THE FINER THINGS

 

Dress hunting may be the most talked-about stage of wedding planning, but there’s joy to be had in finding timeless pieces to match your gown. To ensure you sparkle in all the right places, Tijan Biner speaks with James Temelli of Temelli Jewellery about what to consider when choosing your wedding jewellery.  

In the words of Elizabeth Taylor: “Jewellery has the power to be the one little thing that makes you feel unique.” You’ve found the perfect man and you’ve chosen the perfect gown, but many brides-to-be tend to overlook the importance of their dress-and-jewellery matches.

Jewellery can bring your look to the next level, but selecting the right pieces can be tricky. The key is to choose accessories that will complement your overall aesthetic, rather than compete with it. No matter what your bridal style, Melbourne Wedding & Bride has compiled a few tips to help you pull together your wedding look with ease.

melbourne wedding and bride summer expo jewellery

MATCH YOUR METALS

Certain wedding gowns lend themselves best to certain jewellery metal – ivory is best paired with gold, whereas silver, platinum or pearl are better choices for white. James Temelli, owner of Temelli Jewellery stresses the importance of properly matching your jewellery to the tones in your wedding dress.

“Rose gold and pink gems work really well for that unique wedding look,” he says.

“Pearls are always a classic look, and brilliant cut diamond jewellery works with many different looks.”

After styling guests’ jewellery at the recent Logie Awards, Temelli and his team found that incorporating a hint of colour is becoming increasingly popular. So if you’re still on the hunt for something blue, consider stone set earrings or a bracelet with a hint of aquamarine.

“Rose gold, pink and blue gems are very in season colours,” Temelli says.

“We’re finding that aquamarine and pale blue look both stunning and elegant paired with any silver or white dresses.”

It’s also important to consider your gown’s detail work. Avoid matching your jewellery with the design work of your dress, but make sure the metals harmonise and complement each other.

DON’T FORGET THE DÉCOLLETAGE

Your décolletage is an incredibly important aspect to consider when choosing wedding jewellery. By pairing the neckline of your dress with the correct adornment, it can add exquisite character to your gown.

“Sleeveless dresses work beautifully with a bracelet or bangle, and studs or shorter earrings work [well] with a swept hair design,” Temelli says.

If your dress has a strapless or sweetheart neckline, mix it up with an elegant pair of chandelier earrings instead of a necklace. Clear crystal will look incredibly sleek, or you can even incorporate a hint of colour.

If you’ve chosen a V-neck gown, your décolletage could definitely do with a little decoration. Accessorise with a simple pendant – a single or double-stranded pearl is always a classic choice. If you’re after something that’ll really make you sparkle, a crystal choker or statement necklace with matching earrings is ideal.

If you’ve decided on a shoulder-baring halter neck gown, skip the necklace and focus on an elegant hair accessory. Whether it’s a headpiece or a few crystal hairpins, make sure you choose an accessory that won’t take away from the gown’s main feature.

 

LESS IS MORE

Jewellery will add a unique touch to your look, but just one too many pieces can be too much for an already embellished gown. There’s no need to be embellished from head to toe, so just choose two to three key pieces that will complement your aesthetic.

Temelli says long drop earrings are an extremely popular look in bridal jewellery, and they’re a simple yet effective way to add just the right amount of sparkle.

“Sometimes less is more, and larger studs or cluster stud earrings are really effective if [you’re] showcasing the highlights in your wedding dress without being over-the-top,” he says.

It’s best to analyse your gown’s standout features and base your choices around them – if it has intricate detailing but is fairly simple, you can incorporate a few statement pieces, but if it’s already quite busy, it’s probably best to choose something smaller.

If your wedding gown is quite ornate, tiny jewellery may get lost. Big, bold pieces are usually a better choice, but too many will look cluttered. Your earrings should usually be planned around your hairstyle – if you’re leaving your hair down and over your ears, small studs are your best friend, as they won’t get tangled in those tresses, whereas an updo hairstyle calls for statement earrings.

melbourne wedding and bride summer expo jewellery
melbourne wedding and bride summer expo jewellery

BE YOURSELF

Your wedding day may be the perfect opportunity for you to emerge from your comfort zone, but don’t try to be someone you’re not. If you hate the idea of being draped in jewels, skip the diamond choker and go for something a little simpler, such as a subtle pearl necklace. If you’re more of a vintage girl, avoid modern accessories and choose a glamorous Gatsby-inspired hairpiece or jewelled drop earrings.

Elizabeth Taylor may have had it right – a little bit of sparkle can go a long way – but make sure the decisions you make are always based on your personal sense of style. Don’t lose yourself during the mission to find your perfect bridal accessories – just focus on being the best and most beautiful version of yourself.  Remember that your wedding jewellery is only an accessory to your bridal beauty.  Whatever your aisle style, there’s no doubt that as your take your first steps toward married life, those eyes will be right where they belong!

 

IMAGE CREDIT: Jerry Ghionis Photographer