The dress gets the final fitting, the shoes get tried on a dozen times, and the jewelry gets decided the week of the wedding, almost as an afterthought. We think bridal jewelry deserves more lead time than that, especially once you start layering pieces instead of picking one. Here is how to actually choose it, plus six real pieces across necklaces, earrings and bracelets to get you started.
What to look for in bridal jewelry
Start with your neckline, since it decides almost everything else. A strapless or sweetheart bodice can carry a statement necklace, while a high neck or heavily detailed bodice usually wants the jewelry to step back and let earrings do the talking instead. Metal tone matters more than people think too, warm gold tends to read better against ivory and champagne gowns, while silver or white gold sits more neutrally against a stark white dress. And decide early whether you are building a bridal jewelry set, meaning one matched necklace, earring and bracelet trio, or mixing pieces from a few different designers, since a mixed approach usually needs an extra fitting to see everything together.
Six pieces of bridal jewelry to shop right now
Pearl Lariat Necklace, Studio Bride
A double pearl gold lariat that drapes rather than sits flat, which makes it one of the better options for an open or low back gown since it reads from behind as well as the front. Designed by Studio Bride and available at Mae Bridal in gold or silver. Shop the Pearl Lariat Necklace, $159.
Lily Heart Locket, Their Studios
A slim heart locket on a fine chain, made from recycled sterling silver or 14k recycled gold vermeil, that actually opens. It is the quietest piece on this list and the one most likely to become an everyday necklace long after the wedding, which is part of why we like it as bridal jewelry in the first place. Shop the Lily Heart Locket, from $229.
Gilded Asymmetric Pearl Drop Earrings, Studio Bride
An asymmetric pearl drop that moves instead of hanging static, with just enough gold or silver showing above the pearl to catch light under reception lighting. Pair these with the Pearl Lariat Necklace for an easy matched bridal jewelry set, or wear them alone with an updo. Shop the Gilded Asymmetric Pearl Drop Earrings, $149.
Lab Grown White Sapphire Huggie Earrings, Aurate New York
Sterling silver coated in 14k vermeil and set with triple A lab grown white sapphires, cut as a huggie so they sit close to the ear instead of swinging. Designed by Aurate New York and available at Mae Bridal in two sizes, these are the pick for a bride who wants her jewelry to show up in photos without competing with her veil. Shop the Lab Grown White Sapphire Huggie Earrings, $128.
Baroque Pearl Bead Bracelet, Starlight Jewelry
Baroque pearls strung close together so no two beads match exactly, which reads as texture on the wrist rather than a row of uniform beads. Designed by Starlight Jewelry and available at Mae Bridal, it layers easily if you tend to wear more than one bracelet. Shop the Baroque Pearl Bead Bracelet, $159.
Matilde Cuff, Heaven Mayhem
An architectural stainless steel cuff in gold or silver, for the bride who wants her bridal jewelry sets to feel more modern than delicate. It is sculptural enough to wear solo and sturdy enough to survive a full day of hugs and handshakes. Shop the Matilde Cuff, $100.
How to choose jewelry for your wedding day
If your gown already has detail at the neckline, like lace or beading, let your jewelry go quieter there and put the attention on earrings instead, something like the Lab Grown White Sapphire Huggie Earrings. If your gown is simple, a slip dress or clean satin, that is where a necklace like the Pearl Lariat gets to do real work. Bracelets are the easiest piece to get wrong because they show up in every ring shot and every hand-holding photo, so try the Baroque Pearl Bead Bracelet or the Matilde Cuff on with your actual ring before deciding, not just on its own. And if you are mixing designers rather than buying a matched bridal jewelry set, keep your metal tone consistent across pieces so nothing looks accidental.
Shop the full collection
Browse the rest of our bridal jewelry collection, or shop by designer: Studio Bride, Their Studios, Aurate New York, Starlight Jewelry and Heaven Mayhem.
Bridal jewelry, answered
How do I choose jewelry for my wedding dress?
Start with your neckline and how much detail is already built into the bodice. A plain or minimal gown can carry a statement necklace or earrings, while a heavily beaded or lace bodice usually looks best with simpler jewelry that does not compete with it.
Should my bridal jewelry match in gold or silver?
It helps, but it is not a hard rule. Warm gold tends to look best against ivory and champagne gowns, while silver or white gold sits more neutrally against a stark white dress. If you are mixing designers, keeping the metal tone consistent across every piece reads more intentional than matching every single detail.
What is a bridal jewelry set?
A matched trio, usually a necklace, a pair of earrings and sometimes a bracelet, designed together by one designer. Buying a set is the fastest way to get a cohesive look, though plenty of brides mix pieces from different designers instead and it works just as well with a little more planning.
When should I buy my wedding jewelry?
As soon as you have your dress, since the neckline and detailing of your gown should guide what you choose. Unlike alterations, jewelry does not need a fitting timeline, so there is no real downside to buying it early and trying pieces on at home against your dress photos.
Ready to see them in person? Book an in-person fitting at our Santa Monica showroom, or book a live virtual shopping session from wherever you are.
Book your appointment
Searching for wedding dresses near you? Come find us in Santa Monica. Our showroom is minutes from LA but a world away from the typical bridal salon, come see why Mae Bridal is where modern, non-traditional brides find their dress in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. Book appointment