Metal-Mixology: the art of wearing BOTH gold and silver jewelry

Mixing metals in jewelry is no longer a fashion faux pas, (honestly, was it really ever) but a chic way to add depth, contrast, and personality to your look. Whether you're a fan of delicate gold chains, or bold silver cuffs, learning how to mix metals can elevate your style, extend the life of your collection, and make your jewelry collection feel fresh and versatile.

In this blog post, we'll explore the art of mixing metals, offering tips and inspiration for creating some seriously stylish combinations.

NEW RULE: There are no rules.

Wear what you want.

When you want.

And, how you want to.

Look, not everyone is going to be able to pull off what my pal Brianna can in this photo. Her fingers literally drip this way EVERYDAY. She loves her rings and piles them all on. And, she’s got some incredible artists work alongside our Moonsnail ring on her pinky. I especially love the Rene Frances Jewelry rings she has! BUT, look how well they all pair together. Even if I didn’t make jewelry, I’d see her hands and want to know her. Right? She truly makes a statement with her selections.

So let’s get into it! To get you started I’ve answered some common questions that you all have asked me over the years, and ones you might be asking now.

Image of a hand raised up with a bright blue sky and a white building in the background. The hand has several rings on every finger.

@notfor_thefaintofheart

Why Mix Metals?

Mixing metals breaks away from traditional style rules, allowing for more creativity and self-expression. Here’s why you might consider it:

Versatility : Mixing metals gives you the freedom to wear all your favorite pieces together, regardless of their material.
Unique Style : It adds an unexpected twist to your outfit, showcasing your personal style.
Timeless Appeal : When done right, a mix of metals can look sophisticated and timeless.

Image of a hand dusted with a white flour like substance, caressing a cheek while wearing several rings stacked

How do I mix metals?

With abandon! Silver and gold look incredible together! Hands down. I always rely on the rule of 3rds when layering my jewelry pieces. This fashion blogger does a great job of demonstrating the rule of thirds with clothing, but it’s the same concept with layering jewelry.

Rule of Thirds

I created a few graphics to demonstrate the "rule of thirds". These can be done with jewelry in any location; rings, necklaces, bangles, or even earrings! Visual examples below.

a. 1 silver, 2 brass.

b. 2 silver, 1 brass

c. only 2 pieces, but the gold is roughly 2x the size of the silver piece.

d. only 2 pieces, but the silver is roughly 2x the size of the gold piece.

Rule of Thirds example number 3. One finger, one large gold or silver ring with a much smaller ring in the opposite metal.

Rule of Thirds example number 4. A larger pendant in your preferred metal layered with a textured chain in the opposite.

Rule of thirds example 1. Two gold rings and one silver ring.

Rule of thirds example 2. several styles of wearing mixed metals on hands and wrists.

If you’re new at it, start with some smaller pieces together with something you’ve been wearing for years. Consider a skinny gold band like my Intuition Band against a thicker silver band like the Trust Ring (if you’ve been a silver fan, or vice versa if you prefer gold).

Once you’re feeling more confident, go hog wild and add a large silver and a large gold toned one on separate fingers. Or 3 medium bands stacked together on one finger - 2 in one metal and 1 in the alternate.

This last version is my personal favorite. I frequently stack a silver Intuition, with a brass Trust on my ring finger, with a brass Loyal on on my middle. I like the distribution of weights of rings along with the addition of the cooler metal. The intuition is the smallest of the 3 rings so it really is a great way to introduce mixing.

Which metal looks best on me?

I say, pick what you love! If you think silver is better on you than gold, so be it! Ignore the rules, and wear what makes you feel good. I’ve found that over the years I’ve fluctuated from loving one color tone more than the other and because of that I now have lots of variety for mixing and matching.

If you’re a rule follower and need boundaries (I get it!) silver is a cool color and it tends to go well with cool skin tones, and gold tends to go with warmer skin tones.

Where can I wear mixed metals?

It can and should be done everywhere; necks, fingers, bracelets. If you’re nervous to make it happen all over your body all at once; try starting with 2 bangles in your preferred color tone, and 1 in the contrasting color.

When starting out layering necklaces I often find a good trick is to think of a gold necklace with a diamond on it. The diamond is actually cool colored and the gold chain is warm toned; but they look great together. Using the rule of thirds here too, I’d pick a larger pendant in my preferred tone, and pair it with two smaller simple chains in the alternate metal. Or perhaps a thick herringbone chain and a necklace on a thinner chain with a large pendant.

Playing with texture is a really great trick to make layering work. Find necklaces that are on a variety of chain types to accentuate a great layered set.

The Fold Necklace paired with the Paths Between Necklace (below) is a really great way to add texture.

a black woman and a white woman sitting in a dry grassy field wearing white tank tops and layered necklaces.

How do I switch from one metal to another?

I would imagine that there are lots of people who have a variety of pieces in their collection from another time when you preferred silver or gold. Start by cleaning those items and giving them a refresh.

Once you’ve been re-inspired by your current pieces, introduce something new. Find new homes for pieces that no longer serve you, and hang on to ones that are important and valuable to you. I often find that layering is easier when I’m doing it with pieces that have a deeper meaning.

PRO TIP: Buy something you already love in the alternate metal! This truly makes it really easy because you’re already comfortable with the shape.

QUICK Tips for Mixing Metals

Start with a Focal Point, Use the “Rule of 3rds” as a Guide : Choose one piece as the centerpiece of your look, such as a statement necklace or a stack of bracelets. Build the rest of your accessories around this focal piece, ensuring the metals complement each other.
Balance Proportions : If you're mixing metals, balance is key. Using the Rule of Thirds here again, pair a bold, chunky gold necklace with delicate silver rings or layer dainty gold bracelets with a standout silver watch.
Experiment with Layering : One of the easiest ways to mix metals is through layering. Start with a base of gold chains and gradually add silver of varying lengths to create depth and visual interest.
Consider your Skin Tone : Consider your skin tone when mixing metals. Cool undertones often pair well with silver, while warm undertones complement gold. Balance things by relying on the color that looks best with your skin tone and then adding a bit of the contrasting color.
Keep the Occasion in Mind : While mixing metals can add flair to your everyday style, consider the occasion. For formal events, aim for subtlety and balance, while casual settings allow for more bold and playful combinations.
Confidence is Key : The most important rule of mixing metals is to wear your look with confidence. This is is about self-expression, and your unique combinations should reflect your personal style.

Final Thoughts

Mixing metals in your jewelry is a trend that's here to stay. It offers endless possibilities for creativity and allows you to make the most of your jewelry collection. Whether you’re new to the trend or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you master the art of mixing metals, creating stylish, polished, and unique looks that turn heads.

So, next time you’re accessorizing, don’t be afraid to blend your gold and silver pieces. After all, fashion is about having fun and expressing yourself, and mixing metals is a great way to do just that.

Happy Mixing Friends!