Wedding Jewelry Guide: Ideas and Tips for the Year 2023

Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event and the jewelry you choose will be preserved forever, both in your memories of the day and the photographs you have after it's over. For that reason, you want to choose the best bridal jewelry for your wedding day. The engagement rings have already been chosen, but you want to give thought to the other pieces you'll wear on your big day. Use this guide to help you make the choices that best suit your wedding outfit, while also paying heed to the trends for the year.

Types of Wedding Jewelry

8K White Gold Trellis Pendant

Maybe you don't wear jewelry often or you want to find the perfect piece to complement your wedding day outfit. Understanding the different types of jewelry can help you determine which items match your style and which you might like to wear for something different and exciting on your big day.

Your first choice is, of course, the classics that brides have been wearing for generations. That includes pearls, whether they show up on your necklace, your earrings or your ring. Because traditional pearls are white, they are easy to match with your gown. However, you can also find black, pink and gray pearls, which lend a classic and timeless appeal to your wedding day look but also give you the option to mix it up a little bit.

Romance is the name of the game at a wedding, so opting for romantic jewelry pieces is another option you have. Think rose gold or floral patterns. This style is a great way to play up a daytime wedding, especially one that occurs in the forest, mountains or other outdoor location where nature is dominant. Just think about how wonderful this theme will look when you show your wedding album to your kids someday.

Diamonds are never a bad idea, whether you create your jewelry from loose stones or you choose a pink diamond to make a statement on your big day. Not only are diamonds a classic and sophisticated choice, but they also have the sparkle you want as a bride at her wedding. Maybe you choose a small tennis bracelet, intricate necklace or diamond earring studs. Whatever you select, you can't go wrong with diamonds.

Maybe you are more of a free spirit and don't want to be tied down to what the previous generations have done. In that case, boho wedding jewelry fits the bill. This might be choosing mixed metal pieces, colored gemstones or something else that makes your bridal outfit one to remember.

Deciding on Your Bridal Jewelry 

18K White Gold Floral Drop Earrings 

Unless you have an heirloom piece of jewelry that you plan to wear, the best thing to do is to choose your wedding gown before you select the accessories to go with it. That's because your jewelry will add that personal touch to your wedding look that will set you apart from the others, even if you do choose trendy jewelry to go with your gown.

Another good idea is to consider the kinds of jewelry you typically gravitate toward. While you likely want something that's a bit more than you usually wear, your preferences won't change so each jewelry piece you select should align with your personal style and the jewelry designs you'd normally choose. But it's also perfectly fine to push out of your comfort zone just a little bit too. For example, perhaps you choose chandelier earrings instead of the usual studs you wear on a regular basis.

If you plan to stick with the "something borrowed" tradition, that item should be chosen first. That way, you can coordinate the other pieces of jewelry you choose to go with it. Feel free to skip the traditional piece if you don't like any of the heirloom jewelry that is offered or if you don't feel close to the family members offering.

Many experts also suggest that you forget the old rule about mixing metals. There's no reason why you can't mix yellow gold jewelry with stainless steel, white gold or bronze. In fact, mixing precious metals is a stylish way to wear pieces you love without looking too matchy-matchy. This includes your rings. Your wedding band can certainly be a different metal than your engagement ring and the metal yours is made from doesn't have to be the same as the metal your future spouse is wearing.

Make sure you also consider your veil, which will likely be the showcase of your look, which means your wedding day jewelry should be understated. Consider a delicate necklace and small pair of earrings, rather than a large statement necklace and long earrings.

Your necklace should also coordinate with your gown's neckline. If you plan to wear a delicate pendant necklace, a V-neck style dress will look best. On the other hand, if you have a strapless wedding gown or one with a sweetheart neckline, you're better offer choosing a bigger necklace, perhaps even a choker.

2023 Wedding Jewelry Trends

Whether you want to go head to toe with the latest style or plan to incorporate just one or two trendy pieces into your look, knowing what the masses are choosing can help you choose the jewelry that's best for your wedding day. With that in mind, consider the latest trends for the year. 

White Gold Engagement Ring With Sapphire 

Colored gems are a hot trend this year. Whether that's a center stone made from a sapphire, earrings made with classic rubies, or a statement piece made from emeralds, you can't go wrong with creating a color palette that isn't all white and cream. There are many fancy color diamonds available in today's market so there's always the option of mixing a traditional center diamond with a color that makes it all your own.

Another trend for 2023 is personality pieces. Letting who you are shine through with your bridal style is something that modern brides are embracing in a big way. Maybe that means you wear art deco jewelry because you love history, or perhaps you pile on chain necklaces to match a vintage-style ring. Think about what bridal accessories go with your personality instead of simply going with the most popular choice. That's a trend we can get behind.

Vintage jewelry is also on the rise. That means that older pieces, or vintage-inspired pieces, are getting their second chance to shine. This could be as far back as the Victorian era or could be an art deco ring that you love. Vintage rings are a hot trend in 2023. If you can't find the exact one you want, you and your future spouse can have one commissioned to look old. There are plenty of jewelry designers out there who can create the perfect new/old piece of jewelry you want for your wedding day. There's also the option to shop for estate diamond jewelry or check antique stores to find what you want.

It's 2023 and that means that a lot of brides are thinking about the environment and the economy. In an effort to preserve finances and the world around us, many women are opting for jewelry that is sourced in an environmentally friendly way and that doesn't exploit the employees doing the work. A knowledgeable jeweler can tell you where the metals and stones for your jewelry are being sourced so you can decide if the piece fits your values or if you need to look elsewhere.

In keeping with the environmental theme, floral and nature-inspired jewelry is hot this year. That might be jewelry that boasts a floral motif or something that boasts a leaf pattern.

Modern brides are also mixing things up this year. As mentioned above, that might mean mixing metals, but many women are also choosing simple engagement rings or multi-gemstone rings, rather than opting for the expected single stone on a wedding band.

Both minimalism and statement pieces are also having a moment in 2023. That means there's really no wrong answer when you choose jewelry for your wedding day. Whether you choose a simple set of earrings to match your wedding ring, or you go all out with a collar necklace, the options are endless and give you lots to choose from when you plan your wedding day.

18K White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings

Pearls remain a classic wedding choice. Though they may have been out of style for many years, they are back in a big way. While they are a traditional choice, you don't have to be a traditional bride to wear pearls to your wedding. They are the perfect choice for necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

You've heard of statement necklaces, but statement earrings are a great choice for the 2023 bride. They are ideal for updos and understated veils, but you can't go wrong with a big pair of earrings this year. They offer a unique focal point that many brides don't consider and they look great in photographs.

If you're getting married this year, Moyen and Co. Jewelers can help you find the perfect pieces to wear on your big day. No matter your personal style we know we have something to suit. Let us help you create magical memories of your wedding. Browse the website to get started putting together your jewelry wardrobe.