wisdom, pearls can make for a great stone for wedding jewelry. Their luminescent quality brings a timeless elegance to any bridal ensembles, and they also photograph beautifully, making them a favorite for necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. From the classic single strand to more contemporary designs, pearls complement various wedding styles. Pearl stones are considered to be the softest of all the popular gemstones, meaning they scratch easily, and can be less durable for everyday wear, something brides should keep in mind when considering a pearl engagement or wedding ring. 

Additionally, gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are gaining popularity for their vibrant colors and symbolic meanings. Brides often incorporate these gemstones into their jewelry pieces, either as accents alongside diamonds or as the central stone in engagement rings, symbolizing qualities like loyalty, hope, and passion. These stones can be sentimental as birthstones or the meaning they represent, or even just a favorite color. These personal touches can tie together the wedding jewelry and become future heirlooms.

 

Choosing the Perfect Bridal Jewelry

Selecting the right bridal jewelry involves a combination of personal preference, dress style, and overall theme of the wedding. While picking your jewelry, consider the neckline of the gown, the hairstyle, and the desired overall aesthetic of the wedding. For instance, a strapless gown may call for a statement necklace, while a delicate pendant could complement a V-neck dress. The minimalist and maximalist elements of the dress should also be considered, pairing a minimal necklace with a maximalist gown will complement the dress without taking too much attention away, where as pairing a more statement necklace with a minimal gown will add another element to the wedding outfit. 

Don’t shy away from mixing and matching different pieces to create a unique and personalized look. Whether it’s layering necklaces or stacking rings, experimenting with combinations can result in a truly distinctive bridal style, as well as providing the opportunity to incorporate something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. This can help create a wedding stack that holds so much sentimental value for the bride.

 

Shop Bridal Jewelry