There are unwritten rules, guidelines and believed faux pas associated with the fashion world: "Don't mix black and brown leathers,” "Don't wear white after Labor Day," and "Don't mix different types of metal jewelry." But fashion rules are made to be broken, and the most important nugget of styling wisdom is ultimately doing whatever feels best for you. That applies to mixing and matching different metals in your jewelry, too. Experimenting with mixing jewelry metals can create new combinations and looks you hadn’t considered before. If you’re ready to explore the creative art of mixing metal jewelry, here are a few things to consider.
How to mix metal jewelry
Mixing different metals in your jewelry can add personality and a touch of creativity to your look. To achieve a cohesive style, start by simply combining two metals and opt for similar styles to achieve a balanced look. Let one piece be the focal point. Then use thinner or subtler pieces made of other metals to complement it. Remember, you can distribute the metals across your rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more. Read on for answers to your specific questions about which metals you can and should mix.
Can you mix gold and silver?
Of course, yes! In grade school, you may have learned this phrase: "Make new friends but keep the old! One is silver and the other is gold.” This phrase applies equally well to jewelry pairings! But this also doesn’t mean you should throw together random pieces of jewelry haphazardly. Building a cohesive look, even among the differing hues of multiple metals, is of utmost importance here. You should aim to create a purposeful look, blending gold and silver strategically and thoughtfully.
For instance, you could create a layered look with a chunky gold statement ring as the centerpiece. Complement it with a few delicate silver stacking rings and a silver pendant necklace for some balance. This combination adds visual intrigue—without going overboard.
Can you mix gold and rose gold?
Sure, go for it! Mixing yellow gold and rose gold jewelry is a fantastic way to add depth and dimension to your look. Play with the color spectrum of these warm metals when paired together. You can incorporate pieces ranging from deep yellowish gold to rose gold's soft, blushing glow. This creates a beautiful interplay of color that adds allure and interest to your jewelry pairings.
For example, pair a rose gold bangle bracelet with a yellow gold chain necklace or two yellow gold link bracelets. Combining these warm tones will produce an unexpected but beautiful, cohesive look.
Can you mix white gold and yellow gold?
Again, yes! White gold and silver jewelry look very similar, so the answer here is similar to the one provided above. White gold and yellow gold are perfect pairs for mixing metals. Their contrasting colors create a sophisticated, "I’m coloring outside the lines” kind of look that can help shake up your accessorizing game (while giving your jewelry pieces more wear time, too).
Try a yellow gold statement ring with a white gold band or wear delicate white gold huggie earrings stacked alongside chunky yellow gold hoops for a modern edge. Play with color contrast by pairing a yellow gold statement necklace with a white gold bracelet or create a yin and yang ring look with a white gold band stacked on top of a chunky yellow gold ring. Once you begin exploring these jewelry mixing options, you’ll quickly see the endless possibilities. And they’re all expressions of your personality and style, so there’s no right or wrong option here.
Mixing and matching your jewelry metals: the nitty gritty
Here are three ways people commonly mix metals in the jewelry they wear:
Mixed wedding ring sets: Even the traditional world of wedding jewelry embraces mixed metals. Kate Middleton's famous engagement ring (once given to her mother-in-law, Princess Diana) is set in a white gold band, while the Princess of Wales's wedding band is gold, made from Welsh gold, per the longstanding royal tradition.
Layered necklaces: Combining different necklace lengths provides numerous look options. Now, throw different metal types into the mix, and your potential for creating new, exciting looks soars. Play by combining different colored metals like silver, gold and rose gold for a look that has depth. For example, start with a dainty yellow gold chain necklace as your base layer. Then, add a longer silver (or white gold) station necklace and a short rose gold choker for a touch of personality all your own!
Contrasted earrings: Don't be afraid to mix metals up and down your ear. Try a chunky gold hoop earring in one earlobe and balance it with a cluster of delicate silver studs in the other for an asymmetrical look. Or, if you’re looking for a more traditional mix, try a combination of studs and hoops of varying sizes and metal tones. For more tips, see this post on curating your ear piercings.
5 styling tips for mixing your jewelry metals
The world is your oyster when it comes to mixing metal jewelry! Here are a few tips to keep your “oyster” a bit more tasteful.
- It’s all about balance. As with most fashion styling and accessorizing, it’s often best to keep it reined in and balanced. Play with proportions. If you're wearing a statement piece made of one metal, use more delicate pieces of another metal to avoid overdoing it. For example, you could pair a chunky gold chain necklace with a dainty silver pendant necklace (or two).
- Follow your gut. You know what looks good to you. If you add that silver necklace to an ensemble and it just doesn’t quite work, that’s okay! If you’re willing to experiment and try many metal-mixing combination attempts, you’re bound to hit that “I’ve gone too far” point where you are no longer in balance. Trust that instinct.
- Do your skin tone a favor. This rule should be followed with any jewelry styling. Every individual will likely find that some metal colors may look better with their skin tone than others. Make a note of those that don’t complement your skin tone. However, if rose gold traditionally hasn’t complemented your skin tone well, consider giving it another try as part of a mixed-and-matched metal ensemble. A metal that once wasn’t flattering to your skin tone may surprise you when mixed with other metal types.
- Embrace texture. Incorporate mixed metals with different textures. For instance, a hammered gold ring can beautifully complement a smooth silver bangle. You can also mix metals with gemstones or pearls for an added element.
- Let one metal shine. This isn’t a must; you will find your unique balance when mixing metals. However, if you're rocking multiple metals, consider allowing one piece to take center stage. This will help maintain a sense of focus in your overall look. For example, you could wear a pair of bold gold statement earrings with simple silver finger rings and a necklace.
As you ponder how you can mix and match different jewelry metals, you may also want to ponder how you can insure your valuable precious metal jewelry pieces. Some insure their jewelry within their homeowners insurance policy. However, there are benefits to insuring your jewelry with a personal jewelry insurance policy. Click the link below to check your rate for an affordable, personal jewelry insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual now.
