How to Mix Metal Jewelry: 6 Tips for Mixing Metals

Here are some tips for mixing metal jewelry in your outfits:

1. 1. Consider the four central jewelry regions. There are four regions on a person’s body where jewelry is typically worn and most visible: your neck, ears, wrists, and fingers. You don’t need to wear jewelry in each of these spots. However, when you want to mix color palettes in jewelry, consider the placement. Mixing precious metals with similar themes, sizes, and textures throughout these regions can create a chic look.
   
2. 2. Layer to create visual interest. When mixing metals, you should layer different jewelry pieces on top of each other or very close by—for instance, multiple necklaces around your neck or a few rings on your fingers. Try different combinations to determine the most stylish look. Opt for necklaces of different lengths to avoid tangling, and pair rings of varying thicknesses to create visual interest.
3. 3. Opt for balance. When mixing different styles of metals, a good rule of thumb is to aim for balance in the number of metal pieces you wear. Wearing a gold necklace with predominantly silver pieces can be jarring. If you like bracelets, wear one or two bracelets of each metal you prefer, rather than four gold bracelets with a silver ring. Try to mix metals evenly throughout the look, like a mix of rose gold and silver necklaces with gold and silver bracelets, for a cohesive look.
4. 4. Think about the tone of each piece. Different jewelry communicates different tones. An umbrella pendant necklace will feel young and whimsical, while a delicate gemstone necklace signals refinement and femininity. Determine the tone of your favorite pieces so that you can pair them with pieces of similar tones.
5. 5. Choose metals that complement your undertone. A great entry point into mixed metals is to mix pieces that complement your skin tone. Yellow gold and rose gold complement warmer skin undertones, while silver and white gold pair well with cooler undertones. Learn how to identify your skin’s undertone here.
6. 6. Find a mixed metal piece. Consider buying a single piece that naturally incorporates two (or more) metals, such as a copper-and-silver watch or a yellow gold necklace with white gold accent colors. A mixed metal ring can naturally serve as a “bridging piece” between the two metals, allowing you to wear both metals in other necklaces, bracelets, rings, or earrings.

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