For dollar-conscious brides who want to glitter at their wedding, borrowing gorgeous diamond and pearl earrings, necklaces, and bracelets is now an option.

Beginning January 2007, G. Fisher & Son in Wayne (973-237-0411; www.gfisherandson.com) became one of the first New Jersey jewelers to offer this service. As owner Glynis Fisher says, “You wouldn’t carry faux flowers on your wedding day, so why wear faux jewels? Our rental plan allows a bride to dress like a princess in real diamonds and pearls.”

Rental prices start at just $125. Once you get credit approval, you can borrow necklaces, earrings, and bracelets for about 10 percent of their retail prices, plus aninsurance fee under $10. That frees your budget for other wedding expenses, without sacrificing one ounce of glamour.

“You already have the right guy; now get the right jewels,” Fisher advises. “Choose picture-perfect earrings to complement your wedding gown—something elaborate for this day alone—without feeling obligated to wear them for the next 30 years.” She helps you select jewels to suit your gown’s neckline, hairstyle, and personal style. The jewels are yours, from two days before the wedding to two days after.

Is Fisher worried that renting will dissuade customers from buying? “Just the opposite,” she replies. “When a bride falls in love with the earrings she borrowed, her groom often treats her, applying 100 percent of the rental fee toward the purchase.”

But for many, renting simply spoils the romance of the occasion. What do your jewels say about a commitment you’re entering “for keeps,” not just for the day? As Bill Gould, director of marketing for Kwiat explains, “There’s nothing as memorable as receiving a piece of diamond jewelry. At Kwiat, we believe it’s an essential part of your wedding fairytale. Afterward, you’ll have memories, photos, and an exquisite diamond necklace destined to last a lifetime and longer. That’s romance.” Kwiat creates classic diamond jewels sold at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and fine jewelry shops throughout New Jersey.

Marsha Watson, vice president of Jewelry at Fortunoff, often helps moms buy brides their first serious piece of jewelry, perhaps a strand of pearls or diamond pendant. “This is one of the most important days of your life,” Watson says. “You want to have something sentimental to treasure and pass down to your daughter someday.”

Watson makes a compelling argument for jewels to have and to hold: “Consider what you’re spending your money on and what you’ll have the day after. The flowers will wilt. Your gown will hang in the closet. But your wedding jewels are yours to wear again and again, reviving fond memories each time.”