Bridal Jewellery Sets

There has been a creative surge in jewellery-making in recent years due to thousands of designers turning to jewellery as a mean of self-expression. Add to that the relative ease of setting up a shop online and it all means lots that we're spoiled for choice when buying handmade jewellery.

I love handmade jewellery and I wouldn't consider buying anything else now, but for bridal jewellery sets?

Well why not? It seems to me that one of the qualities that every bride is looking for is that her wedding be unique- that something distinct about the couple stands out not matter how traditional their actual nuptials. I don't think I've ever heard a bride say "oh I'd just like a wedding like anyone else's" 

Which is why I wonder that some brides buy their bridal jewellery sets from stores whose supplier are factories. With handmade jewellery, by the very nature of it, it's a limited edition. Plus some designer allow you to make little modifications so that it truly becomes unique- sometimes it can be practical issue likes asking for a custom length on a bracelet. When my sister got married last year there were four bridesmaids and our wrists measures from 16cm up to 21cm! That's quite a large variance. Had we gone for store-bought jewellery then it would have cost time and money to have the bracelets altered to fit.

Another thing you can sometimes ask for is to use a slightly different colour bead/crystal or to have a different finding/fitting used e.g. like a different clasp.

Materials quality is another consideration. With mass-produced articles that use plated materials, this means that they only shine because of a very thin layer of precious metal over dull base (non-precious) metal. The top layer wears off over time and eventually ruins the look of the piece. If you had intended keeping your bridal pieces safe and passing them on a keepsake then beware of plated metal. Instead find a designer who uses solid precious metals so that you can polish your jewellery to make it shine like new again.

Bridal jewellery sets made by a handmade designer can often be customised to your specifications. I think that it's worth the effort of browsing for some designs because if you’re willing to spend time and money creating a unique look for your wedding then applying a little thought and extra effort to the jewellery upfront will add a very special finishing touch and you'll reap the rewards.

Wedding Pearl - The Classic Choice

Pearls are the classic choice for wedding jewellery, and if you're thinking that classic equals boring then you definitely haven't caught on to the wave of handmade and contemporary jewellery designers who have been using pearls in every style imagainable.

Not only do pearls have this chameleon-like quality but they have also stood the test of time. From the very earliest times, and I mean prehistoric, pearls have been used as a means of decoration and personal adornment. 

Bridal jewellery sets with pearls suit all types of wedding themes from traditional though to modern and contemporary. Bridal accessories with pearls is a great option because you can have them in the necklace, bracelet, earrings, tiara/hair accessories or even tiny beaded pearls on the gown itself.

With the right amount of subtle detailing, this classic gemstone can help achieve a harmonious look without being over the top and that will fit in withyour wedding theme be it classic, contemporary, romatic or fusion.

1. Choose the Dress First

It may seem a little obvious but the dress (or the suit) is the starting place for most brides.

2. Dress Details

Pick out the main themes of the dress- is it romantic? Minimalist and modern? What colour is it? What about the details? For example are there little pearls or crystals?

Make sure the jewellery will harmonise with the dress style and colour.

3. Neckline

Cast a critical eye over the lines created by the necklace and dress. V-necks usually look best with drop or pendant styles and a round neckline tends to work best with a simple round necklace or choker. Square necklines and strapless tend to work with all types of necklace- but watch for the length of the necklace and where it draws the eye to!