She bought mostly loose beads, wire, and some earring backs.

He also found gold earring backs, loops from broken necklaces, bits of watches and lost gem stones from rings.

The Minimergency Kit for Her ($13, pinch provisions.com) is a cute metallic case with 17 items, like earring backs, hair elastics, and double-sided tape.

Mr Stepanian also finds tiny chips of platinum, gold earring backs and loops from broken necklaces, watches and chains, all of which have been dropped by mistake.

As a freelance diamond setter, Stepanian sifts through mud in search of tiny diamond and ruby chips, gold earring backs, white-gold industrial loops, watches, brooches and necklaces that have been dropped and forgotten.

You'll also want to have an emergency kit on hand for the big day, filled with stain remover, a small sewing kit, safety pins, extra earring backs, hair pins, aspirin, eye drops and chalk to cover up any smudges on your dress.