How to Mix and Match Jewellery

How to Mix and Match Jewellery


Jewellery is meant to be fun. But sometimes, when you're staring at your collection, wondering how to make it all work without looking like you’ve piled everything on at once, it’s easy to get stuck. It’s a struggle that can make styling your jewellery feel more like a chore than a creative outlet.

Don’t worry though—mixing and matching jewellery doesn’t have to be a head-scratcher. It’s all about balance, letting your personality shine, and a little bit of experimentation. Don’t overthink it. Embrace the process, have fun, and let your accessories speak for themselves.



How do you mix jewellery?

Mixing jewellery is about creating contrasts that work in harmony. Try combining different metals, textures, or stone colours. Don’t be afraid to layer necklaces of varying lengths or stack rings with a mix of delicate and bold pieces. The secret is to keep one piece as the focal point while allowing the others to complement it. Remember, it’s all about your personal style—if it feels good, wear it!


Remember the 3 Jewellery Rule

The 3 jewellery rule is all about keeping your jewellery looking balanced without going overboard. It's simple: wear no more than three statement jewellery pieces at once. Think of it as a guide to avoid over-accessorising. You can mix rings, necklaces, and bracelets, but sticking to three main standout pieces ensures your outfit isn't competing with your jewellery. It’s all about harmony, not chaos.



How to Mix and Match Jewellery


How do you match jewellery together

Matching jewellery is all about balance and contrast. Start with a statement piece—something bright or bold like a gemstone or charm necklace—and build around it. Mix metals, textures, and styles, but avoid overdoing it. If your earrings are making a statement, keep the necklace more subtle. Think of jewellery as your personal style toolkit—combine pieces that speak to your style without trying to outshine one another.



Start with a Focal Piece

First things first: you need a focal piece. This is the one item that’ll draws attention and sparks conversation—whether it’s a striking necklace, a chunky ring, or those earrings that instantly elevate your outfit. Once you’ve picked your focal point, let the rest of your jewellery complement it rather than compete with it. No, it doesn’t have to be a massive diamond or a quirky pendant, just something that's a little interesting or unique.



Mixing Metals

Forget everything you’ve been told about sticking to one metal—who made that rule anyway? Gold, silver, platinum, copper—they all deserve a moment in the spotlight, and mixing them is the perfect way to let them shine. Stacking silver rings with gold? Yes, please. Layering a bold gold necklace with a sleek sterling silver chain? Absolutely. It’s all about adding dimension, personality, and a little bit of attitude to your look. The key here is balance. You don’t need to go wild, just let the metals play nicely together.



Stacking Rings

Stacking rings is an art—kind of like making a sandwich. The base (your simple bands) are like your bread, and the statement pieces are your filling. You don’t need to go full-on 2000s rapper with rings on every finger (unless that’s your style, of course), but a few carefully chosen pieces stacked together will give you that effortless look. Gold-filled rings, for example, are perfect for stacking and they’re sturdy enough to hold their own without looking too over-the-top.



Layering Necklaces

Layering necklaces? Absolutely, but let’s keep it intentional. If you're aiming for that layered look, mix it up! Pair a delicate chain with a chunky pendant or throw in a pearl necklace alongside something a bit edgier. The only rule you need to remember is to always vary the lengths so they don’t all sit at the same spot. It’s about nailing that effortless look, like it’s all been casually thrown on without a second thought—despite the fact it took a solid 10 minutes to get it just right.



Earrings

Who says earrings have to match? Mismatched earrings—one stud, one hoop, or stacking multiple studs—are a playful way to mix things up. It’s quirky, unexpected, and gives the look a little extra something. Just don't go too wild here. Balance is important, so don’t try to outdo the rest of your jewellery by turning your ears into mini chandeliers. Keep the rest of the look in check, and those earrings will become the perfect finishing touch.



Textures and Stones

Now, let’s talk textures. Mixing different textures—like hammered metal with sleek, polished surfaces—can really elevate a jewellery look. It’s a subtle yet impactful way to add a unique element to your outfit, giving the whole look a original, unexpected vibe. Don’t be shy about pairing a gemstone pendant with a smooth silver chain or a minimalist necklace with a detailed charm. It’s all about contrast. The goal is for the pieces to play nicely together, not battle it out for the spotlight.



Colour Coordination

Mixing colours can seem tricky, but it doesn't have to be a jewellery horror show waiting to happen. If you’ve got colourful gemstones, it’s all about achieving the right look. You could go bold with complementary colours, like blue and orange, or keep it more understated with white stones paired with warm gold tones. The ideas here is to experiment until you find your signature look. Jewellery should feel curated, not chaotic—though, hey, if a full-on rainbow explosion is what you're feeling, go for it!



Stay True to Your Style

Styling jewellery is meant to be fun and a reflection of your personal style. Mix and match based on what feels right, not what some random rulebook says. If you're into the boho look? Stack those rings and layer up those beaded necklaces. More of a minimalist? Keep it simple with clean lines and one standout piece. Forget about getting it ‘perfectly right’—there are no hard and fast jewellery rules, just some playful guidelines. Your jewellery should feel like an extension of your personality—not a copy-and-paste look.



Don’t Forget the Occasion

Mixing and matching jewellery is fun, but let’s be honest—it’s not always appropriate. That novelty cocktail ring might be perfect for brunch with the girls, but for a fancy evening out, you might want to tone it down a bit. When styling your jewellery, always think about what you’re wearing and where you’re going so it complements the event. (And remember, your Oh My Clumsy Heart pieces are versatile enough to dress up or down, making them the perfect choice for any occasion!)



So, that's the lowdown on mixing and matching jewellery without looking like you've raided a treasure chest. It all comes down to balance and contrast—start with a bold, focal piece, then build from there. Mix metals, textures, and styles, but keep it all in check so nothing tries to steal the spotlight.

Jewellery should reflect your personality and style—not turn you into a walking accessory store. Keep it fun, trust your instincts, and , and ditch the idea of "perfection"—it’s all about experimenting. Keep it fun, trust your instincts, and ditch the idea of "perfection"—it’s all about experimenting. Layer those necklaces, stack those rings, and wear your jewellery with confidence. Make it yours.




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Written by Sophie Davies

Sophie is a writer, jeweller, and founder of Oh My Clumsy Heart. She’s spent over a decade talking about style and sustainability, helping people build wardrobes (and jewellery collections) that are timeless, intentional, and effortlessly wearable.