The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Chic Jewelry for Weddings and Summer Events

The end of the school year is already here, and vacation season is just around the corner! This time of year is often filled with special events: prom, graduation ceremonies, or the wedding of a close friend. So many occasions when we want to shine and look our very best.

Your dress or suit was probably chosen long ago. But have you thought about the evening jewelry you’ll wear for this memorable occasion? Here, we’ll help you find the pieces that suit you best and avoid a few common fashion missteps.

How to Choose Jewelry for Special Events

Balance and Personality

Evening jewelry can make or break a look, so choosing it carefully is important. As with everything, balance and harmony are key. For an evening event such as a prom, gala, or wedding, it can be tempting to wear more than you normally would. And rightly so—it’s the perfect opportunity to have fun and show some originality. But the line between “more” and “too much” can sometimes be a fine one.

If your outfit is highly detailed, covered in embroidery, or features a colorful pattern, it’s best to opt for simple, minimalist jewelry. On the other hand, with a solid-colored dress in a simple cut, you can afford to wear a bold, even sparkling statement piece. In short, opposites attract.

We also tend to want to wear both a necklace and earrings. Since these pieces adorn almost the same area of the body, finding the right balance between them is especially important. If your earrings are bold, a more delicate necklace will work best. Conversely, if your necklace makes a statement, choose smaller earrings.

And, of course, your personality should guide your choices. It may be tempting to recommend sparkling jewelry to graduates who have dreamed of prom for years and want to complete their princess-inspired look. But at that age, many young women prefer a more understated style. They may want to stand out without feeling as though they are wearing a costume. That choice should be respected.

Budget

When we think of evening wear, prom dresses, or bridesmaid gowns, we may imagine having to invest in gold and diamonds. Of course, you can, especially if you want to keep a lasting reminder of the special occasion. Gold and diamond jewelry never goes out of style, and you’ll enjoy wearing it again for years to come.

But if you don’t plan on wearing your evening jewelry again, it’s entirely possible to shine without spending a fortune. Stainless steel, crystals, and cubic zirconia are striking options available at very reasonable prices. You’ll find jewelry for a wide range of budgets in our selection for this article.

Hairstyle

Earrings are probably the jewelry that best highlights your face. They frame it and naturally draw attention to it. If you have short hair or wear it tied back or in an updo, larger earrings can create a beautiful effect.

With your hair up, these beautiful Swarovski earrings are sure to turn heads. Smaller but just as spectacular, these Ania Haie climber earrings add a distinctly modern touch.

On the other hand, if you wear your hair down, delicate earrings will generally create a more harmonious look. And if you want a foolproof choice, hoops are always a classic. Their delicate shape and shine complement virtually any outfit and style.

Neckline

The shape of your dress, and especially its neckline, will also determine the type of necklace that will enhance your evening look.

A strapless dress pairs beautifully with a short, wider necklace in a choker-inspired style. Of course, if you prefer something more understated, a small pendant on a short chain will work just as well.

If your dress has a high neckline, it may be better to skip the necklace and opt for beautiful earrings instead. If you still want to wear a necklace, choose a delicate long necklace, but only if the fabric of your outfit is simple and solid-colored.

  

Sleeves

Prom dresses, like many evening gowns, rarely have long sleeves. This is the perfect opportunity to wear your most beautiful bracelets.

You can choose a single wide bracelet, perhaps even a cuff, or experiment with layering several delicate bracelets.

If your outfit happens to have long sleeves, take the opportunity to adorn your hands with beautiful rings. Again, balance is key: choose one large statement ring as the focal point of your look, or create an elegant stack of delicate, slim bands.

       

Color

Your skin tone and the color of your dress also play a role in choosing jewelry for a wedding, graduation, or other special evening.

If your dress is black, white, or grey, almost anything goes. These neutral shades pair beautifully with virtually every gemstone and metal color.

If your dress is colorful and you want to keep things simple, gold and silver are reliable choices. If you want to add stones for extra sparkle, diamonds, cubic zirconia, and white pearls are among the best options for evening jewelry.

Jewelry for Men

For a chic and formal evening, an elegant watch is a natural complement to a men’s look, alongside a tie. It can also become the perfect keepsake from an unforgettable occasion.

    

More and more, young men are looking for ways to express themselves beyond traditional choices. Many now have pierced ears and can choose precious-metal hoops or small sparkling stones to add the finishing touch to their evening attire.

  

We hope these tips have helped you find the perfect jewelry to complete your evening look. And if you’re still not sure you’ve made the right choice, come visit us in store. We’ll be happy to help you find the pieces that make you feel like the prince or princess you’ve always dreamed of being.