When attending a gala, awards ceremony, or black-tie event, the right jewellery can transform your outfit into something truly extraordinary. The sparkle of diamonds, the elegance of pearls, or the richness of gemstones can elevate your look, creating a balance of sophistication and individuality.
In this article, we highlight some of our favourite luxury jewellery pieces, some of the most iconic looks from the red carpet and explore some ideal accessories to complement any event you may attend this autumn.
Jewellery for The Belle of the Ball
September ushers in a season of elegant galas and balls, and with countless styles to choose from, we’ll help you discover the perfect jewellery to complement your gown. With its sweeping silhouette and refined drama, a ball gown makes a statement, demanding attention to the intricate or sophisticated design. To complement such grandeur, jewellery should strike a harmonious balance between boldness and elegance.
The Perfect Addition to Tulle
Tulle is a popular choice for ball gowns, offering a voluminous and ethereal effect. However, as these gowns naturally draw attention, it is best to select jewellery that complements the look rather than competes with it. A timeless example can be seen in the late Queen Elizabeth’s appearance at a 1947 ball in Scotland, where she wore a tulle-overlay gown gracefully paired with her signature pearls.
Timeless pearl jeweller, Mikimoto has been culturing pearls for over 100 years. Their signature pearl necklace, bracelet and earring set, is perfect to enhance your evening look with a touch of vintage elegance.
Sophisticated Jewellery to Complement Satin
Satin is another popular fabric for ball gowns, admired for its smooth finish and luxurious drape. A memorable example is Keira Knightley at the 2006 Oscars, where, nominated for her role in Pride and Prejudice, she wore a burgundy asymmetric satin gown by Vera Wang, styled with a bold statement necklace that elevated the look.
Our Platinum brilliant-cut diamond double row necklace is the ideal statement piece to dazzle during your evening. Paired with our sparkling set of oval-cut cluster earrings, will add a perfect amount of sparkle to your evening.
Striking Evening Cocktail Accessories
Cocktail events call for jewellery that blends sophistication with a touch of playfulness. When choosing your cocktail-evening outfit, focus on colours, sleek lines, modern silhouettes, as all of these can be paired with vibrant gemstones or chunky bangles to elevate chic-cocktail attire.
Keeping Pieces Short and Sweet
From drop diamond earrings to striking necklaces, the cut of your cocktail dress can help you to find the perfect accessory. If you have a low-cut dress, with a shorter hemline, use inspiration from singer Mariah Carey, who loves to accentuate her look with a set of bold earrings that highlight her face.
For these types of cocktail dresses, it is important to keep your look balanced. Drop earrings can add a good symmetry to your outfit, as well as brightening around your neck and collar bones without having to layer on a necklace.
Making a Statement with Bracelets and Rings
However, if you have a high-neck or perhaps asymmetrical dress, you may want to focus on accessorising with one or two bracelets or rings, similar to runway icon Naomi Campbell in the 1990s.
Campbell’s striking fashion choices are always complemented with highly revered accessories like luxury rings, that draw attention to graceful hand movements, creating a polished and refined impression. Thoughtfully chosen jewellery complements the dress’s style, balancing sophistication with personality, and elevating the overall look into timeless sophistication.
The ideal embellishments for your Contemporary Two-piece
A tailored two-piece exudes confidence and refinement, offering a sleek alternative to traditional evening wear. Pant-suits have well and truly returned to the fashion cycle, and though we are lacking the intensity of shoulder pads, the structured frame is perfect to balance elegance and formality. Jewellery choices here should meet the sweet spot of subtle sparkling touches.
The Subtle Tennis Bracelet
Take inspiration from Amal Clooney, who often pairs minimalist tailoring with sparkling diamond accents that elevate without overwhelming. A timeless diamond tennis bracelet, lends understated brilliance, catching the light with every movement.
Blending elegance and simplicity with an array of sparkling precious gemstones to add subtle glamour, the tennis bracelet is an iconic staple piece in every women's jewellery box, and perfect to elevate your evening look.
Contemporary Necklaces
Similarly, known for her iconic matching suits and her innovative, modern approach to red carpet trends, Cate Blanchett has become a style reference point for effortless sophistication. Her looks frequently highlight sculptural statement earrings, and necklaces carefully chosen to echo the clean lines and architectural precision of her structured ensembles.
These pieces not only complete her outfits but also draw attention to her contemporary aesthetic, balancing strength with elegance. Layering necklaces, enhance the modern tailoring of a two-piece suit while adding just the right measure of glamour. The result is a harmonious blend of contemporary edge and classic beauty.
Related: Layering Your Jewellery with FOPE
Find Your Perfect Jewellery at Michael Spiers
With a legacy of craftsmanship, expertise, and a carefully curated selection of the world’s most luxurious jewellery, we are dedicated to ensuring you shine at every occasion. Whether it’s a gala, cocktail evening, or formal event, we host a wide range of luxury bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces to enhance your formal look. Our luxury designers bring timeless elegance and brilliance to life’s most memorable moments.
If you are looking for the ideal accessory for your formal event, we welcome you to visit our Showrooms in Truro, Plymouth, Exeter and Taunton where you can explore our wide variety of rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
