Ask Belle: Wedding Jewels

Hi,

 

I absolutely love reading your blog and value your chic sense of style. So, I had a question for you: I am in desperate need of a necklace to wear on my wedding day.

 

My gown has a sweetheart neckline (photo attached) and I am looking to do someting more daring than traditional pearls. Any ideas? I’d be so grateful!

 

Many thanks, Sara

Glass Pearl Cluster Necklace (Neiman’s, $285)

If you don’t want to do traditional pearls, but you like the look of pearls, you could choose a large cluster necklace like this one.  You could also layer on a pile of pearl necklaces to create a giant bib of pearls, you know for that opulent, “Why wear one when I can wear 992?” feel.  Or you could try pearls of another color with a ribbon accent. Basically, a modern take on an old tradition.

Faceted Glass Necklace (Ann Taylor, $158)

If you can’t afford diamonds, and really who can, cut glass or crystal is your best option.  A large statement piece like this necklace is modern, elegant and just special enough. 

Color is less traditional than clear crystal, but if you can match it to your bouquet or choose your favorite shade, it will look fabulous.  Also, when you think about wedding attire, you always have to think about how things will look in photos.  A necklace of this size and texture will look wonderful in full color and black and white.

Milly Egyptian Necklace (Neiman’s, $328)

Want to go really different?  Like out there on a limb, almost costumey different?  This all metal, Cleopatra Queen of the Nile inspired necklace is just crazy enough to work.  Sure, it would require the right kind of wedding.  But there are other ways that you could go if you wanted to really jump the shark.

Don’t force yourself to think inside the pretty, little wedding box. If your wedding has black accents, you could choose a black crystal statement necklace.  If you like clear crystal but don’t want it to be too pretty, you could chose jagged clear stones.  If you don’t want metal at all, try ribbon or fabric.  

Bottom line, this is your wedding and if you want wild, go wild.  If you want to be prim and proper, be prim and proper.  As long as you think about the whole look and how it fits the wedding, it can work.  Because you want to look back at those photos and say, “Gosh, I loved the way I looked.”  Whether you want to look modern, glamorous, dainty or different, is all you have to decide.