Traditionally, pearls were the preferred choice for bridal jewelry. Brides wore pearl jewelry with diamond accents to add glamour to the look. In recent times the trend has changed and modern brides are experimenting with their dresses, jewelry and their overall bridal look. To be specific about jewelry, colored gemstone jewelry is the latest fashion in bridal wear.

Your choice of jewelry will depend on a number of factors like:

Your preferred look

Time of the occasion

Type of party

Your budget

Your preferred look ? First of all, you need decide what type of look are you going for? If your wedding dress is fancy and fashionable, then subtle, understated jewelry will work the best. Pearls will work just fine here. Or you could also choose to wear colored natural gemstones with diamond accents. The choice available in colored natural gemstones is huge. You could choose the gemstone on the basis of your color preference (ravishing red-ruby, velvety dark blue-sapphire, lush green-emerald, silky violet-tanzanite, sky blue-aquamarine and so on). You can choose dainty designs with diamond accents to add a dazzle to the look. If you have a very plain dress, choose larger jewelry to glam up the look. You could choose any thing form danglers to chandeliers, large fashionable necklaces to designer pendants etc. Your choice of jewelry would also depend on the hair style you choose for the occasion. If you are planning to style your hair falling on your shoulders then wearing a pendant would be a good idea. On the other hand if your hair willed be tied up then large necklaces and earrings will look great. So basically if you have decided your look for the occasion, then it will be easier for you to find the perfect jewelry.

As times changed, the use of jewelry also shifted from being an article of necessity to an article of luxury. Jewelry became an ornament and a symbol of status. Kings, queens and the royals had treasure chests full of gleaming gems and precious jewelry that are of immense value today. In modern times jewelry has become an important fashion accessory, an expression of self. Jewelry is made of almost every material known to mankind and has been made to adorn nearly every body part, from head to toe. There is no limit to the different varieties, designs and styles available today. There is fine jewelry that is made of natural gemstones and precious metals, art jewelry where design and creativity is prized above material value, costume jewelry which is made from less-valuable materials and mass-produced, fashion jewelry where again designs are important than the quality or value of the material used. Jewelry can also be symbolic of a religion, cult or group membership ? Christian crucifix; Jewish Star of David; eye-rings, tongue studs etc. of the hip-hop generation.

Time of the occasion ? Your jewelry and overall look will differ based on the time of the occasion. If it is a day wedding then you should choose an elegant look whereas for an evening function choose a glamorous look.

Type of party ? Are you having a small party with only close friends and family or a grand party with an elaborate guest list. You can choose to be subtle in a small gathering but choose a dazzling look for the grand look.

Your budget ? This is probably the most important factor that helps you decide your jewelry (and of course all other things). Colored natural gemstones fit every budget and look great as well.