Your guide to styling mixed metal jewellery
Staying loyal to just one metal is an old-fashioned rule that no longer applies. Jewellery is a powerful tool for self-expression, and mixing metals is the ultimate way to add depth, personality and intrigue to your everyday outfits.
Mix metal jewellery has recently appeared consistently on the runways and in designer jewellery, and has been seen on icons such as Hailey Bieber, Rihanna and Bella Hadid. This confirms how stylists have embraced the trend and proves that mixed metals can be a signature in any wardrobe.
From stacking rings in varying widths, layering different chains, or mixing gold, white gold and rose gold, this guide will teach you how to combine metals with ease and make your jewellery collection feel decidedly modern.
Consider your skin tone
To choose the best metal for your jewellery, consider the undertone of your skin:
- Warm undertones are best suited to yellow gold.
- Cooler undertones pair beautifully with silver.
- Neutral undertones complement all metals.
- Use a bridging piece: Start with a necklace that naturally combines both gold and silver elements, or a multi-strand gemstone piece featuring mixed metal beads to tie the colors together.
- Establish a hierarchy: Let one metal dominate roughly 70% of your look (such as a yellow gold chain) while using the contrasting metal and gemstone color as secondary accents.
- Vary lengths and weights: Prevent tangling and heavy bunching by spacing your necklaces out by at least 1 to 2 inches in length, putting heavier chains on the bottom and delicate gemstone strands on top.
- Match the finish: Keep your pieces cohesive by sticking to a similar finish—such as pairing all polished metals or all matte textures together.