Bridal Gems that Are Out of the (Jewellery) Box
From tradition-setting engagement rings to revamped pearl necklaces, elevate your wedding day with these alternative bridal jewellery ideas
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Bridal Gems that are Out of the (Jewellery) Box
From tradition-setting engagement rings to revamped pearl necklaces, elevate your wedding day with these alternative bridal jewellery ideas
By: George ElliotPlanning for a wedding day like no other? If so, you’ll want everything from the venue and flowers to the colour scheme and of course the dress you wear to feel original and uniquely you. As a bride-to-be who wants to do things her way, you’ll know that no detail is too small, either. So for the individuality and outfit elevation you seek, consult this editor-approved guide that’s brimming with the best alternative bridal jewellery ideas. From rule-breaking engagement rings to memory-marking bracelets that are far from conventional, expect precious gems that are as distinct as you. The best bit? Each piece below is one you can (and will) wear for years to come.
An Extraordinary Engagement Ring
To begin the next chapter in your love story, you’ll need to first secure an engagement ring. But instead of the classic diamond solitaire which has for decades been the token of unconditional love, why not break with the ordinary? Choose stones in unusual cuts and bright colours – and look beyond diamonds entirely. Set with several delicate pink opals, Liberty’s 9ct Gold Aragon Pink Opal Ring, £760, provides a more sculptural spin on the norm. So too does Artemer's 18ct Gold Mirrored Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, £7,580, with its ‘bigger is better’ energy. In practice, as long as the ring you choose is timeless, relatively hardwearing and pairs well with your other jewellery, the only real limit is your imagination.
Shop nowRead more: How to Buy an Engagement Ring
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A New-School Wedding Band
As an ancient symbol for eternity, the wedding band is officially the most recognisable and traditional symbol of love, yet because so much time and effort goes into the search for an engagement ring, they’re often a bit of an afterthought. The fix? Choose one that’s textural, has artistic touches and comes embellished with a few small gems for added originality. After all, no two stones are exactly alike. Set with a constellation of sapphires, rubellites and turquoise stones, Balint Samad's 9ct Gold Orion Shooting Star Band Ring, £1,080, is perfect for brides-to-be who want to forge their own traditions. For something a little more outside the (jewellery) box, might we suggest a signet ring: a sentimental style you can make truly one-of-a-kind by engraving a meaningful message onto it.
Shop nowRead more: Wedding Dresses for Rule Breakers
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A Nuanced Necklaces
Trend forecasters predict that wedding dresses with either plunging or off-the-shoulder necklines are set to dominate this spring/summer, which presents the prime opportunity to do away with dainty necklaces of old and instead clasp something altogether more eye-catching around our necks. For a Liberty-approved look, Alexis Bittar's 14ct Gold-Plated Brut Link Chain Necklace, £270 comes as a highly recommended, alternative talisman of love. Pearlcore is on the rise too so, to tick both trends, pick out a show-stopping pearl necklace that speaks to your individuality. Completedwork's 14ct Gold-Plated Crystal And Freshwater Pearl Necklace, £395, will pair with pretty much any wedding dress you have in mind.
Shop nowRead more: Summer 2023 Jewellery Trends
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A Ceremonial Stack
The-bigger-the-better earrings are perfect for adding attitude and edge, but why not go one step further with a curated stack of earrings? Especially ideal for those brides-to-be who find it hard settling for just one of something, there are some helpful guiding principles to keep in mind for a harmonious composition. Firstly, contrast styles. For example, pairing Alex Monroe's 22ct Gold-Plated Lemon Blossom Branch Hoops, £390 with a stud placed further up the ear will add interest. Secondly, be playful with sizing as differentiation between big and small is key. Lastly, think in terms of texture. In other words: offset ornate and bezelled pieces like Completedwork's 14ct Gold-Plated Brass Swampy Cord Earrings, £245 with a more pare-back set such as Dinny Hall's Gold Plated Vermeil Silver Raindrop Hoop Earrings, £80.
Shop nowRead more: An Expert's Guide to Ear-Piercing Curation
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Missoma
18ct Gold-Plated Molten Gemstone Doughnut Triple Charm Drop Earrings
Missoma
18ct Gold-Plated Convertible Ovate Double Link Hoop Earrings
A Milestone-Marking Bracelet
Unless they’re going to be covered up by your dress, a bracelet for one of your wrists is the final touch to add. But as you’re a non-conformist, steer away from anything predictable and instead wear a charm bracelet: a sentimental piece that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Take Alighieri's The Founding Pillar Bracelet, £225. Every time you look upon this 24ct gold-plated chain and its charming trinket, it’ll instantly remind you of your big day. Perhaps you fancy making your own? If so, start with the Anna + Nina 14ct Gold-Plated Linked Hearts Bracelet, £45 and attach the 'God Is In The House' Charm, £2,500, an intricately crafted church that opens like a locket to reveal a miniature bride and groom. Like a wearable narrative, build upon it year after year, milestone after milestone.
Shop nowRead more: The Best Charm Jewellery
