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What to wear, what to wear....

The dress is elegant, your hairstyle is super flattering, but the question over what jewelry to wear at your wedding (or a prom, or other formal event) can sometimes be the decision that stops the show!

Gold, pearls, and diamonds are not your everyday costume jewelry by any means, so it's little wonder why a formal event may throw lots of women off their style game.

The next time the bar is raised at a formal event follow these few simple style rules for looking appropriately elegant:

• At weddings, for example, diamonds are sometimes a bride's best friend when they are used as elegant focal points such as stud earrings or a conservatively styled bracelet. Pearl jewelry is always the wisest choice and usually more fitting to wear with a white wedding gown.

• For any formal event, pearl necklaces are usuallly chosen to match the gown's neckline length, with collar necklaces fitting directly against the throat, while a choker necklance traditionally rests at the base of the neck. The princess length reaches near the collarbone, and remains one of the more popular lengths suited to either or high or plunging necklines.

• For pearl or diamond earrings, remember the classic style rules that will help accentuare your face shape -- such as a stud or button earring for a round face; a dangle or hoop earring for a narrow face; or a square or rectangular earring for a long face.

• Whether for a prom or wedding, elegant tiaras are traditionally worn with an updo but will probably complement any hairdo -- adding a finishing touch to a formal look that will never go out of style.

Just up ahead, discover more expert tips at top sites offering advice on what to wear and where to find the pieces that will complete your look, and at prices you can live with...

More about wedding, prom, or formal event jewelry around the Web:

How to Buy Jewelry - The complete guide from the American Gem Society with tips on buying gold, pearls or diamond jewelry.

Selecting Bridal Jewelry for Your Bridesmaids - Tips on keeping it simple and elegant by matching jewelry with your wedding colors or theme.

JewelInfo4u.com - A library of helpful articles featuring how to's on buying diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and other precious gems, plus information on baby jewelry, men's earrings, piercings and more .