Jewelry Help (general and wedding)

Hi everyone! I am a jewelry newbie. I have resisted wearing it my entire life, with the exception of my solitaire engagement ring and a watch, but I have recently decided:

1. that I should consider some accessories for my wedding dress; and
2. building a small collection of conservative office-appropriate pieces could help me look more polished.

The problem is that I have no idea where to begin. What brick-and-mortar stores do you like to shop at for costume jewelry that does not look cheap (i.e., probably not somewhere like Claire's)? I hope to eventually acquire some fine jewelry for work, like a double strand of real pearls, but that is not happening in the very near future.

And, what would you wear with this wedding dress: http://www.bhldn.com/product/odessa-gown? I do not want to wear earrings, even though I am wearing an updo. I am wondering if I can get away with a simple-ish gold or crystal bracelet similar to what one of the models is wearing. What do you think? I have long wanted a Kate Spade idiom bracelet, is this too simple: http://www.katespade.com/heart.....US,pd.html? If it makes a difference, this is a fairly formal evening wedding.

A friend and I are scheduled to go jewelry shopping soon, and I will report back on what I end up with.

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Lovely gown. I don't think the bracelet is too simple at all; I like simple myself. But I would keep in mind that it gives things a modern brutalist kind of vibe, moving the gown away from its native delicacy and frilliness. This may not be what you're after for you're wedding.

cjh

(website)

I like the simple bracelet you've chosen and it goes great with the dress, IMO. If you pair it with another delicate one with little crystals, rhinestones (even colored ones) or a twisted chain, it might add to the feminine, delicate look.

Since many of my necklaces are off the clearance costume jewelry rack, albeit decent known brands like Fossil, Napier, Monet, Kenneth Cole and Liz Claiborne, I'm probably not the best source for jewelry advice.

The handful of classic (or classic-looking) pieces that I turn to are not too expensive: various lengths of pearls including a shorter multi-strand, silver chain with little diamond shaped ornaments, garnet earrings with a tiny diamond at the top, pink quartz crystal and gold modern looking earrings, plain silver and gold ball earrings, silver hoops.

The pearl necklaces are often combined with each other, or with a silver one with spaced pearls, or the one with diamond thingies. I think that combining them gives a little more exciting look, like Karie's pearls with plaid flannel. At the risk of being ALGO in this more simplistic fashion era, it does make me feel like me.

Wearing the garnet earrings, which have a fairly bold gold setting, or the pink crystal ones make me feel like I'm wearing classic, due to the real gold, but also more interesting than the standard "birthstone" type semi-precious stone earrings.

It is tricky to find non-fine jewelry with the quality look, to avoid unneeded bling unless you like it, and to appear updated rather than traditionally matched, etc. I've somewhat shied away from fine jewelry for the simple reason that even though valuable, it does often date to a particular time and then my money is "tied up". By spending less, you can always get something currently in fashion.

If you have a big department store, just go in and look at what they have - if something appeals, try it on. Ask the clerks for help - they love to advise. Then just be bold and wear your choice and enjoy!

Anonymous

I am posting a link to Swarovski's bracelets/cuffs because they have a lot of beautiful items and you may just find something you like. You might find a necklace/pendant as well.
http://www.swarovski.com/Web_U.....elets.html

Zibbets

I like your bracelet. I'm not sure about it with the dress. I'm forever in love with pearls with a wedding dress, for both symbolism and color coordination. A simple, short string of freshwater pearls would be gorgeous with this. You could wear a bracelet that matches, or not.

For everyday, I think simple hoops of almost any size are a winner. I would consider the color of your wedding rings in choosing gold or silver.

Best wishes!

texstyle

I like the idea of something extra sparkly with say rhinestones for costume jewelry - at least to go with the beautiful dress you've chosen.

I shop at a lot of different places for fashion jewelry - macy's, nordstrom, chicos, jcrew, etc.

What about something like this?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/na.....ort&c

or at a lot less $:
http://www.jeweliq.com/shop/by.....celet.html

I spent a ton of time selecting the jewelry for my wedding dress. This was about four years ago and it was a real challenge. I had a wide bejeweled sash. Here are some ideas (you can find these concepts in gold/white gold finishes) -- and these are only concepts to get you thinking. I'm happy to give you feedback on specific pieces, just PM me. I have a soft spot in my heart for jewelry.

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Aziraphale

That is a beautiful dress! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

I am of the opinion that with that kind of gown (youthful, romantic, lacy), wedding jewellery should be kept to a minimum. This is especially true if you are on the young side (generally speaking, that is; there are exceptions, like if dramatic jewellery is an integral part of a woman's usual style). The focus should be on the woman -- who, on her wedding day, is usually radiant anyway! -- and not the bling. I think necklaces in particular look like 'too much' with a gown like yours, but simple, subtle earrings or a subtle bracelet would be lovely. The bracelet you have chosen is great. Its simplicity doesn't compete with the lacy detail of the dress.

The other accessories that look perfect with a wedding dress are a headpiece or hairpiece, and a veil. I would say definitely yes to some kind of hair accessory -- either a tiara or some kind of jewelled comb -- but the veil is optional. There are some gorgeous hairpieces out there, often with clusters of rhinestones and faux pearls, that add the finishing touch to a wedding ensemble. When else are you ever going to get the chance to wear jewellery in your hair?

Helena

Hi there, what a STUNNINGLY beautiful wedding dress. I don't think it needs much adornment at all. A simple bracelet would be lovely, or personally I'd wear no jewelry at all (I wore a tiny pair of pearl studs for my wedding and that was it except for the rings, and my dress had less detail that this one). You HAVE to feel comfortable on your wedding day ... so trust your gut on this one

For everyday, I thought you might find this helpful: http://www.thechicfashionista......als-3.html
It's a pretty simple jewelry capsule. If it's too much for you, a pair of crystal studs and pendant necklace might be all the polish you need (that's what Alicia Florrick wears!). Swarovski has some lovely ones that are nicer than average but not a huge investment.

Adelfa

Recently I've seen photos of movie stars at formal occasions with no earrings and no necklace. So that look is in style! I love the bracelet and would happily wear it myself, but I don't think it's very wedding-y. Even a couple of crystals might help!

kmb1

Active Member

Thank you for the replies! I am heading out shortly to look at some of the stores suggested. I am still leaning towards a bracelet-only look, but I'll have to try it with the dress and see.

I am also adding another requirement to my list after seeing reviews of some items I like online - no wire prongs/other pieces that stick our and could snag on the dress! I have seen complaints from other women who wore lace dresses that their beautiful, intricate bracelets kept getting caught on their dress.

Keep your fingers crossed for me - I will update if/when I find something.

You are very smart to think ahead about not snagging your dress!
Looking forward to seeing what you find.

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