To be skilled at layering jewellery [1] is not unlike being proficient in the arts. Well-chosen necklaces, a spectacular ring stack, or a masterful earring arrangement are all worthy of applause if not deserving of a standing ovation. OK, that's slightly dramatic. But you follow our jewellery-minded gusto, yes? Half the fun of building a jewellery collection is figuring out fresh ways to layer your favourite pieces — that and showcasing as many of them as possible without looking like a try-hard.
Of course, certain outfits call for varying layers of jewellery [2]. An everyday ensemble like a t-shirt and jeans is the perfect canvas for a mix of chains, bracelets, and earrings. The same goes for clothing you'd wear to the office or for a professional event; personal pieces that read subtle and sophisticated are key. However, statement earrings [3] or a unique pendant is entirely appropriate, too. Dressier moments like a wedding or party are the perfect occasion to go bolder with your jewellery layers. You can mix in statement pieces like a bold earring, colourful bracelets, or a cocktail ring. Or, experiment with more distinctive designs, whether it's an asymmetrical earring or sculptural shape. You can even go full-on razzle-dazzle with layers of colourful gemstones, diamonds, or rhinestones.
Then, there's the question of how to layer jewellery with other accessory fixtures like a watch or, possibly, an engagement ring [4]. The short answer: whatever feels right to you is best. Though, a few specific tips lie ahead.
Since layering jewellery is a legitimate art form, we sought out the advice of jewellery designers Jacquie Aiche [5], Bouchra Ezzahraoui, and Sophie Kahn of Aurate [6], Zoë Chicco [7], and Alyssa Wasko of Donni [8]. From the basics of layering necklaces to tips on building ring stacks and how to combine earrings for a stellar ear party, keep reading for their expert tips. Plus, shop the edit of jewellery, from affordable pieces to investment-worthy buys — you know, if you're in the market for a little something special.
How to Layer Jewellery
"When it comes to choosing my daily jewels, I love being intentional with the adornments I wear. I tend to gravitate toward crystals that hold the healing properties I need, then layer up in their energy. Lately, I've been loving Emerald and Turquoise. The raw beauty of gemstones pairs perfectly with diamonds and gold. For your diamond and gold essentials, it's all about finding the layers you love and never want to take off. I live in my anklets, Elizabeth necklace [9], Liz bracelet [10], and Blossom finger bracelet [11]." — Jacquie Aiche
How To Layer Necklaces
"My advice to someone who finds [layering necklaces] daunting is to be sure to mix lengths as well as chains. I tend to wear my delicate necklaces shortest and get progressively longer and heavier as I work down. Mixing the chain types keeps them from tangling. I would avoid necklaces that are too similar because it's all about the mixing of size and proportion."" — Zoë Chicco
How to Layer Thin Necklaces
"When it comes to layering necklaces, there are three points to touch on: shape, length, and variety. First, choose a shape that is the centrepiece of your decolLetage. Next, choose one to three smaller necklaces to complEment your showstopper. Last, adjust the lengths of your chains so that it's hassle and tangle-free." — Sophie Kahn
How To Layer Necklaces
"It's all about layering your gemstones and diamonds in a way that looks effortlessly put together. I like to style in colour stories and shapes that work well together. Whether it's [a] round, trillion, baguette, or marquise [shaped stone], when I pay attention to the shape of the stone and layer it with alike pieces, it feels special. The layers radiate that easy, California energy I love, while still looking refined and classic." — Jacquie Aiche
How to Layer Pearl Necklaces
"There is no limit to how many pearl necklaces you can layer as long as they are all different lengths and sizes."— Alyssa Wasko
Layering Diamond Necklaces
"More is more! Style your diamond layers from light to heavy, so they graduate in size and the amount of diamonds. Your top layer should be the lightest piece, and the last layer should be the heaviest. Start with something simple, like our 5 Spaced Out Diamond Choker [12], and let the last layer carry some weight. In between, space out the adornments that make you feel confident, playful, or empowered like a symbol you feel connected to." — Jacquie Aiche
How to Layer Earrings
"Although we take great care to stay timeless, we think trends such as stacking earrings are always fun. Our Diamond Infinity Hoops [13] are sophisticated and can be worn anywhere. Stack with the Mini Earcuff with White Diamonds [14] to add edge." — Sophie Kahn
"We love pairing the Mini Ear Cuff [15] with more bold pieces to create multiple different looks that bring out different aspects of our personality." — Bouchra Ezzahraoui
How to Wear An Ear Cuff
"I love ear cuffs, and I think they add a much-needed element of cool to your ear game. All of my cuffs are designed to be worn in the middle of the ear. They don't work for everyone; you want to make sure that it sits in the right spot and stays put. We always ask people to do the tug test. If you tug on it and it slips off, don't buy it, you will lose it. If you pull on it and it stays, you are good to go and pretty much wear it all the time as if you were a piercing. I wear two, layered ear cuffs on my left ear— a plain gold one and one covered with pave diamonds — and I never take them off. It's like a piercing without the discomfort. I sleep, swim, and shower in them without any issues. When I'm feeling it, I tend to layer on some of our thicker, more statement ear cuffs, which I take on and off depending on what I am wearing." — Zoë Chicco
How to Layer Rings
"You can never have enough rings. I like to mix my diamonds and gold essentials with crystal colour stories that bring me bliss." — Jacquie Aiche
How to Wear Multiple Diamond Rings
"I love pieces that stack well together, so an easy way to achieve this is to look for bands or rings with flat edges that sit well together. I love the idea of mixing colours and shapes. I wear 15 rings daily that I rarely take off; five stacked on each ring finger, and the rest stacked on my pinkies. There's yellow and rose gold as well as platinum. There are round, princess, marquis, baguette, and radiant cut diamonds. Anything goes. I love it all mixed." — Zoë Chicco
How to Stack Rings With An Engagement Ring
"The traditional engagement ring is stunning, but I wanted to give the bohemian bride something that speaks to her unique style. Whether you frame your stone with emerald teardrops, baguette diamonds, or customise something special, get a little playful with it. You'll know the stack that is meant for you — it's an intuitive feeling that lights you up inside." — Jacquie Aiche
How to Layer Bracelets
"Much like my rings, I like to mix up my bracelets, and anything goes. I have thin chain bracelets, diamond tennis bracelets, thick vintage chains, and cuffs, and they all work well next to each other. I wear my bracelets on the tighter side as I feel this helps keep them sitting with the diamonds or design elements on top, and I also feel they tangle less when they are tighter (unlike necklaces). I also have some fun blue plastic bracelets that I wear mixed in. That's the best part about an arm party, you can mix it all, and everything works. The more you pile on, the better." — Zoë Chicco
How to Layer Bracelets With a Watch
"Layering bracelets with a watch is a personal thing. I, for one, wear a men's watch, and next to it is a relatively wide hard cuff, giving a thicker, more solid look. However, some people may not like the cuff and watch knocking against each other. If that's the case, I would recommend a thicker chain bracelet, as that still gives the look of something more solid that will not get lost next to your watch, but has a softer feel since the chain moves easier. You can also mix in other fun woven and beaded bracelets to give more texture and interest, especially in the summertime. Just make sure that something durable is sitting next to your watch." — Zoë Chicco
Stella & Dot Starstruck Charm Necklace
Stella & Dot Starstruck Charm Necklace [16] ($42)
Adornmonde Addie Gold 925 Silver Crystal Anklet
Adornmonde Addie Gold 925 Silver Crystal Anklet [17] ($94)
Jacquie Aiche 7 Turquoise Vintage Waif Ring
Jacquie Aiche 7 Turquoise Vintage Waif Ring [18] ($500)
Stella and Bow Winnie Necklace
Stella and Bow Winnie Necklace [19] ($380)
Zoë Chicco 14K Gold X-Small Curb Chain Necklace With Emerald Cut Diamond
Zoë Chicco 14K Gold X-Small Curb Chain Necklace With Emerald Cut Diamond [20] ($1,325)
Temple of the Sun Pegasus Coin Necklace Gold
Temple of the Sun Pegasus Coin Necklace Gold [21] ($159)
Bonito Snake Chain
Bonito Snake Chain [22] ($90)
F+H Wham Freshwater Pearl Necklace
F+H Wham Freshwater Pearl Necklace [23] ($131)
Bagatiba Saint Christopher Crest Necklace
Bagatiba Saint Christopher Crest Necklace [24] ($280)
Aurate Diamond Bezel Necklace
Aurate Diamond Bezel Necklace [25] ($320)
Tiary The Letter Pavé Necklace Maxi
Tiary The Letter Pavé Necklace Maxi [26] ($332)
Grace Lee Petite Crown Bezel Lapis Necklace
Grace Lee Petite Crown Bezel Lapis Necklace [27] ($335)
Bonvo Stella Pendant
Bonvo Stella Pendant [28] ($85)
Mejuri Floating Sapphire Necklace
Mejuri Floating Sapphire Necklace [29] ($85)
Luv AJ Ballier Necklace
Luv AJ Ballier Necklace ($175)
Donni June 18" White Pearl Necklace
Donni June 18" White Pearl Necklace [30] ($258)
Timeless Pearly Freshwater Pearl Necklace
Timeless Pearly Freshwater Pearl Necklace [31] ($245)
Ashley Zhang Seed Pearl Necklace
Ashley Zhang Seed Pearl Necklace [32] ($325)
Maison Miru Eternity Echo Ear Cuff
Maison Miru Eternity Echo Ear Cuff [33] ($44)
Kinn Classic Hoop Earrings
Kinn Classic Hoop Earrings [34] ($240)
Adina Reyter Super Tiny Pavé V Posts
Adina Reyter Super Tiny Pavé V Posts [35] ($298)
Aurate Mini Earcuff with Diamonds
Aurate Mini Earcuff with Diamonds [36] ($480)
Cled Single Rock Ear Cuff
Cled Single Rock Ear Cuff [37] ($50)
Gorjana Amalfi Huggies Creme
Gorjana Amalfi Huggies Creme [38] ($45)
Zoë Chicco 14K Wide Round Chubby Ear Cuff
Zoë Chicco 14K Wide Round Chubby Ear Cuff [39] ($295)
Barbela Diamond Vix Earrings
Barbela Diamond Vix Earrings [40] ($480)
Melissa Kaye Cristina Small 18-Karat Gold Earrings
Melissa Kaye Cristina Small 18-Karat Gold Earrings [41] ($850)
Jacquie Aiche Diamond Baguette Waif Ring
Jacquie Aiche Diamond Baguette Waif Ring [42] ($485)
Yi Collection Emerald Marquise Petite Circle Ring
Yi Collection Emerald Marquise Petite Circle Ring [43] ($395)
Annika Inez Wavy Dipped Ring
Annika Inez Wavy Dipped Ring [44] ($190)
Zoë Chicco 14K Small Graduated Bezel Diamond Ring
Zoë Chicco 14K Small Graduated Bezel Diamond Ring [45] ($325)
Charlotte Lebeçk Faye Ring
Charlotte Lebeçk Faye Ring [46] ($95)
Catbird Jewellery Her Diamond Eyes
Catbird Jewellery Her Diamond Eyes [47] ($274)
Anna Sheffield Tiara Band
Anna Sheffield Tiara Band [48] ($925)
14K Double Chain Extra Small Curb & Oval Link Bracelet
14K Double Chain Extra Small Curb & Oval Link Bracelet [49] ($325)
Monica Vinader Fiji Tiny Button Diamond Bracelet
Monica Vinader Fiji Tiny Button Diamond Bracelet [50] ($450)
Missoma Gold Marina Double Chain Bracelet
Missoma Gold Marina Double Chain Bracelet [51] ($167)
Kendra Scott OTT Adjustable Chain Bracelet
Kendra Scott OTT Adjustable Chain Bracelet [52] ($70)
Anni Lu Snake Charmer Link Bracelet
Anni Lu Snake Charmer Link Bracelet [53] ($94)
Larsson & Jennings x We Wore What 27MM Boyfriend Watch
Larsson & Jennings x We Wore What 27MM Boyfriend Watch [54] ($175)
Jennifer Fisher Classic Cuff
Jennifer Fisher Classic Cuff [55] ($70)
Jenny Bird Walter Bracelet
Jenny Bird Walter Bracelet [56] ($85)
