Firstly imagine the total look you want to achieve; magazines, friends and your dress designer can help you to do this. Then choose a style of jewellery that will help create this feel.

VINTAGE : this look is always nostalgic and feminine , although it is nice to use genuine vintage pieces please make sure they are clean and in good condition and match in with other pieces you are wearing , it is for this reason it is sometimes easier to go for new pieces with that vintage feel. I love the chic elegance of the Art Deco period and think of those glamorous starlets of the 20's and 30's. Great earrings and a bracelet cuff, a sleek hairstyle and a couple of hairslides is very stylish and great for a cocKtail reception.

RETRO GLAMOUR : Large dramatic jewelled necklaces big bracelets and cluster earrings have a distinctive Hollywood 50’s glamour and look fab with strapless gowns. A small tiara is optional , try a retro hairstyle and a clip or brooch pinned in the hair.

CONTEMPORARY CHIC : Simple pieces , classic with geometric lines , circles, squares etc. , (no florals ! ) Clear chunky cut Swarovski crystal "Bulgari" influenced CZ white gold look finishes like rhodium pendants and long earrings, fashion for the modern girl.

 EXOTIC : some jewelled Butterflies - the Chinese symbol for Joy and Happiness in Marriage.

Whatever your style accessories can give the added emphasis to your look.

The colour and tone of your jewellery should compliment your gown, and both of these should compliment and highlight your individual colouring (skin tone, eyes and hair). Once your colour is chosen, select a jewellery finish with the same warm or cool tones as your fabric, White, Ivory, Silk White and Champagne or Blush all look great with crisp Silver finishes and sparkling touches of Diamante; Cream, Magnolia, Deep Blush, and Conac are enhanced by Gold tones or antiqued silver. With bridal jewellery it can be difficult to use strong colours with out looking too theatrical ,consult someone with experience and consider the total picture including flowers, bridesmaids etc. but most importantly make sure you look good either with or away from these other factors. Soft colours are usually easier to work with and several tones of the same colour can work well also. Colour can be a lovely and individual touch to your wedding.

Detail

Your gown may be simple and structured, allowing your accessories to set the style or may have an ornate bodice with beading or lace work. Try to compliment the work on your gown with you accessories but don't overpower it , balance is important.  A delicate lace should have fine and detailed jewellery with a vintage or classic feel a heavier Guipure or Ribbon Lace calls for a stronger bolder look. If bead work is very ornate then its best to let it stand alone don't put an ornate necklace close to it as it will appear cluttered perhaps a pair of chandellier earrings and a bracelet is enough. Most importantly go for quality, as you are being observed close up all day its best to have a few quality pieces with nice detailing.

Put the focus on one piece and co-ordinate the other pieces to it. Vintage styles don't have to match exactly but should all belong to the same era and have the same colour and finish, If  your neckline is low or strapless you may choose to put the emphasis on a dramatic necklace. As a general rule, it is best to follow the neckline of your gown with the shape of your necklace. For example a sweetheart  suits draped necklaces, drop or heart pendants. A scoop neckline is best with a wider style of necklace worn high on the neck. Chokers large draped and shorter retro styles look great with a  strapless gown. long necklaces or a long pendant style work with a low "V" or a high draped neckline on a slinky dress.

Practicality

Always remember that no matter how great you look if you are not comfortable you won't be smiling! make sure your jewellery feels good on and is comfortable and fits properly. You don't want to loose ant thing either so check all catches and brooch backs sometimes it is best to stich brooches on so they sit well and don't move. Instead of one large brooch as a feature try a cluster of smaller ones as they are more flexible and comfortable if near the waist. If wearing a headpiece make sure it has been pinned in securely, combs are generally for placement and not secure enough on their own.  Store the pieces in a safe place in a sturdy box or container especially if taking out to show people or match to other items and for trials and fittings.  Watch out for "claw" set bracelets and fabrics like lace or satin , they can catch and really be a problem make sure any bracelet with stones has them set properly with no rough settings or stones.

If selecting jewellery for an occasion or wedding ,please choose jewellery you really like! Beautiful quality jewellery can be worn and enjoyed over and over again ,worn in different ways with different outfits you can enjoy a nice piece for many years, look after it well and it can become a treasured family heirloom.

[ Home ][email Wendy Louise Designs]