Themed weddings are all the rage today and brides are dressing the part. According to Helena Krodel, spokesperson for the Jewelry Information Center, a nonprofit trade association in New York, “Fine jewelry enhances all the special details of a theme wedding, like icing on a wedding cake.” When worn during the wedding, fine jewelry holds the essence of the bride and acts as a talisman in celebration of that precious union for years to come. Here are some of the favorite themed weddings of today and the jewelry that epitomizes them.

MEDIEVAL ROYALTY

Do you want to be the belle of the ball? If throwing an elegant overstated party, the wedding attire should be out of a fairytale. Brides may choose among breathtaking tiaras like Karen Karch’s rose cut diamond and white gold version, complete with French hook earrings that double as tiara charms. Kwiat’s crisp white diamond model is as breathtaking as the bride herself. A pair of sparkling chandeliers dripping with white topaz briolette gemstones is an affordable alternative by Robin Rotenier. A matching crown pendant, inspired by chateau gates in France, is regal when strung with faceted small rhondell beads in pink tourmaline or sapphire (for her something blue).

SEASIDE AND SUNNY

A beautiful wedding is in the forecast. Ladies in breezy dresses are easily accessorized with Jane Gordon’s earrings and single pendants in bright sun-kissed gemstones like citrine, blue topaz and peridot. Perfect thank-you gifts for flower girls and junior bridesmaids are layered nostalgic charm necklaces. As a gift, offer one personalized charm to each attendant, which can be added on and treasured for years to come. Pendant layering is gaining popularity among brides. Crosses, Stars of David, lockets, initials or hearts are a great way to achieve impact in lieu of one large-scale necklace. Play up a beach wedding with jewels that celebrate the sea’s little creatures. Ise Jewelry designer Anna Henriques has created bib necklaces and charm bracelets in yellow and white gold with sea horses, shells and starfish encrusted with petite gems which sound like wind chimes when worn and catch the flickering sun light on that special day.

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY

With a short wedding dress for her and a black suit and satin tie for him, big “bling” jewelry is just what the wedding ordered. For the bride who is anything but traditional and holds a keen sense of style, there are large yet slim crosses by Cassis in yellow and white gold. M+J Savitt offers a petite white gold Star of David bracelet with pristine pavé white diamonds. A single strand of large grey Tahitian pearls by Mikimoto looks stunning and mysterious. For men, Dior offers a solid 18-karat yellow gold watch, which can add big splash to the serious black ensemble. Daniel Espinosa’s sterling silver jewelry epitomizes modernity; his cameo, which hangs from a multi-strand chain, is an unusual bridal favorite. Elizabeth Blair’s South Sea pearl cluster brooch is perfect for pinning in the “V” of your décolletage, on the top of the veil as a headpiece, or as a hair adornment.

RUSTIC COUNTRY CHARM

Country and western weddings warrant feel good attire like fine jewelry in sterling-silver accented with materials of the earth, such as turquoise. Designers like Relios have created jewelry in this spirit: a filigree heart pin in sterling-silver openwork, a Western scroll cuff that is thin and intricate, or a pair of Western chandelier cross earrings with tiny turquoise spheres that swing while the bride does the two-step. Suzy Landa’s 18-karat matte yellow gold earrings embedded with bezel set diamonds are tiny replicas of lassos.

The most important step when shopping for fine jewelry is to purchase from a reputable jeweler. Look for a retailer who is a member of a professional trade association, such as Jewelers of America (JA), who is required to maintain high ethical standards and is provided with ongoing education. For more information on fine jewelry and to find a list of professional jewelers near you, visit the Jewelry Information Center’s Web site at www.jewelryinfo.org.