* made-to-measure items (think how useful this can be for bridesmaid bracelets and for matching necklaces to necklines)

* better quality raw materials (compared with cheap factory goods) making the jewellery much longer-lasting

* it’s a limited-edition design, not a mass-market product made in a factory.

Choosing handmade jewellery clearly has benefits but how can you be certain that you’re not getting ripped off or buying bridal accessories made from low-quality materials or with poor workmanship, especially if you’re shopping online?

Here’s a quick guide on how to spy great quality goods and differentiate the rank amateurs from the consummate professionals.

Descriptions

For online products a good description is vital. Solid professionals give clear, concise descriptions that include the materials used, this may include the following:

Metal– precious or non-precious e.g. sterling silver, silver plated, gold including carat purity, gold plated, gold-filled

Gemstones-gemstone name, any special treatments it may have had, whether manmade or not, if a precious stone then more details like clarity and weight/size.

Crystal-whether Swarovski or not, perhaps the names of the exact shades used- you may need this to work out if it will fit in with the colour scheme for the wedding and/or the bridal gown.

Photographs

The description is not complete without at least one very good quality photograph. Ideally the photos will be high resolution images that let you see the detail in the jewellery. They should not be blurred, of low-resolution or very dark.

Customisation

Offering the chance of customisation does not differentiate “good” designers from “bad” designer, it’s just an option that can be very useful for the customer.

For example, small changes to the length of a bracelet can be particularly useful when buying your bridesmaids accessories since wrist sizes can vary a lot from person to person. Customising bracelets like this also makes for more personalised gifts for bridesmaids.

If you see a design you like but you would prefer to have a detail altered such as a different colour bead in some earrings or swapping the clasp on a necklace then just ask the question. Of course, there may well be an additional cost for such services, but compare this to the cost of buying bridal jewellery sets “off the rack” and then having them adjusted later by a jewellery repair shop.

Workmanship

Here’s what to look out for in a badly-finished piece of jewellery:

Rough edges- sharp, protruding edges or jump rings (hoops of metal) that haven’t been closed properly.

Chewed metal – a “chewed” texture means that the metal may have been overstressed making it more likely to break.

Feedback and Customer Comments

If you are buying bridal accessories online then make sure you check feedback left by other customers as this will give you a candid picture of how well the designer scores in terms of product quality and customer service. See if there are any comments left about the particular item you wish to buy.

Returns Policy

As with any product, if you buy it and it’s not suitable then you have the right to return it. Check the policy offered by the designer you are planning to use to make sure that they have a no-hassle returns policy.

There are many potential benefits to buying handmade bridal jewellery sets online, but as with any goods examine the details presented, ask questions and take steps to reassure yourself that it’s a reputable seller.

For more free tips on bridal jewellery sets and bridesmaids accessories go to http://bridaljewellerysets.net.

Bridal Jewellery Sets

Freshwater Pearl & Crystal Jewelry Set From $15.00	Love Heart Jewelry Set $28.00	Pure Romance Jewelry Set $36.00
Timeless Jewelry Set $24.00	Beaded Trio Jewelry Set $26.00	Pearl & Crystal Jewelry Set From $30.00
Precious Vine Jewelry Set $33.00	Vintage Jewelry Set $40.00	Elegant Moments Jewelry Set $33.00
Eternal Swirls Jewelry Set $26.00	Freshwater Pearl & Crystal Y-Necklace Jewelry Set From $44.00	Sweetheart Ladies Jewelry Set Original Retail: $26.00 Now: $15.76 From $15.76
Twist of Romance Jewelry Set $37.00	Celia Jewelry Set $18.00	Impressive Jewelry Set $26.00
Scalloped Elegance Jewelry Set $30.00	Crystal Drop Jewelry Set $38.00

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Mistake No1: Choosing Jewellery Before Dress
Choosing the accessories before you even have the dress is a mistake: the dress is so important, and it’s difficult enough finding the right one, you really don’t want the extra pressure of having to match with some accessories you picked up already.

Tip- if there are some accessories or jewellery that you have fallen in love with then keep the designer in mind- chances are you can still use their jewellery, but wait until you have the dress. Even if it’s different than the set you spied originally perhaps the designer has a different range in a style that will suit your dress, or can even customize it to suit.

The big exception to this is if you are using an heirloom piece of jewellery as your starting point.

Mistake No 2: Ignoring the Detail in the Dress
Once you have the dress and are looking for coordinating accessories take a good look at all the specific details. What beadwork, embroidery or other detail is used? Are there pearls or crystals? Which colours and shades are used? Are distinctive patterns or motifs used? How would you describe the overall style- clean, modern, simple, vintage, ornate, detailed, ethnic? Notice these details and make sure the accessories blend in with the overall “look” you have in mind.

Mistake No 3: Unsuitable Neckline
As with any dress and necklace combination, cast a critical eye over the lines created by the necklace and dress. V-necks usually look best with drop or pendant styles and a round neckline tends to work best with a simple round necklace or choker. Square necklines and strapless tend to work with all types of necklace- but watch for the length of the necklace and where it draws the eye to.

Mistake No 4: Not Coordinating the Look with the Bridesmaids
Your bridesmaids jewellery should echo some of the colours, materials or motifs that your jewellery and/or wedding colours have, but in a subtler or toned-down version. The undisputed star of the day is the bride and she should never be upstaged by her bridesmaids or have attention drawn from her by bridesmaids wearing clashing accessories.

Mistake No 5: Not Seeing the Jewellery with the Dress
Try all your jewellery on when you are wearing your dress. Without seeing everything together you may misjudge the length of the necklace or earrings, or the size of tiara. There’s a world of difference between seeing your wedding jewellery with your bridal gown as opposed to with your normal, workaday clothes. You may end up having to make another trip or even buy another whole set of jewellery if you end up buying unsuitable jewellery when you were in a rush.

A last word. Get at least one opinion from a friend who will tell you honestly how it looks. When my sister was trying her dress on in the bridal place, the employees there were so sweet they reminded me of Stepford wives as none seemed to have any opinion other than “wonderful”!

About the Author Teresa Gillman

For more free tips on bridal jewellery go to http://www.BridalJewellerySets.net.

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