The early 1940s saw the onset of World War II, and although the war made the fashions of the time more austere and fitted, wedding fashion stayed romantic.

Wedding jewelry of the time leaned toward more sentimental pieces – lockets, pendant necklaces and, more noticeably, cross necklaces. Dresses of the time were fitted, some brides got married in two-piece dress suits, and tended towards more elaborate necklines. Some brides even got married in their own military wear.

Many brides were marrying their army sweethearts before they were shipped off to war, so wearing a locket on your wedding could hold double meaning- to keep the memory of your wedding, and of your husband, with you always.

This Diamond Set Locket ($985) and this Heart Locket ($450) harken back to that sentimental feeling of memory and faraway love.

While many brides opted for simple weddings officiated by a justice of the peace, traditional church weddings still occurred.

For the modern girl that wants to showcase her Catholic or Christian faith at her wedding, a cross is a perfect wedding accessory. This Diamond Cross Necklace ($1800), set with both round brilliant and rose cut diamonds, is a particularly beautiful example.

Tags: Crosses, Locket