At Harmony Scott Jewelry, we have helped many brides find just the right adornments for her special day. In that time, we have found some important tips to keep in mind when thinking about and choosing your bridal jewelry.

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1. Choose your dress first! This goes for bridesmaid's dresses too. This may seem obvious, but many brides waste precious time and energy looking at accessories before they find their perfect dress. Once you find the dress that is exactly what you want, take a picture of you wearing it, or keep a photo of it on hand. A fabric swatch is extra helpful too, but not essential. Fabric swatches are most important for choosing bridesmaid's jewelry…since they are typically wearing a color you want to match or compliment.
2. Don't overdo the accessories! A dress with ornamentation (like beading, lace, or intricate design elements) looks best if you keep the rest of your look more streamlined. If you have an ornate dress and are wearing a veil, choose fabulous earrings and skip the necklace – or do a simple, dainty earring and necklace set that will accent (and not compete with) your dress. Alternately, you can skip the veil, and go for a jewelry set that will compliment, but still not overwhelm your look. You want to shine on your special day and be the center of attention, not be upstaged by too many accessories and overly busy details. That said, a flowing, unadorned, bias-cut satin dress is the perfect backdrop for the right "statement" jewelry to make your overall look sensational.
3. Compliment your dress neckline. Jewelry looks best when it follows the lines of your dress…a deep-V neckline is divine with a plunging "y" shaped necklace, while a shallow scoop neckline looks best with a choker or necklace that drapes across instead of hanging down. Again, you want to mirror the neckline, not compete with it. A halter-style dress can be too much with a necklace, but will look beautiful with some dangly earrings. Sometimes leaving the chest unadorned and going for fabulous earrings and a great bracelet is the perfect balance. We are experts at this, so send us a photo, or make an appointment and we can help guide you!
4. Consider your personal style, and what you want to communicate with your wedding attire. A more classic, traditional person will want that reflected in her dress and accessories. A more refined and elegant wedding reception will allow you to wear more complicated jewelry since you won't be "doing the wild thing" on the dance floor…while a more unconventional wedding may call for dancing on the beach after the ceremony. You don't want to get bummed out with jewelry that doesn't hang correctly or feel comfortable when you are trying to let loose.
5. What hairstyle will you choose? Will you be wearing your hair up or down? Will it be straight or curly? This isn't the most important thing, but it can help refine your selection. A sleek up-do can work with almost any jewelry from dainty to ornate, but if you wear your hair down or in lots of ringlets, too-small earrings will get lost, while a really complicated, large necklace may seem "too much".
6. Consider your wedding location. Getting married on the beach? You can be more fun, casual, or delicate with your jewelry selection since your dress will probably be less structured and formal. A church or indoor wedding will call for more of a classic or ornate look that will stand up to indoor lighting and a more elaborate wedding dress.
7. What about some color? Thinking outside the "white jewelry" box can be really great. Even if you have a traditional white or ivory dress, adding a dash of color in the form of beautiful colored gemstones or freshwater pearls in a flattering shade can be so fresh and beautiful. Many bridal gown designers are showing wedding dresses with color elements, and that is a great opportunity to compliment your dress with some color in your jewelry. The "something blue" can be sparkling blue topaz on your necklace and earrings! I have worked with some brides who incorporate the color of their bridesmaid dresses or overall wedding colors in an accent within their own jewelry to subtle, beautiful effect. This can also be the perfect way to express your unique style while still dressing as the "traditional" bride. Try it!
8. Last but not least, make an appointment to try on some jewelry! Choose a time when you are not rushed, so you can relax and consider your options while we help you find your perfect adornments. When trying on wedding jewelry, bring your wedding dress if you can (or a photo), and bring a top with the same neckline as your dress—it is helpful for it to be a similar color. If you like, bring a friend or family member who can give you a second opinion, but we are great at this- so don't worry! Give yourself enough time before your wedding so any alterations or special orders can be easily accomplished—at least a month is good, but if you really want a "one of a kind" wedding set or have many bridesmaids to accommodate, the more time you give us the better!