Nothing is left to chance on the big day, with every single detail being taken care of, starting with the bride herself, from the most beautiful dress to flawless make-up, elegantly styled hair and fabulous shoes, through to the wedding rings that will seal this special union.
A happy bride shines with an inner light, but the right jewellery will make her even more radiant. Much more than simple accessories to complement the bride’s gown, bridal jewellery is charged with emotional significance, evoking the memory of an unforgettable day forever.
Bridal jewellery: a guide to the big day
Jewellery is the must-have bridal accessory, on condition that it is made with precious metals and gems.
The bridal jewellery set comprises:
- Earrings
- Bracelet
- Necklace
The bride can wear a matching set or opt for a very minimal look, with diamond solitaire earrings: diamonds sparkling on the brides earlobes illuminate the contours of her face.
The bridal necklace can also be a simple but very elegant solitaire, or a long necklace to emphasise a refined V-necked dress, a string of pearls or diamonds if the neckline is round or boat-shaped, or a pendant draped down the back if this is left bare.
The bracelet is appropriate for the bride who is wearing a sleeveless dress; she may opt for more elaborate jewellery and choose a bangle or cuff that fits snugly around the wrist.
Whether yellow, rose or - the most popular - white gold, the general rule is that all jewellery worn by the bride must be the same colour. When choosing the type of jewellery, certain factors concerning the big day must be taken into consideration: if the wedding is to be held during the day, the refined simplicity of diamond solitaires is recommended, while if the wedding is in the evening, more flamboyant jewellery can be used, as long as only a couple of pieces are worn.
The jewellery must coordinate with the dress, enhancing its style and lines, and above all the colour: a bright white dress can be matched with all shades of gold, but white gold and platinum are preferable, while an ivory or cream dress is best completed with yellow or rose gold jewellery. And if the dress leans towards shades of pink, rose gold jewellery will be the perfect choice.
Wearing gold jewellery every day allows you to express your personality, but can impair its lustre due to abrasion and contact with dust and cosmetics.
Taking care of your jewellery means cleaning it regularly and adopting simple habits to preserve its allure and brilliance without having to keep it locked in a drawer.
Wedding bands, rings and other jewellery: the rules of etiquette
According to bon ton, no jewellery should be worn on the left hand so as not to detract from the wedding band, and rings should not be worn on the right hand either.
The only exception is for a family ring with a strong sentimental value, which belonged to a mother or grandmother, for example, or a gift from the bride's future mother-in-law, which should be worn on the ring finger of the right hand, as long as it matches the other jewellery chosen by the bride.
Which finger should the engagement ring be worn on? According to Italian tradition, the engagement ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand. From the wedding day, this ring will accompany the wedding band, also worn on the left, on the finger to which the vena amoris (the vein of love) flows. This is why the wedding ring should match the other bridal jewels.
Particularly in the case of a church wedding, the wedding bands are carried down the aisle by the bridesmaids or pageboys, placed on a cushion made of the same fabric as the bride's dress and tied with a ribbon.
According to the dictates of bridal jewellery etiquette, only a few items should be worn, and they should match. If the bride decides to wear a bracelet, it should be fastened around the right wrist. Watches are frowned upon by bon ton, but if the bride really wants to wear one, it should have a very fine strap and a small dial. If you are seeking for a gift that is both luxurious and intimate to make your look extra special on your big day, a refined and sophisticated ladies' watch may be the perfect choice.
Bridal hair jewellery: for a flawless bridal look
Every brides wants to shine “from head to toe” on her big day. To guarantee an elegant hairstyle that lasts for several hours and, most importantly, enhances the bride's beauty, it is important to choose the right hair jewellery.
Jewelled hairpins and combs are essential to keep an updo or semi-updo in place and, with their tiny diamonds, illuminate and enhance the hairstyle. If the bride opts for a more relaxed style, leaving her hair flowing loose, she can wear a tiara with crystals or gemstones, while for a romantic bridal look, pearl hair slides can be the choice.
A decorative comb can be used to embellish a simple low bun, while a bride looking for a vintage-style allure will charm everyone with a veil studded with pearls.
