If you have a lot of bracelets, there’s no doubt you’ve probably already tried this fashion trick at one time or another. Maybe you saw it on a friend or co-worker. Maybe you started the trend yourself! The trend is one that never goes out of fashion and refers to layering two or more bracelets on your wrist to create a subtle “stack” of wrist bling.
How to layer bracelets
Layering all kinds of jewelry has been in style over the years, whether it’s necklaces, rings or bracelets. By layering bracelets, you have a chance to show off more of your jewelry collection at once of course. But more importantly, it gives you the freedom to express your personality and literally create a new work of art on your wrist by combining metals and colors and shapes in your own custom way. The result is something that’s way more interesting than a single bracelet alone. The practice of stacking bracelets is not only artistic, but also can draw interest through the sound it creates as the metals clink each other, almost saying “look at me!”
If you’ve never stacked bracelets before, or have but didn’t really have any guidelines for doing so, here are some tips that can help you select the perfect stack every time:
- Select one metal color for a unified look. The easiest and safest way to stack bracelets is to choose two or three of the same metal and color to start. If you love gold, select two or three of your favorites and voila! You have a short stack of all that glitters on your wrist. Prefer silver? Grab a few of your faves and let the silver settle into each other on your arm. A unified look makes the stack look like a much larger bracelet while each single bracelet adds a little something different visually.
- Choose different styles. If you stick with the metal theme above, don’t feel like all three bracelets must be the same. For instance, there is a time and a place for three jingley-jangley bangle bracelets. But it’s way more interesting to pair a bangle with a link bracelet or even a tennis bracelet for a little more wrist “wow.”
Have a focal point or theme. Another good guideline for stacking and layering bracelets is to utilize a focal point or theme. For instance, a good focal point may be a larger cuff bracelet surrounded by two, smaller bracelets. Or you could layer two simple, smaller bracelets with one that features a gemstone, so it stands out. On the fourth of July, if you’re lucky enough to have a ruby, a diamond and a sapphire bracelet, this would be the perfect time to wear all three together (or if you’re just feeling really patriotic some day!). And if you’re lucky enough to have even just one of these, be sure to purchase a standalone jewelry insurance policy to cover it from loss, theft or damage. You could insure a bracelet for as little as 1-2% of the bracelet's value, per year! The best part is, with a standalone insurance policy, you won’t have to make a claim against your homeowner’s policy! Check your rate today.
- How many can you layer together? Of course, the lowest number you can layer is a pair of bracelets (or it wouldn’t be considered a stack). A pair of dainty bracelets can provide a very minimalist look that’s perfect for work or a night out for a play or musical in your area. However, if you follow good design guidelines, you may know that the “rule of three” is standard practice for accessories. Since bracelets are accessories, this rule is a good one for jewelry, too. In fact, design standards really say that any odd number is good for designing, so whether you choose three, five, seven or dare we say, even nine, your stack will be following good design principles. But at the end of the day, whether you use an odd number of bracelets or an even number, there are no wrong answers because remember, the jewelry you wear is an expression of you!
- Use gemstones. Talk about a focal point! Gemstone bracelets add a pop of color and will help you accentuate various outfits. Precious gemstones like rubies and sapphires can be reserved for fancier occasions. But semi-precious gemstones can be worn from morning until night and come in a variety of colors that make stacking options seem endless! Because semi-precious gemstone bracelets typically come in circular beads dotted all the way around the circumference of the bracelet, this type is super easy to stack up with other similar bracelets and makes a statement.
- Mix colors and styles. Once you feel comfortable stacking similar types of bracelets, it’s time to advance to “eclectic” stacking! This type of stacking style provides you with freedom from restrictions, guidelines and best practices. It enables you to create a work of art from what’s inside your jewelry box—and your mind. When you start mixing metals and beads and precious gemstones (oh my!), you’ll get a mix of delicious art on your wrist that can’t be replicated by anyone else. Let your creativity flow. Choose a brown leather bracelet and surround it with your shiniest silver bracelets to contrast the materials. How about silver and gold together? Or maybe surround a green gemstone bracelet with a tennis bracelet on one side and a link bracelet on the other. The sky is the limit for stacking options!
How to incorporate a watch into your bracelet stack
Now that you know how to stack bracelets, what about stacking them on the wrist you wear your watch on? Absolutely, yes! Whether you wear a smart watch or an expensive designer watch, there are no rules that say you can’t wear a bracelet on the same wrist as your watch. While some days you may feel like you just feel like being a minimalist and only wearing a watch, other days, you may reach for a tennis bracelet, a charm bracelet, a link bracelet or all three to wear alongside your watch! The best rule of thumb for this practice is to watch proportions. If you have a larger watch, don’t try to pair it with a larger bracelet as they may just overpower each other. But if you have a smaller watch, you can match that watch size with a similar-sized bracelet and make a nice pairing. If you’re going to wear multiple bracelets, though, it’s a good practice to achieve a balanced look by placing one above and one below the watch. However, if you’re wearing long sleeves, it’s ok to just wear one below that will peek out from your shirt sleeve right below your watch, too.
How to practice safe stacking
While stacking bracelets is a fun way to get creative and express yourself, it also provides you with ample opportunities for damaging your bracelets, too. Use these tips to minimize any damage that might occur from stacking your bracelets:
- Add a layer between gemstones and pearls. Gemstones and pearls can rub against each other and ultimately leave scratches behind if you create a stack that’s too tight. To give them room to breathe and keep them from scratching each other, it’s a good idea to put a different kind of bracelet in between two gemstone bracelets, like a leather bracelet or even a semi-precious gemstone bracelet that acts as a buffer.
- Add a tighter bracelet between loose bracelets that can tangle. If you have three, similar loose bracelets together, chances are you will have a hot, tangled mess before the night is over. To avoid that catastrophe, simply place a cuff bracelet or even a watch in the middle of the others to help them play nice on your wrist together and avoid a nasty entanglement.
Bracelets, like all jewelry, help you express your personal style. Wearing several of them together in a stack is a great way to accentuate your clothing, and your mood. If you haven’t stacked any bracelets before, now’s the time to start! Start with a simple stack. Play with order, size, metals and colors. Be creative. Remember, there aren’t any rules here; only your own! The most important thing is that you have fun doing it (and that you insure your most valuable jewelry)!
