I still remember the hours spent pouring over bridal magazines and Pinterest boards trying to find the perfect bridesmaid jewelry to complement my wedding style.
As a bride, you want everything to be just right, especially the jewelry you and your girls will wear on the big day.
Should the bride and bridesmaids match their jewelry or not?
The answer lies in carefully considering your wedding style, theme, and the personalities of you and your ‘maids.
Matching Simple and Elegant Jewelry
If you’re going for a classic, timeless look, matching delicate jewelry often works beautifully.
Some simple earring and necklace sets like dainty diamond studs with a thin diamond solitaire necklace bring cohesion without overdoing it.
I chose to go this route for my wedding since I wanted an elegant, black-tie affair with a clean, sophisticated style.
My bridesmaids and I wore matching diamond earrings and necklaces from Tiffany’s – they were simple round brilliant studs with pave banding paired with platinum solitaire necklaces.
This let us complement each other without competing or looking too matchy-matchy.
Going minimalist also makes the jewelry you do wear feel more impactful.
I didn’t want blingy statement pieces to distract from the overall aesthetic.
Understated jewelry also photographs timelessly – I can look back at my wedding photos 20 years from now and the jewelry will still feel fresh, not dated.
If you like tradition, you can’t go wrong with pearls – a pearl stud and necklace set bridges vintage charm and contemporary elegance.
For beachfront weddings, simple starfish studs with a delicate gold chain embrace the seaside setting without going overboard.
The key is picking jewelry that feels personal, whether family heirlooms or something that carries meaning for you and your friends.
Mixing and Matching Bridesmaid Jewelry
For a mismatched or eclectic wedding style, mix and match the bridesmaid jewelry according to their personalities.
This allows them to show off their individuality while you stand out as the bride.
I took this approach to honor my bridesmaids’ personal styles.
My matron-of-honor skewes bold, so I got her a cocktail ring with an oversized gemstone in her favorite color – emerald.
My edgy younger sister wore a choker necklace with metallic and crystal accents.
My bohemian college roommate chose a swirling pendant with raw stones and shells that aligned with her free-spirited aesthetic.
As the bride, I wore a statement necklace that wove all their stones together – diamonds, emeralds, crystals, shells – symbolizing our friendship.
Make sure to choose quality jewelry that matches their style so they actually enjoy wearing it again.
Take your bridesmaids shopping at jewelry stores to pick their pieces, or give them online gift cards so they can select what speaks to them.
This also helps if your wedding party lives in different areas.
If you have varying skin tones, you can opt for coordinating colors rather than identical pieces.
For instance, golden jewelry for warm tones and silver for cool.
Just make sure the overall vibe flows – too many wild cards can look haphazard.
The freedom of mixed metals and gemstones lets you incorporate more personalized symbolism – birthstones, favorite colors, hobbies, inside jokes.
Ultimately it’s about honoring your individual relationships – the jewelry should feel as special as your connection.
Themed Jewelry
Using coordinating jewelry is a fun way to emphasize your wedding theme.
Beach-themed pearls and shells, Renaissance-style filigree, or Art Deco geometric pieces can complement your decor.
I engraved my wedding date and location in Roman numerals onto simple medallion necklaces for me and my bridesmaids.
Since we married at a historical building from the late 1800s, I wanted Victorian-inspired jewelry to embrace the old-world architecture.
My ‘maids also wore delicate cameo brooches – a vintage-glam contrast to their sleek chiffon gowns.
For an Irish castle wedding, Claddagh rings with hand-etched triquetra knots play up the Celtic heritage.
A tropical theme could mean bamboo hoops, seashell strands, and palm tree charms.
Have fun with symbols – evil eye bracelets for Greek nuptials, Arabic calligraphy pendants in a Middle Eastern desert, shamrocks and trinity knots for Irish vibes.
Look for hidden design details to reflect the location – skyline charms for city weddings, compass pendants if traveling far, coordinates of the venue stamped on rings.
The jewelry tells a subtle visual story, enriching the aesthetic.
Planning a literary wedding?
Give bookmark charms engraved with romantic quotes.
Marrying on a special date?
Turn it into a dainty necklace.
Tie in special flowers or venue features through subtle jewelry accents.
Your wedding theme carries through the entire event – let your jewelry further the story.
Statement Jewelry for Bold Brides
Make a dramatic statement with striking earrings and necklaces for the bride and maids.
Clear crystals, large gemstones, or chunky metals command attention.
I adore Art Deco styles, so I wore an exquisite crystal headband and bold diamond chandelier earrings.
My daring bridesmaids rocked crystal collar necklaces that made a scene.
We went for glitzy, Gatsby-inspired glamour with an extra dose of sparkle.
Play up your gown’s neckline with eye-catching drops or hoops.
Try shoulder-grazing statement earrings with an off-the-shoulder or bateau silhouette.
For strapless or sweetheart styles, a striking collar or choker draws attention.
Compliment a deep V with a plunging lariat necklace dripping in crystals or pearls.
Ornate shoulder dusters and cuffs balance sleeveless or cap sleeves.
Clustered rings, stacked bangles, and arm cuffs reinforce bold style motifs.
Skip delicate jewelry – go for high-wattage metals, chunky chains, and oversized gemstones.
I accentuated my mermaid gown’s drama with a crystal belt and art deco hair comb.
Enhance your beauty look too – winged liner, red lips, finger waves.
Stand out as the star you are – this day celebrates your love.
Make jewelry choices that reflect your fearless bridal style.
Take risks to get those showstopping wedding photos.
Just remember comfort – test drive statement pieces to ensure all-day wearability.
Your glam squad can help assess chiropractic concerns too.
At the end of the day, shine bright like the diamond you are!
Colors that Pop
Colorful jewelry is an eye-catching option.
Match bright hues like sapphire blue or emerald green for a vibrant, saturated look.
I accessorized my bridal party’s watercolor ombre gowns with bright emerald jewelry for a playful pop of color.
Emeralds complemented both the blue and green hues throughout the dresses.
The maids wore dangly emerald earrings and pendant necklaces that made their eyes glow against the colorful gowns.
As the bride, I wore bold emerald floral chandelier earrings and a matching tennis bracelet for a fun splash of color.
Vibrant blue sapphire jewelry would also pair beautifully with watercolor dresses in shades of blue and purple.
I love how saturated gemstone colors instantly grab attention.
For beach weddings, turquoise set in coral and seashell is a vibrant oceanic combination.
Brightly hued stones like fuchsia morganite or golden citrine feel happy and summery.
And don’t forget about bold color gems like ruby, amethyst, and topaz.
Mix varying gem hues for an eclectic, bohemian vibe.
If your bridal style skews dark and gothic, deep red garnet or black spinel make a rich statement.
For an edgy vibe, black diamonds and hematite add striking contrast.
Colorful enameling and hand-painted details give jewelry eye-catching depth.
Engraved gold etched with turquoise, lapis, or coral feels simultaneously natural and glam.
connections, with vibrant gemstones replacing their birth month colors.
Or surprise them the morning of with custom pieces as fun bridal party gifts.
Make sure the hues flatter each bridesmaid’s coloring for a cohesive, radiant look.
Set colorful gems in warm metals like yellow or rose gold to make them pop even more.
Then choose a bold lip, like classic red, to really pull the look together.
Vibrant jewelry commands attention – have fun with bold colors that celebrate the joy of your wedding day!
Bride in Metallic, Bridesmaids in Color Jewelry
The bride can wear a statement rose gold, silver, or gold jewelry set while the maids wear pops of color like ruby, aquamarine, or citrine.
This beautifully contrasts the metallic bride against the colored maids.
I chose to contrast my silver jewelry against my bridesmaids’ varied gemstone pieces.
As the bride, I wore glossy silver statement earrings, tennis bracelet, and necklace.
The metallic jewelry complemented my classic ballgown and veil for an elegant timeless look.
My matron-of-honor wore a teardrop ruby necklace to match her gown’s wine hue.
My bold sister wore an aquamarine cocktail ring that played off her eyes.
And my laidback friend chose citrine drop earrings that reflected her warm personality.
The mixed gems stood out against my sleek metallic jewelry as the focal point.
I also gifted my bridesmaids initial necklaces with their first initial encrusted in diamonds for a personal touch.
For beachy vibes, pearls, shells, and sand dollars paired with the bride’s rose gold set creates a pretty contrast.
Bridesmaids could also wear engraved gold bar necklaces while you rock a statement diamond choker.
Mismatched daisy studs in varying gems against the bride’s crystal hair comb feels whimsical.
The key is balancing your jewelry against each other – don’t compete for attention!
At the end of the day, you’re the metallic queen with your maids as the colorful supporting cast.
Floral Jewelry
Delicate flower-inspired jewelry like floral stud earrings complement garden or spring-themed weddings beautifully.
Go for rose gold for a romantic look.
Think cherry blossoms in spring – I accented my bridesmaids’ blush gowns with floral branch earrings dripping with petals in rose gold.
For my woodland fairy tale wedding, the maids wore flower studs with crystals at the center and leaves/vines wrapping around.
I wore a floral crystal halo headpiece that made me feel like an ethereal forest bride.
Delicate rose gold bracelets engraved with blooms capture a romantic, feminine vibe.
Leafy vine cuffs winding around the arm add an earthy touch.
Dainty necklaces with petal pendants or wildflower charms evoke sweet charm.
Hand-painted porcelain flower earrings offer vintage appeal.
Rose studs, lilies, tulips, daisies – think about your wedding flowers for design ideas.
A floral hair comb accented with pearls feels timelessly bridal.
For boho brides, daisy chains as necklaces and bracelets embrace wanderlust spirit.
Botanical designs reflect the beauty of nature – a perfect match for outdoor weddings.
Flower jewelry breathes life into your look – connect with nature’s purity and loveliness.
Pearl Jewelry
Both the bride and maids can wear strands of pearls in varying sizes or colors for a coordinated, classic look.
You can also mix pearls with other gemstones.
I outfitted my bridesmaids in matching multi-strand pearl bracelets and earrings.
The iridescent pearls complemented their chiffon gowns perfectly for an elegant, vintage-inspired aesthetic.
As the bride, I wore a stunning multi-strand collar necklace made of various pearl sizes and warm hues – white, cream, champagne, even some pale pink pearls for an ethereal combination.
You can play with pearl color too – silvery blues and lavenders, rich golds, or clean blacks.
Combine pearl strands with gems like diamonds, sapphires, or tourmaline for added elegance.
Pearl drop earrings with diamond or crystal accents make a gorgeous bridal statement.
For a modern twist, style pearls with sleek onyx or sharp geometric shapes.
Pearl jewelry instantly evokes timeless sophistication – perfect for black tie weddings.
They photograph beautifully too – pearls flatter all skin tones with their soft radiance.
You can pass down heirloom strands for a sentimental something old or blue.
Customize pieces with engraved initials or dates for a thoughtful detail.
Pearls never tarnish and transcend trends – a keepsake to cherish forever.
Bride in Diamonds, Bridesmaids in Gems
The bride can dazzle in diamonds while the maids wear pops of color with sapphires, emeralds, or rubies.
This creates a luxe, glamorous look.
As the bride, I wore a diamond necklace, earrings, bracelet, and hairpiece – it made me feel like a princess!
My ‘maids complemented my look with their birthstone pendant necklaces – emeralds, sapphires, and rubies.
The coordinating gems stood out against the bright white diamonds.
We looked and felt like royalty – the gems against my sparkling diamonds created an ultra-luxe vibe.
I also surprised my maids with secondary birthstone bracelets as a thank you.
Diamonds paired with any striking gemstone – tourmaline, garnet, aquamarine – helps the bride shine brighter.
Mix varying diamond cuts too – round, princess, cushion, pear – for dimension.
Mix varying diamond cuts too – round, princess, cushion, pear – for dimension.
Play with diamond sizes – accent a tennis bracelet with a statement cocktail ring.
Cluster smaller diamonds around statement center stones.
Highlight your neckline – try diamond halos around a solitaire pendant.
Or do an inverted necklace with smaller gems graduating toward a central focal point.
Wear your hair up to showcase dazzling diamond earrings.
For glamorous vintage appeal, diamonds set in warm rose or yellow gold shine.
Diamonds immediately evoke luxury – perfect for black tie hotel weddings.
A touch of sparkle elevates any look – I felt like a bride straight out of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Diamonds photograph with incredible brilliance to create lasting memories.
Add an engraving, like your wedding date, to personalize heirloom pieces.
Diamonds symbolize your unbreakable love and bond.
Let them inspire memories as dazzling as your union.
Dress your bridal squad in diamonds and gemstones for a glamorous, cohesive statement.
Jewelry from the Same Designer
Pick a favorite jewelry designer like Kendra Scott, Baublebar, or Vivienne Westwood.
The cohesive look of the same designer ties the bridal party together.
I adore Kendra Scott jewelry, so I custom ordered bridal sets from her line for myself and my bridesmaids.
We all wore gorgeous plated gold statement earrings designed with colorful stones specific to our vibes – moss agate for me, mother of pearl for my matron, turquoise for my boho maid, etc.
It created a coordinated eclectic look while letting each woman shine based on their individuality.
Your jewelry tells a story – use pieces from a favorite designer to craft your narrative.
Browse brands aligned with your wedding vision – boho vibes, preppy classics, edgy rocker style.
Look for consistent design elements like filigree, gem shapes, metal types.
Many designers offer customized bridal sets so you can personalize pieces.
Some will even work with you to design fully bespoke bridal jewelry.
Keep your designer picks cohesive – one signature palette and aesthetic.
Mix varying textures, shapes, and stones for depth.
Your designer jewelry acts as the creative thread tying your whole bridal look together in harmony.
Vintage and Antique-Inspired Jewelry
For a Gatsby-inspired or vintage wedding, Art Deco, Victorian, or antique-looking jewelry with filigree or engraved details evoke a romantic, nostalgic style.
I fell in love with 1920s style, so I sourced gorgeous antique and vintage jewelry for my wedding day looks.
My engraved Art Deco diamond cuff made me feel like an Old Hollywood starlet.
My maid-of-honor wore a Victorian locket engraved with her initials, while my bridesmaid donned an ornate filigree cameo.
Look for Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Retro – rich eras for bridal inspiration.
Layer multiple necklaces for an eclectic, well-traveled vibe.
Pearls, cameos, signet rings, lavaliers – interpret iconic pieces through a modern lens.
Mingle varying time periods for a dreamy time warp effect.
Shop antique markets, estate sales, consignment boutiques – the hunt makes it special.
Reimagine family heirlooms by resetting stones or reworking metals.
Upcycle grandma’s brooch into a necklace, use grandpa’s cufflink diamonds for earrings.
Take something old and give it new life on your wedding day.
