For years, the rule was simple: don’t mix metals. But in today’s jewelry world, rules are meant to be broken. In our opinion, the most interesting fine jewelry looks come together organically. Creating a personal jewelry style should be a fun process, achieved by utilizing pieces that you already have in your collection vs buying specific jewels in order to create a coordinated look.
In this guide, we’ll share why mixing metals is trending, the key principles that make it work, and practical ways to style your jewelry for any occasion.
Why Mixed Metal Jewelry is Trending
Wearing various metals together brings a sense of dimension and intrigue to your look, creating an effortless cool girl vibe. Plus, metals are very versatile, which makes the mixing and layering process genuinely fun! Different metal tones can add an edgy, modern style to one look while adding an ethereal glow to a more subtle style. A range of metal tones always looks fresh yet timeless!
How to Mix Jewelry Metals: Tips for a Balanced Look
The goal of mixing metals isn’t to look overly coordinated, but to strike a balance. That’s why intentional layering is the key to creating a balanced look!
Start by choosing a dominant metal as your base, and then add accents in complementary tones.
To create a sense of harmony, incorporate unifying elements like gemstones or similar shapes that tie the different pieces together.
Balancing warm and cool tones helps ensure that no single metal overpowers the look, while varying jewelry widths and textures add depth and interest.
Understanding the Right Ratio of Metals
When mixing metals, finding a ratio that works is essential for a polished and cohesive look.
A good rule of thumb is to let one metal take the lead; it's best to assume that this “lead” metal makes up 60–70% of your jewelry collection.
A different metal acts as a “secondary accent” and, if desired, a third metal will add an extra flash.
Overloading your look with too many metals can feel chaotic and unintentional. To keep a polished appearance, stick with two or three metals at most, and let one take the lead while the others serve as accents.
Mixing Metals in Different Jewelry Pieces
Mixing metals incorporates balance and harmony without being matchy matchy. The goal here isn’t to create a look that’s obvious and overly coordinated. You can layer necklaces with different metal tones, stack rings in yellow, white, and rose gold, or pair a white gold bracelet with yellow gold hoops for effortless contrast.
The key is balance. Remember to repeat each metal at least once so things look intentional rather than random.
Key Metals to Consider for Mixing
Each metal brings its own personality to the mix:
- Yellow Gold: Warm, classic, and timeless.
- White Gold: Bright, modern, and universally flattering.
- Rose Gold: Soft, romantic, and blends beautifully with both warm and cool tones.
Yellow Gold and White Gold
Yellow gold and white gold make a classic mixed-metal pairing that feels both timeless and modern.
The warm glow of yellow gold contrasts beautifully with the cool, sleek shine of white gold, creating depth without overwhelming the look.
This combination works especially well for engagement rings and wedding bands, since the two metals highlight each other.
Less Common Metals: Copper, Titanium, and Rose Gold
For something more unique, try less common metals like copper, titanium, and rose gold can add personality to a mixed-metal look.
Incorporating these less traditional metals adds dimension and individuality, perfect for those who want their jewelry to stand out.
How to Match Mixed Metals with Your Outfit
Day vs. Night
During the day, lean into delicate mixed-metal necklaces, stacking rings, or subtle diamond bracelets that complement your outfit without overpowering it. For evening looks or special events, go bold with layered chains, larger gold rings, or statement earrings that highlight the contrast between metals.
Outfit Color Palettes
- Warm metals (yellow gold and rose gold) glow against earthy tones, creams, and browns.
- Cool metals (white gold, platinum) pair beautifully with blues, grays, and blacks.
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Tie it all together with accessories, like a handbag or heels that have metallic accents.
Complimenting Skin Tone
- Warm undertones: Yellow gold, rose gold, and copper enhance natural warmth.
- Cool undertones: White gold and platinum highlight cooler tones.
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Neutral undertones: Enjoy the best of both worlds with versatile mixed metals.
The moral of the story: Jewelry is about personal expression when it comes to remixing, aka mixing metals! This is a reminder to run wild and free with your jewelry—have no fear, only fun! In fact, go for it—we encourage you to achieve the ultimate glow that comes from all of the metals rocked side-by-side! Should you have questions about how to style your jewels or anything else, please reach out! We love you and are always happy to chat.
