How to Fearlessly Mix and Match Metals for Maximum Impact!

Create a signature jewelry look with mixed metals. Mix metals seamlessly – silver, gold, rose gold, copper, steel, platinum and more for an expressive style.

mix-metaljewelry jewelry-trends metal-jewelry

Published 01/22/2024 by Jessica Kemp

Favorite Article

Start mixing metals and create a jewelry look that only you can make. The world is full of colors and styles so why not mix metal jewelry colors? Silver and gold are made to be worn together and let’s not forget rose gold and other metals like copper, steel, and platinum. There is a way to mix metals and metal colors to get your signature look. No fear here, only bold fashion choices ahead.

If you are new to mixing metals in your jewelry look, there is an easy way to start, pick a piece that starts it for you. Choosing a prominent mixed metal jewelry piece ensures that it captures attention and sets the tone for your mixed metal jewelry look. The best place to start is a ring or a necklace that is designed as a mixed metal piece featuring at least two metal colors. You want to pick a piece that will be seen and stand out. Once you've selected your centerpiece, building your look around it becomes a creative process.

When you choose a mixed metal necklace, look to your jewelry box for complementary pieces, adding chains of each metal color to a necklace. If you choose a mixed metal ring add band rings of each metal color around a statement ring. By adding in single metal color jewelry pieces around your mixed metal piece you are creating your unique look. Finish your look by adding your favorite pair of earrings and you have an impactful mixed metal jewelry look. As you gain confidence in this playful approach to jewelry styling, you'll find that mixing metals becomes a fun and expressive way to enhance your outfit, adding a touch of modern flair to your overall look.

If you are ready to go boldly into the mixed metal look these next tips are for you.

Select a Feature Metal Jewelry Color

Tip 1 - Select a feature metal color that will be the anchor for your overall look. Are you keeping it classic by starting with white or yellow? There are so many options now you can start with silver, yellow gold, rose gold, copper, gunmetal, and even black. Jewelry design brings the color options let’s make sure we are using them.

A woman poses with mixed metal necklaces.

Layer and Stack Mixed Jewelry Colors

Tip 2 - Mixed metal jewelry looks are perfect for layering and stacking. When you are layering with mixed metal jewelry consider the distribution of the metal colors. The goal should be a mixed look so mix the metal colors. Keep the look consistent by using the same metal colors across your outfit in rings, bracelets, and necklaces. What you don’t want is one yellow-gold piece in an overall silver metal look. Make sure you are adding the yellow gold in several pieces across your look to create the visual appeal. When layering use an odd number of pieces, odd numbers are more visually appealing. Odd numbers in a group help create a focal point and a sense of hierarchy in the look you have created. Here are some easy steps to get you started:

Step 1: Pick your focal piece. If you're layering necklaces, pick a trendy bar necklace, statement necklace, initial necklace, or symbol piece. If you're layering bracelets, pick a wide bangle or cuff.

Step 2: Accentuate your necklaces by adding chains with varying thicknesses, lengths, and metal types. Accentuate your bracelet by stacking smaller bracelets of different metal types.

Try Twisting Metal Jewelry

Tip 3 - Layering can even be taken to the level by twisting. Take two necklaces or chains and twist them together to create a unique look. Twisting the chain, necklace, or bracelet creates a new personalized look from jewelry pieces you may have been wearing for years. Experimenting with a twist can help showcase your metal pieces in a new way while showing off your personality in a new eye-catching way.

Mix Different Metal Textures

Tip 4 – While you are mixing your metal colors start mixing your metal textures. Combining metal textures and metal colors begins to create this unique contrasting aesthetic. A polished finish is shiny and associated with classic looks. A satin finish is softer and currently popular in modern and minimalist designs. A brushed look has fine lines in the metal providing texture used in casual or contemporary styles. Hammered finishes create a handmade look with metal jewelry. Find the right combination of color, texture, and look by mixing and trying your pieces in new combinations.

Go for Gemstones with Mixed Metals

Tip 5 - Do not forget gemstones in this mixed metal jewelry look you are creating. Gemstones will add interest and a pop of color to help tie the jewelry together with your outfit. Keep gemstones interesting by using some of your unique gemstone shapes to add your unique touch to the mixed metal jewelry look.

Trust your instincts you know what you like keep building your look. Mixed metal jewelry looks are a new way to use your jewelry pieces more. Have fun with this look and keep trying new combinations of your favorite jewelry pieces. There are no rules to follow, this is your fashion story.

A woman wears and mixes different gemstone jewelry.

Author's Note

Jessica enjoys mixing and matching her jewelry for a fun and unique look. She hopes you'll experiment with mixing different metal colors with her blog's help!

To learn more about Jessica, read her author page.