Jewellery is meant to be fun, personal, and expressive. The days of strictly matching sets are over; today’s most stylish looks are built through the art of mixing and matching. Mastering the skill of the signature stack—whether it's on your neck, wrist, or fingers—allows you to showcase your creativity and transform simple pieces into a cohesive, curated statement that feels uniquely yours, from day to night.

The Foundation of Layering: Starting with a Focal Point

The first rule of stacking is to avoid chaos. Every great look needs a center of gravity.

• Start with a Focal Piece: Identify one item that will serve as your anchor. For necklaces, this might be a bold locket, a chunky chain, or a pendant with sentimental value. For your wrist, it could be a statement cuff or a diamond tennis bracelet. This piece dictates the style, scale, and general tone for the layers you build around it.

• Build Layers Strategically: Use minimalist pieces—such as delicate chains, plain wire rings, or slim bangles—to fill the space and provide necessary contrast. The final stack should look curated, not cluttered.

Mastering the Art of the Necklace Stack

The neck is perhaps the most popular place to stack, but it requires strategy to prevent tangling and overcrowding.

• Vary the Lengths: This is critical to avoid necklaces tangling and ensures every piece is visible. Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 inches of separation between chains. A perfect trio might include:

  1. A short, tight choker (14 inches).

  2. A mid-length piece with a small pendant (18 inches).

  3. A long chain or lariat (24–30 inches).

• Combine Textures: Mix different finishes for visual interest. Combine a smooth snake chain with a chunky paperclip chain and a delicate beaded necklace. This interplay of light, shadow, and reflection makes the stack dynamic.

• Charm Collections: Use a single chain as a base for multiple small charms to tell a story or represent milestones.

Bracelet and Wrist Stacks: Balancing Bold and Subtle

Your wrist stack, or arm party, should represent a balance of scale and texture.

• The Statement and the Slim: Alternate slim, plain bangles (gold or silver) with one impactful piece, such as a bold, hammered cuff or a watch. The slimmest pieces should act as spacers, allowing the focal piece to truly shine.

• Adding Softness: Incorporate softer elements like beaded bracelets, leather wraps, or fabric cords to add texture and a relaxed, bohemian vibe, preventing the stack from looking too rigid or heavy.

Embrace the Modern Trend: Mixing Metals

For decades, the fashion rulebook insisted on wearing only one metal colour. Now, mixing metals (gold, silver, and rose gold) is a sign of modern confidence and versatility.

• Two-Tone is Key: Start small by using jewellery pieces that are inherently two-tone (e.g., a silver chain with a gold pendant, or rings with mixed bands). This makes the transition feel intentional.

• Balance the Ratio: Try to maintain a dominant metal (e.g., 70% gold, 30% silver) to keep the look anchored, rather than an even 50/50 split. Mixing metals also makes it incredibly easy to coordinate with your wardrobe, as virtually any outfit will work.

Jewellery on the Go: The Capsule Wardrobe Approach

For travel or quick wardrobe changes, keep a small, compartmentalized travel pouch filled with your favourite "mix-ins." This jewellery capsule should contain versatile pieces: a pair of classic studs, a simple pair of hoops, two different chain lengths, and three coordinating rings. This allows you to quickly refresh an outfit or transition your look from a day meeting to an evening event.

The ultimate goal is a cohesive, effortless stack. Don’t be afraid to experiment; if it feels right and reflects your personality, you’ve created your perfect signature stack.