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Pandemic-era micro weddings threw out the rulebook. Now Big Days are back, and weddings more individual than ever.
Fashion-led dresses and personalised ceremonies set the scene for contemporary bridal jewellery that expresses individuality and elevates a wedding-day look. And these meaningful pieces last far beyond the last dance.
Diamonds are a dazzling choice for brides thanks to their complexion-flattering radiance and sparkle that’s apparent from the back pew. For her Tulsa wedding last June, actress Sophia Bush wore oversized diamond flower studs to complement her floral gown. Diamond hoops are similarly unconventional: whether set with brilliant-cut or emerald-cut stones, they offer a fun, laidback look that works from the altar to the dancefloor.
Drop earrings are an elegant choice that work well with any bridal hairstyle. Follow the lead of Sofia Richie, who wore pear-cut diamond drop earrings for her April wedding, or opt for a simple and sophisticated line of graduating-sized diamonds. A sleek up-do suits standout diamond studs, like those worn by Nicole Peltz when she married Brooklyn Beckham.
The trend for unembellished wedding gowns means brides can be more experimental with their jewellery, layering necklaces and bracelets without cluttering their look. A twisted diamond bangle or a right-hand ring formed of mixed diamond cuts will add a textural element to an understated outfit.
Square necklines are also a big story in bridalwear: a diamond rivière necklace perfectly complements the structural shape, while a diamond pendant is best suited to a plunging or V-neck dress.
Sleeveless gowns are best accessorised with a diamond bracelet, the perfect way to bring attention to a sumptuous bouquet. Long sleeves draw the eye towards the hands: at her Spanish wedding in May, reality star Sophie Habboo’s ivory lace sleeves accentuated her sensational oval engagement ring.
Multi-day weddings are here to stay, and outfit changes require a jewellery wardrobe to match. When Jennifer Lopez married Ben Affleck last summer, she switched from classic pearls to multi-million-dollar diamond chandeliers. Even those without an A-lister’s budget may want to swap an understated pair of studs for a bigger pair of earrings or hoops to finish their evening look.
Unlike the once-in-a-lifetime dress, jewellery will be worn for years after ‘I Do’: a precious reminder of a special day. No two pieces of jewellery are more meaningful than a wedding and engagement ring, a visual symbol of commitment that will be passed onto future generations. Many engagement ring designs carry hidden meanings that make them even more sentimental.
Three-stone engagement rings symbolise a couple’s past, present and future, while a double band represents two souls uniting and their unbreakable bond. Antique-style toi et moi rings are enjoying a resurgence, dating back to the 19th century, when Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to Joséphine de Beauharnais with a ring featuring a diamond and ruby, signifying the love between two individuals. Some brides like to echo their engagement ring in the rest of their wedding-day jewellery, by reaching for the same cut of diamond in a pendant necklace, for example, or mirroring their ring’s diamond halo in a pair of studs.
Today’s bold brides are deciding whether to wear a train or a tuxedo, and walk down the aisle to Wagner or the Wu-Tang Clan. The rules of engagement have changed, and with them any notion of customary bridalwear. Jewellery, like the rest of a wedding, should make a bride feel like the very best version of herself - no matter what your style, there is a precious way to elevate your look.
Discover more beautiful jewellery to elevate your bridal look here at Mappin & Webb online or visit us in store at one of our showrooms where our jewellery experts will be delighted to help you find the perfect piece for your bridal style.
Author credit: The Telegraph’s former Jewellery & Watches Editor, Sarah Royce-Greensill has spent the last decade immersed in the fascinating world of fine jewellery. Sarah edits the ‘Showcase’ section of Vanity Fair On Jewellery, a prestigious anthology of everything new and noteworthy in jewellery, and is a contributor to Conde Nast Traveller, Tatler, Times Luxx, Country Life and Harrods Magazine among other titles.
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