From necklaces and bracelets to earrings and tiaras, wedding jewelry makes a statement rivaled only by the sparkle in a bride's eyes. For many couples, putting together the right jewelry accessories to create the perfect illusion may not come easily.

Thanks to a few tips from area jewelry experts, finding the perfect jewels for any nuptial gala is no problem. First and foremost, choose what you like and makes you comfortable.

BARRY WILLIAMS/Special (ENLARGE)
Vince Schmit, left, and his fiancee Lynsey Murrell look at wedding bands at Mucklow's Fine Jewelry in Peachtree City.
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"Try to stay away from trends," said Peter Embarrato, owner of Topaz Gallery in Atlanta. "Choose what you've always loved."

Keep in mind that you probably will wear your wedding jewelry (except maybe that tiara) on many occasions throughout your lifetime. You want it to be something you enjoy wearing.

When shopping for jewelry, make sure to do your homework.

"Educate yourself," said Robert Mucklow, owner of Mucklow's Fine Jewelry in Peachtree City. "An informed buyer is a smart buyer."

Mucklow also recommends that all consumers do comparative shopping to find out what's on the market and at what price.

For the piece that usually starts it all — the engagement ring — know the four C's before hitting the jewelry stores. They are: carat — the weight of the stone; color — judged on a scale of D (colorless) to Z (yellows/browns); clarity — internal structure of the stone, measured on scale of I (included flaws easily seen by naked eye) to VVSI (very, very slightly included flaws requiring a jeweler's loupe to see); and cut — how many facets are on the stone to reflect light.

Hands down, cut is the most important factor to any diamond.

"It's our only opportunity to take what Mother Nature gives us and make it better," said Tom Carroll, vice president for the mid-Atlantic region for Tiffany & Co.

When searching for a ring on a budget, adjustments to the four C's can make or break your personal bank. Mucklow gives an example using a half-carat stone: "If you're going for all four Cs, you'll have a very expensive half-carat stone," he said. "If going for the 'sweet spot' (an equal balance of the four C's), choose color between F and H and clarity between SI1 or SI2."

Selecting the perfect wedding bands also requires some shopping around.

"Try everything on," Embarrato said. "Don't look at something, and say, 'I don't like it.'"

While many couples tend to purchase bands that complement the engagement ring, Carroll suggests choosing rings that stand alone nicely as well.

And remember to consider your lifestyle and occupation, too.

"You can really damage the ring during day-to-day activities," Mucklow added. "Heavily designed rings will show wear more so than plain bands."