Bridal Jewelry on a Budget

There's no doubt about it. Times are tough. But there is no reason why recessionista brides can't have the wedding of their dreams on a budget. Of all the things you will need for your wedding, dress, veil, flowers and shoes, jewelry is the one thing that you can wear again!

One thing that true recessionistas do is to break down the cost of an item in "cost per use". For example, if that fab pair of shoes you've been eyeing cost $100 and you know that you'll wear them at least 50 times then the cost per use is $2.00. Not bad.

So, if you choose jewelry you can wear again your cost per use comes down. It's as simple as that. It's amazing how many opportunities you can find to wear your jewelry again. Sure, you're not likely to wear your tiara to the office but there's no reason why you can't wear your bracelet out to dinner or your earrings to a birthday party.

Here are 6 tips to get the most mileage out of your bridal jewelry.

1. Go neutral.
White, Ivory or Cream pearls and Clear crystals are the easiest to wear again. Clear AB crystals are beautiful but might be a bit too "blingy" for everyday. Moonlight, Golden Shadow and Silver Shade crystals are also easy to wear and quite neutral.

2. Separate your pieces.
Wearing your necklace, bracelet and earrings all together looks fantastic with your wedding dress but may be too much for other occasions. Try wearing your earrings and bracelet together sans necklace, or wear your necklace with a simple pair of hoops or pearls. Don't be afraid to mix your jewelry up with other pieces in your jewelry collection.

3. Bring it on your honeymoon.
Chances are you'll be going out for dinner a lot which is a great opportunity to wear your jewelry again.

4. Choose the right metal.
If most of your jewelry is white gold or silver, choose sterling silver as your metal. If most of your jewelry is gold, gold-filled might be the best choice for you. Don't be afraid to mix your metals though. This is a hot trend in jewelry right now.

5. Try layering
My sister-in-law is excellent at this. She can wear 5 bracelets at once and make it look good. Try wearing your necklace with chains of various lengths or pile on several bracelets together. This is a great way to create a new look with your jewelry.

6. Protect it.
Most importantly, the best way to get the most mileage out of your jewelry is to take care of it. Wearing your jewelry regularly will help prevent tarnish. The oils from your skin will help protect the metal. Tarnish is much easier to prevent than to remove so keep your jewelry in a sealed zipper baggie with an anti-tarnish tab inside when you are not wearing it. Anti-tarnish tabs are specially coated papers that help absorb tarnish producing gasses. The zipper baggies also help keep tarnish at bay and prevent your jewelry from getting scratched in your jewelry box. We include these bags and anti-tarnish tabs with your purchase.

When you break it down to cost per use, your bridal jewelry is really an investment in your jewelry wardrobe. Trends may come and go but classic bridal jewelry can be worn for years to come. What's best though is every time you put your jewelry on you'll be reminded of your special day. And that, as they say is priceless.....

The Perfect Accent

More and more brides are choosing accent colors to coordinate with their wedding colors. Whether it's a colorful sash on your gown or the pale green orchids that highlight your mocha bridesmaids dresses, accent colors can really bring the whole look of a wedding together. From the invitations to the decor to the wedding parties attire, these accents can be carried through in little details everywhere.

Jewelry is a wonderful place to use your accent color! Rather than matching the color of your dress or choosing a neutral color try using a touch of your accent color to tie everything together.

Here are a few accent color ideas.

Sunshine and Spice

Alfred Angelo 6540

For this dress a great match would be Karen Necklace in Jonquil with Padparadcha. This combination uses both the main color and accent color together.

White and Blue

Alfred Angelo #1139

For this dress a great match would be Mikenna in Crystal Clear with Montana.

Kiwi and Fuchsia

Alfred Angelo 7004

For this dress a great match would be Josephine in Fuchsia, Rose and Light Rose.

Ivory and Cafe

Alfred Angelo #1719

For this dress a great match would be Courtney with Cream pearls and Golden Shadow crystals.

Butter and Rose

Alfred Angelo 6340S

For this dress, a great match would be Katie in Powder Rose.

Using your accent color in your jewelry is a great way to pull everything together! It's amazing how many people will notice these little details that help make your wedding special and uniquely you.

Finishing Touches

Choosing Your Jewelry

You've chosen the perfect dress and now it’s time to accessorize! The neckline of your dress plays a key role in choosing the best accessories. Here are some examples to help you choose the right style to compliment your gown.

If your gown is strapless:
This is an extremely versatile neckline and just about anything goes.

Alfred Angelo Style #1645

Try a princess or choker style such as these:

Kathryn and Abigale Necklaces

If your gown has a sweetheart neckline:
Also an extremely versatile neckline. Princess styles (like the ones above) look beautiful however a Y-style or drop style necklace looks particularly lovely with this neckline as it follows the sweetheart shape.

Alfred Angelo Style #1137

Drop or Y Style Necklaces:

Cheryl and Ariella Necklaces

If your gown is halter style:
A Y-style or Pendant necklace works beautifully with this style. If you’d like to highlight your shoulders another option is to skip the necklace and go with a beautiful pair of drop earrings.

Alfred Angelo Style #2021

Pendant Style Necklace or Dramatic Earrings:

Tricia Necklace and Marilyn Earrings

If your gown has a V-neck:
It looks beautiful if you follow the shape of the neckline with a Y-style or drop necklace. If your gown is also low in the back a style with backdrops will highlight this.

Alfred Angelo Style #767

Y Style or Drop Necklaces:

Hannah and Isabella Necklaces

If your gown is off the shoulder:

If you would like to wear a necklace, a choker or princess style necklace is best. However, this look can be stunning if you forgo the necklace and go for some dramatic earrings paired with a beautiful bracelet.

Alfred Angelo Style #2032

Dramatic Earrings with Beautiful Bracelet:

Mikki Earrings and Kimberly Bracelet

If your gown is backless:
Dramatic backdrops highlight a backless dress beautifully.

Alfred Angelo Style #755

Y-Style Necklace with Back Drop:

Chantelle Necklace Front and Back

Choosing the right accessories doesn't have to be difficult. By following these simple guidelines you're well on your way to finding the perfect look.

Please feel free to contact us if you need advice or suggestions.

French Hooks, Leverbacks and Studs... Oh My!

What type of earring should I choose?

This is one of the most common questions we get asked here at Northern Star. Our options for most earring designs are Hooks (also known as French hooks), Leverbacks, Studs, Cubic Zirconia Studs and Clip-ons (available by request).

Hooks are included in the price of all earring designs. All the other earring types cost a little bit more with Cubic Zirconia Studs being the most expensive earring option (an additional $5).

Which style should you choose? Well that depends on personal taste really. Hooks are simple to put in and stay in well when used with the rubber backing provided. Leverbacks are very secure but a little harder to put in. Leverbacks are a great choice with heavier earring designs because they create a nice balance in the ear. Leverbacks also look as good from the back as they do from the front, which is great when you will be photographed from all sides. Studs are also very secure and are a good way to shorten an earring design a bit. They are also a great option for children. Cubic Zirconia studs are a great way to add a little extra "bling" to your earrings. They look particularly great with earrings that have rhinestones in them like Kathryn, Celeste and Mikki.

One earring 4 ways...

Left to right: Hook, Leverback, Stud, Cubic Zirconia Stud.

All of our earrings are designed to be interchangeable with the different earring types, so no matter which style you choose it will look great!

Go with what you like best!