The Best Places to Purchase Jewelry for Bridesmaids

Many brides opt to give their bridesmaid a necklace or other piece of jewelry as a thank you gift for being a part of the bridal party; as a bride-to-be, spend some time thinking about what type of jewelry gift you want to give to the important women in your life. If you plan on asking your bridesmaids to wear the jewelry at your wedding, keep them (the bridesmaids) in mind when you're shopping. You want to give them something that they will feel beautiful in at the wedding and that they will continue to wear for years to come.

Kohl's - This is a great option for bridesmaid necklaces, bracelets, and earrings; if you have a store near you, check there often as they are always getting new jewelry and running sales. Or, you can always check online at their website (www.kohls.com) if you do not have one nearby.

They carry a wide variety of costume jewelry. If you are looking for costume jewelry, I would recommend looking at the 1928 and Apt. 9 lines. 1928 is a line of very antique looking pieces (sold in a variety of colors) and will make your bridesmaids look timeless in your wedding day pictures; they are also pieces that can be worn again with business attire or on a nice evening out. This line is always on sale and ranges from $9.00 and up. Apt. 9 is a more modern and streamlined design choice; this is great if you're doing an informal wedding. Many of their pieces would compliment tea-length bridal dresses very well. They make several different pins if you'd like your bridesmaids to have something to display on their dresses instead of a traditional necklace. Prices begin at $8.00 and go up from there; like 1928, this line is on sale quite often, too. They have many other costume jewelry lines that are all inexpensive but good quality; none of their jewelry is going to fall apart after one wear.

Kohl's also carries a large amount of fine jewelry at great prices; they have many diamond and pearl pieces in silver, gold, and white gold. I actually bought my bridesmaids pearl earrings from here; we went during a holiday sale in December and got the earrings (originally valued at over $100.00 a pair) for less than $40.00 a pair. It was a great deal and a gift that all of my bridesmaids seemed to really enjoy; I've seen many of them wear the pearls multiple times after our wedding, too. Kohl's prices are never going to be outrageous, but try to shop there (online or in-store) during one of their sales for a great buy; they run sales frequently, but even more so during the holiday seasons. If you order online, they often offer free shipping and will get your items to you quickly. You will be able to afford a great piece of fine jewelry - whether it is a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings - for what you would pay for costume jewelry at most major department stores.

Macy's - This retailer has locations nationwide, and you can also buy most of their jewelry online. (As with any major department store, the variety in-store and online will differ, so give yourself time to check out both.) They carry a wide variety of costume jewelry and fine jewelry. They do always have a sale and clearance section, but their prices still run rather high. They have a bridal party section on their website, but the most inexpensive piece is a bracelet that is priced on sale at $50.00. This is a great option if you do not have to shop for very many bridesmaids or have an unlimited jewelry budget. Macy's carries rings, necklaces, and earrings in all types of material (gold, white gold, silver, etc.) Their jewelry (whether costume or real) is always great quality, so you can not go wrong there.

David's Bridal - This is a popular wedding boutique for brides looking for all of their wedding-day needs in one place; they carry bridal dresses, shoes, bridesmaid dresses, wedding invitations, etc. But, many brides do not realize that they also carry their own line of costume jewelry. For a while, they only sold their line in-stores, but they now have a jewelry selection that you can purchase directly from their website (www.davidsbridal.com). Their pieces are all very classic and elegant in design and are either silver or gold in color. Many of them have stone colors that match the colors of the dresses that they sell, too. This would be a great way to give your bridesmaids a gift that will remind them of your wedding every time they see the color of the dress they wore in their jewelry. I have not personally purchased jewelry from them, but I have had several friends buy their wedding items from them and have only wonderful things to say about their experiences. Also, keep in mind that if you purchase your dress here, they usually give you a discount on the rest of the items in the store; you should speak to them about using that discount on their already affordable ($20.00 and up) jewelry.

Zales - This retailer only carries fine jewelry - which, you can purchase in-store or online (www.zales.com). You will only want to shop here if you have an unlimited budget for bridesmaid jewelry as the most inexpensive piece that I have seen there was still $60.00 on sale; give yourself time if you do decide to buy from them to watch their sale items. They seem to run sales on out-of-season items. For example, you will get a great deal on a pink sapphire heart (originally meant for Valentine's Day) during the fall/winter seasons. If you have plenty of time to buy the jewelry, this would be a great option. Or, if you are shopping with an unlimited budget, they carry fine jewelry in all shapes, sizes, colors, and metals. You will not be able to go wrong by purchasing jewelry (ring, necklace, bracelet, or earrings) for your bridesmaids from here. But, if you are shopping on a budget, do not put yourself in to a small debt just to buy something with a major jewelers name on the box.

Sam Moon - This retailer only has three actual stores (all located in Texas), but you can order online via their website (www.sammoon.com). They do not carry fine jewelry, but have a very large selection of costume jewelry. Much of their items are sold in sets; so, for around $10.00 you can get each of your bridesmaids a pair of earrings, necklace, and bracelet. They also sell earrings, bracelets, and necklaces individually if you do not want the entire set. Their selections come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and styles. You would easily be able to find any type of necklace, bracelet, or earrings to suit each of your bridesmaid's personalities. Their styles range from modern/trendy to classic (think pearls, crystal settings, etc.) I have shopped here many times, and have not had a problem with any of my purchases. Of course, it is not real jewelry (no fine diamonds here), but it is still good quality and will last your bridesmaids for quite a few wears.