June is not only the month whose birthstone is the luminous pearl, but it’s also a very popular month to tie the knot. To that end, I decided to interview my good friend and co-worker, Mary Ellen Garbarino, about pearl bridal jewelry for this month’s column. Mary Ellen is a jewelry buyer and a bridal consultant for MoonRiverPearls.com; her expertise is pearl bridal jewelry. In her career at Moon River Pearls.com, she’s helped hundreds of brides choose the perfect bridal jewelry for their wedding day—not to mention gifts for their attendants, and she truly loves her job. Read what she has to say about current bridal jewelry trends, why pearls are timeless classics and what brides should do to ensure they get the perfect look on their special day.
Are pearls still popular with brides or are they considered old fashioned?
Mary Ellen Garbarino: Brides are always looking for pearl jewelry both for themselves and for their attendants, including their flower girls. Many brides buy pearl earrings for their mothers, grandmothers, godmothers and any other women involved in the ceremony. They do not consider them old fashioned at all. Classic and timeless is more like it.
What styles of pearl jewelry are brides wearing nowadays?
ME: We find that many times brides wear a classic pearl necklace handed down from a family member and then they look for earrings or a bracelet to wear with it. If the dress is strapless, they look for either long earrings to wear alone, or pearl studs or drops to wear with a strand or pendant. Illusion necklaces are popular with the bride who has chosen a dress without lots of detail.
Do you have advice for choosing the perfect necklace or earrings? Do they have to go with the dress?
ME: Pearls go with everything; well, at least white pearls do. If the dress has lots of beading or sequins, especially if the pearl beading is stark white (they are never real pearls either) we have to be a bit more careful when choosing the jewelry. Pearl overkill is not a good idea.
Are pearls an affordable option for bridesmaids' gifts?
ME: They certainly are. We sell freshwater pearls which are gorgeous but very affordable. We offer great discounts to brides who are buying in larger quantities. In special circumstances we will give the bride free button pearl earrings with each necklace. Normally I ask a bride what her budget is for each attendant and I makesuggestions with that in mind. It simplifies the process for them. I work very hard to keep her expenses within reach for her and if we discount a bit more—that’s just fine with us. We love happy brides and buying their bridal jewelry should be the least stressful part of their wedding planning. Many of our new bridal customers receivedour jewelry as a gift at a wedding they were a bridesmaid in.
What are some fresh ways to wear pearls?
ME: The classics are always fresh no matter what, tin cup necklaces are huge and we offer them in white, black, pink and lavender. Women love them. Since Carrie Bradshaw (aka Sarah J. Parker) wore the rope of pearls during the entire Sex and the City movie, women are ordering them. I really feel that when women or men are spending money on pearls, they buy the classics always. On-line shoppersbuying trendy stuff are not looking for real pearls—these are mostly young girls wanting to spend under $20. They are not our typical customer.
Do you have any overall fashion advice for brides?
ME: Yes, when looking for a dress, try on lots of styles. Go dress shopping with an open mind, a good friend with some fashion sense, and find a helpful sales clerk. If the salespeople are not helpful or don't treat you like you are special, move on because there is a bridal shop waiting to treat you like you deserve. Onceyou find your dress and you know how you want to wear your hair then call us and let us guide you with your jewelry. When in doubt, buy several styles from us, charge them, try them on and return what does not work. You have to see it on! We'll credit your credit card before you even get your statement. It's as easy as that.
What about any fashion or jewelry don’ts, or are rules meant to be broken?
ME: Most good fashion jewelry rules are there because they work. Check out any bridal magazine and most times the rules are followed. Don't forget to think about where the wedding is taking place, for example is it a simple beach wedding or an elaborate affair at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City? Can a bride break the rules? Of course she can within reason and only if it is in keeping with her personal style—don’t be someone you are not unless it is an upgrade!
Should bridesmaids' jewelry match?
ME: My personal opinion is yes, but that is how I am. If it doesn't match exactly, it should be white pearls, or pink pearls, etc. Do give the bridesmaids the jewelry as a gift, and then you won't have to worry about someone wearing something horrible and sticking out as the bridesmaid with horrible taste who is trying to steal the show.
Are traditional pearls the only jewelry that's right for black tie?
ME: Traditional or vintage styles. Strands or chokers, short or long earrings: Oh yes. I was watching the movie North and South the other night and the pearls on the women were simply gorgeous. Pearls and diamonds together—what a stunning combination that’s always right for a black tie wedding.
What about a beach wedding?
ME: Sterling silver or pearls or a combination of both. Coin pearls are perfect fit too. Pearls, water and sand are a natural combination and look just terrific.
Thank you for your time, Mary Ellen. You’ve certainly given brides some food for thought!
ME: My pleasure. Brides should feel free to call me toll-free if they have any questions. 800-405-2488.
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