classic, timeless feeling. I mean, do you really want to look at your pictures 20 years from now and cringe at the obviously dated choices? Still, there are ways to accomplish timelessness while stepping outside of the box.
Why not experiment with color? The crackle glass necklace at right has that all-important classic feel to it, while incorporating soft, dreamy colors. The great thing about this palette is that it's very natural and will doubtlessly pick up some of the hues in your flowers. This will ensure that the necklace is noticed, but it doesn't steal the show.
If a show-stopping piece is what you're going for, a bright, bold statement hot pink lucite necklace like the one below might be perfect for you. Spunky and fun, it will show off your playful personality, but it still manages to hold on to a vintage feel. Use it to pick up a subtle shade in your bouquet and it will make you look sophisticated and pulled together, yet not too prim and proper.
Too much color for your taste? You could always go with a bright pop of color in a small dose. The ruby glass sterling necklace and Caribbean blue earring choices shown here are delicate and feminine, but they deliver an unexpected burst of color. Choose one area to accent and match the piece to your flowers, your bridesmaids' dresses—just about anything you want. The result will be understated and elegant without being too matchy-matchy.
Unexpected shapes can also set your look a part. When I think of wedding jewels, I think of hearts, circles and teardrops. But why does that have to be the standard?
This sweet gold plated necklace and the An Original Jewelry collection at are great examples of how you can experiment with different shapes. They are unique and whimsical, 
yet still romantic and timeless. Either piece will distinguish you from the "typical" bride, but you won't shudder when your grandkids make you dig out your wedding album.
The best part of all of the lovelies shown here? They're incredibly versatile. You can take them on your honeymoon and wear them with jeans or a sundress. Why waste money on pieces that will sit at the top of your closet, only to be gazed at longingly because you're too afraid to wear them again? Instead, dare to be different with a unique twist on those old standbys.
Jennifer Garry is a writer and accessories designer living in Westchester, NY with her husband and daughter. When she's not up to her ears in kiddie crafts, you can find her swimming in a pool of beads. Her obsessions include tea, chocolate, sarcasm and her daughter's giggle--any of which can be used to coax her from her little jewelry-making fantasy world.
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park-walk.co.uk is a great little jewelry store with a beautiful selection, and the atmosphere is really intimate and serene--there's nothing flashy or show off-y about it, it just feels really elegant. The service is excellent, very personal and attentive. I took my engagement ring in to be sized and the man there was very friendly and took his time making sure he got my size exactly right. They called me a day and a half later saying my ring was ready, three days before I'd requested it be done. When I picked it up the man there was incredibly kind and personable, again making sure it fit just right, congratulating me, etc. I sort of associate jewelers with a level of pushiness but I didn't feel that at all in this place. Definitely recommended.Park-walk also delivers clothing accessories.