Since diamonds are the focus of the engagement ring and wedding band, pearl rings are a stunning choice for a timeless piece of jewelry that goes with anything.  Accented with diamonds, a bold pearl ring for the bride can be worn for the wedding day and every day thereafter. By sticking with a gem as neutral as a pearl, the bridal right hand ring is sure to go with whatever style gown she has chosen. Gifting the bride a ring is actually even safer than giving her a pair of earrings or necklace to wear on the wedding day since the style of a dress usually dictates which style and size earrings or necklace should be worn to compliment it. Rings, on the other hand (no pun intended!), can be worn with a much greater variety of dress  styles without clashing.

Three breathtaking pearl and diamond bridal rings we love hail from Apples of Gold.  Their online store has just expanded its selection of pearls to include the highest quality Tahitian and South Sea pearls, making them an even more special bridal gift.  Here are our top picks, and the type of bride they would be perfect for:

South Sea Pearl & Diamond Summer Ring

The South Sea pearl and diamond ring (at top left) is ideal for the traditional bride who values the inherent style of simplicity.  The whopping ten millimeter South Sea white pearl is of superior quality with a very thick nacre and deep luster.

Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Eternity Ring

The Tahitian pearl and diamond eternity ring (shown at upper right) is a stylish stroke of genius in design.  Three delicate diamond encrusted bands merge together to form a cradle for a gorgeous Tahitian black pearl. The eternity design is perfect for style savvy brides who love fashion and accessories.

South Sea Pearl & Diamond Blossom Ring

Girly girls who love all things floral and sweet will fall head over heels for the South Sea pearl and diamond blossom ring, shown at left. The design is exquisitely feminine with delicate diamond encrusted, stylized petals and a diamond covered solid white gold band.

Pearl jewelry is undoubtedly timeless and sophisticated, but it sometimes gets a bad rep for being outdated. We’d like to debunk that myth by saying that pearls are always classic, and if you are wearing a classic wedding gown they will always compliment it beautifully. Additionally, pearls are the type of jewelry that a bride will never regret wearing ten years from now when she looks back on her wedding day accessories.  Of all the wedding fads that come and go, beautiful pearl and diamond jewelry looks lovely year round, year after year, decade after decade.

The type of pearl jewelry a bride wears on her wedding day should be dictated by the style of her dress, although classic pearl earrings will go with just about anything. For a stunning selection of pearl jewelry, we suggest heading over to Apples of Gold’s online jewelry store. They just added a plethora of top-quality Tahitian and South Sea pearl jewelry that is simply breathtaking, and is priced much lower than regular retail – perfect for the stylish bride who wants to save money.

Three pieces perfect for a timeless bride are their South Sea pearl and diamond Julia earrings, the double strand Akoya pearl and diamond clasp necklace and the South Sea pearl and diamond drop pendant. All are absolutely lovely, and all would go fabulously with a strapless sweetheart neckline wedding gown.  Also, be sure to check out Apples of Gold’s site for more pretty pearl jewelry and gold jewelry perfect for the wedding day.

Adding a piece of pink gemstone jewelry to the bride’s wedding day ensemble is a fun way to play up the wedding color and add richness to her look.  If you are on the fence about pink gemstone jewelry on your wedding day, take a peek at these gorgeous Pink Topaz drop earrings by Brian Danielle.

Crafted from 14K solid rose gold, the drop earrings are set with a round cut, sparkling pink topaz. Surrounding the pink center stone is a halo of pave diamonds that pop against the warm rose gold metal. In three words? Sheer, utter perfection.  These earrings are the perfect pick for a romantic bride who wants her wedding day filled with peonies, muted pastels, and flirty feminine details.

If you love the style of these earrings but pink just isn’t your thing, check out these beautiful alternative center stones, both set in white gold in lieu of rose gold:

Brian Danielle Prasiolite Drop Earrings - Prasiolite is a beautiful bluish-green stone that looks stunning set in this darling earring design.

Brian Danielle Blue Topaz Drop Earrings - Brides looking for their something blue will love the blue topaz center stone in this design. Besides, the sparkling blue gemstone makes both  blue and brown eyes pop.

For couples who want to honor their Irish or Celtic heritage, or those who cherish the deep symbolism imbued in the Celtic designs, a Celtic wedding band is a handsome choice. Celtic wedding bands come in different widths and precious metals, including white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum and titanium. Each different metal, width and Celtic design creates a very unique look that should speak to the couple in terms of style and meaning. One site that carries over 100 stunning Celtic wedding ring designs is jeweler Apples of Gold. To give you a taste of their selection, we thought we’d highlight a few of our favorite Celtic designs:

14K Gold Celtic Filigree Ring

Not only is this Celtic wedding band (at top) unique and beautiful, it also has a hidden design. Look closely at the inside of the filigree pattern to reveal a hidden cross – perfect for couples who want to honor their Christian faith and values with their wedding band.  

Celtic Maze Design Wedding Band

Crafted from solid 14K white gold, the intricate Celtic maze on this ring is a seamless design to symbolize eternity and never-ending love. The black contrast is created with an antiquing effect, which we think makes the ring look similar to a Versace.

Celtic Heart Knot Wedding Band

Nothing is sweeter than a beautiful Celtic heart knot design. Except, perhaps, a Celtic knot heart design in stunning rose gold. Though many Celtic knot rings look decidedly masculine, we love how feminine and sweet this ring is, perfect for an Irish gal who wants to celebrate her heritage.

Black Titanium Celtic Wedding Band

Speaking of masculine Celtic wedding bands, this ring could serve as the definition of masculine jewelry. A simple titanium wedding band is engraved and powder-coated with black titanium in a Celtic infinity design. The design gives the ring just enough interest without compromising its simple style statement.

Vintage style engagement rings run the gamut in look and price, and are a great option for women who love feminine, romantic ring designs.  Some of our favorite vintage engagement ring designs hail from Apples of Gold Jewelry, whose ring styles range from antique Art Deco to vexing Victorian. Even better, their prices are extremely reasonable, perfect for those with expensive taste on a strict budget.

3/4 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Floret Engagement Ring

This dainty, delicate ring (shown at left) is  reminiscent of the Victorian era.  Though vintage in inspiration, the style of this ring gets a modern update with the popular 3-stone style princess cut setting.  It’s a beautiful choice at an incredibly alluring price.

3/4 Carat Art Deco Bridal Ring Set

What we love about this antique style engagement ring is that it comes with a matching diamond-studded band.  The pave halo surrounding the center stone diamond makes it appear much larger for an impressive statement without putting a huge dent in your savings account. It’s perfect for stylish brides who love the sparkle of diamonds, and also takes the hassle out of finding a separate matching wedding band for your engagement ring.

Antique Design Diamond Engagement Ring

The intricacy that is characteristic of vintage engagement rings is spotlighted in this highly detailed design. A sparkling center stone diamond is flanked by two bezel set diamonds on either side as well as a contrasting yellow gold design detail.  The final piece de resistance is the stunning carved white gold shank of the ring reminiscent of old world craftsmanship. What we love most about this ring is that we have yet to find another design quite like it; it truly is unique.

Hand Carved Paisley Diamond Wedding Band

For brides who prefer a beautiful wedding band to wear in lieu of a traditional engagement ring, this beauty would be our first choice. The solid white gold ring has hand-carved paisley leaves running the length of the band, and is surrounded by two rows of pave diamonds that line the edges. It’s a serious stunner that will make brides who want a traditional engagement ring thing twice.

For more examples of lovely vintage-inspired engagement rings, click over to Apples of Gold’s site and check out the rest of their designs. We love that not only are many of their designs unique, they are also budget friendly without sacrificing quality materials or craftsmanship.

Whether your style leans toward modern, vintage or whatever is most budget friendly, there are lovely diamond bridal bands that fit the bill. Here are some of our favorites to check out:

Engraved Antique White Gold Diamond Band

If your engagement ring has a vintage aesthetic, this antique style white gold and diamond band (pictured at top) is a great fit. The thin, feminine band is set with 67 sparkling high quality diamonds that twinkle as you move your hand. It’s a great pick for a stand-alone stunner when you don’t want to wear your engagement ring.

Modern White Gold and Diamond Wedding Band

This 14K white gold wedding band is dotted abstractly with twelve little diamonds. The effect is similar to stars dotting the night sky – a lovely work of art. It’s just the pick for women who appreciate design with a modern sensibility.

Budget Friendly Diamond Eternity White Gold Wedding Band

Brides on a budget need not sacrifice their style aesthetic to save money. Not only is a wedding band a lifelong investment, but the right style can be found at an amazing price with a little bit of digging. Case in point, this stunning white gold and diamond eternity wedding band. For just around $300, you get a quarter carat of diamonds to sparkle next to your engagement ring; a great deal without sacrificing budget or quality.

1. Aquamarine and Diamond Stud Earrings in White Gold

Understated and elegant, this pair of gorgeous aquamarine and diamond studs would make a stunning something blue. The white gold earrings are small enough to be paired with a necklace, and can even be worn with a dress that has an elaborate neckline or ruffled bolero.

Modern brides will love the minimalist aesthetic, while brides with dramatic dresses can enjoy a touch of sparkle that doesn’t fight with their dress. They’re perfect for adding a pop around the bride’s face without creating a distraction, and will only set you back $250.



2. Blue Topaz and Diamond Earrings in Yellow Gold

Yellow gold has been making a big comeback in the style world, and it’s slowly taking center stage in the bridal realm as well. In lieu of white gold engagement rings, many stylish brides are choosing warm yellow gold for their bands. These stylish brides should choose wedding day earrings  crafted in a lovely yellow gold to compliment their ring.

When we saw this amazing pair of blue topaz and diamond earrings set in yellow gold, we fell in love. The style is  a little bit vintage yet totally modern, and the earrings are just the right size to make a statement without overwhelming other elements of the bride’s ensemble.  At $500, they’re not cheap – but they can certainly be worn forever and passed down to future generations (a something old and a something blue!).

Win this Diamond in Blue Nile’s Signature Diamond Sweepstakes!

Prize is appraised at an estimated $5,000 (3/4 Carat Solitaire Signature Diamond).

No purchase necessary to enter. Sweeps end on July 1st, 2009!

Blue Nile, “Forbes’ Favorite Online Jeweler”, is an exceptional company with high-end jewelry at reasonable prices and an impeccable reputation.

Blue Nile also offers an exceptional selection of GIA graded diamond engagement rings, Build Your Own Diamond Ring, and Engagement Ring Guide.

Bridal Earrings We Love

Chandelier or drop earrings are a great choice for wedding day jewelry since they make a statement and really glam up your dress. Avoid choosing earrings that are too large and can overpower your dress, and focus on simple, classic chandelier designs that will stand the test of time. Here are some of our favorite chandelier earring options for the bride:

14K White Gold and Diamond Chandelier Earrings

These drop earrings (pictured at top) are lovely and understated, yet still pack a glamorous punch. They would compliment an Art Deco style dress or wedding theme to a tee.

Diamond Drop Earrings with Pave

Engagement rings surrounded by pave diamonds hugely popular, and this pair of diamond drop earrings would compliment that style perfectly.

Circle and Oval Drop Diamond Earrings
These circle drop diamond earrings would be just perfect for a modern bride. The of-the-moment design is style forward and will make any bride look like a red carpet diva on her wedding day.