5 Tips on How to Style Diamond Jewelry for Your Wedding Day

The venue has been secured, invites have gone out, flowers chosen and the dream dress found. To punctuate your wedding vision, it’s time to think about the glittering finishing touches. While your dazzling engagement ring may be the focal point, natural diamond jewelry is the ultimate way to express your personal style—and a surefire way to make a special wedding day even more magical.

Read More: The Best Diamond Wedding Bands for Every Budget

But, with so many options, it may be hard to know where to start when it comes to selecting jewelry. Traditional suites typically consist of a matching necklace, earring and bracelet that use the same motif, creating a pre-styled set to be worn together. This is certainly convenient, but why take the fun out of creating a modern combination that’s uniquely you? Whether you are a classic, bohemian, minimalist or unconventional bride, accessories reflect your personality and just like your many facets, your jewelry can be a character study in itself. Most importantly though, wear what you love and the confidence that brings will shine just as brightly as the diamonds. 

Consider the following tips as a guideline for styling your wedding day jewelry, along with some inventive pairing inspo that will leave a memorable impression long after you say “I do.” 

1. What’s your style? 

First, identify your style and aesthetic to help set the tone of a harmonious theme that complements your dress, engagement ring and overall wedding mood. Are you looking to round out your vintage-inspired gown with equally whimsical wedding day jewelry? Lean into the romance of the day with ethereal pieces that have antique influence. Or are you a classic bride who gravitates towards timeless pieces? Try a diamond line necklace or sparkling drop earrings. For the minimalist who prefers clean lines (perhaps you’re donning a column dress at a city venue), add interest by way of sculptural designs that echo the sleek vibe.

2. Consider your dress. 

Take note of your dress silhouette when choosing your jewelry. When it comes to necklaces, the general guideline is to follow the neckline. A sweetheart or V-neck calls for an exquisite diamond pendant to accentuate the décolletage, while strapless or off-the-shoulder favors a choker or collar necklace. High necklines may ask you to forgo the necklace for face-framing earrings. As for sleeves, cap or three-quarter length sleeves can show off a gleaming bracelet or artful bangle stack. If you’re embracing the ‘90s silk slip with thin straps, long and linear earrings will draw attention to the shoulders. Also, if your dress is on the ornate side, keep the jewelry simple. Our humble opinion? A stunning diamond rivière or solitaire pendant goes with just about everything. 

3. Build around an anchor.

With the previous tip in mind, let one striking piece be the star (besides your diamond ring, of course) and cast your supporting characters around it. A bold necklace has the power to carry the show and may just need diamond studs. Similarly, dramatic earrings deserve the spotlight; a tried-and-true diamond tennis bracelet or thin bangle won’t compete for attention yet adds an element of sparkle. Trust your eye to tell you when the overall effect is too busy or distracting. 

4. Mix metals. 

There’s no right answer when it comes to the age-old question of mixing metals—it comes down to personal preference. You also don’t have to stick to the same metal (nor the same stone shape) as your engagement ring, but balance is key. If your ring has a platinum band and you have your eye on yellow gold jewelry, adding in another piece set in the same white metal feels more intentional (and vice versa). A special two-toned piece is a foolproof way to unify the look, while brilliant diamond pieces seamlessly set in tonal white gold or platinum is also an easy and chic strategy to introduce white and yellow metals.

5. Add some contrast. 

What’s a wedding without a touch of drama? Create some (welcome) tension with an unexpected twist, which is where the coveted je ne sais quoi factor lies. 

If you have classics or sentimental heirlooms you want to incorporate into your wedding day jewelry, reinvigorate them with fresh accents. Delicate diamonds by the yard, perhaps wrapped around and trailing down the back (especially if you have an updo or low-back dress), are subtle but when contrasted with edgy, scene-stealing earrings, it makes for an impactful statement. Likewise, art deco is a vintage style with enduring appeal. To make it thoroughly current, look to add a few modern architectural pieces that still stay true to the geometric shapes of the era. 

Don’t neglect your multiple piercings when you walk down the aisle either—sweet diamond studs, climbers or little dangles of varying shapes and styles will lend another personal touch. After all, it’s all in the sparkling details on the big day and forever after.