6 Australian creatives share how they style mixed-metal jewellery

Mixing it up.

Having been a strictly gold-adorned girlie for as long as my fashion conscious can recall, the idea of integrating a little bit of silver into my collection would’ve startled me had you mentioned it six months ago. Recently, I’ve felt the allure of mixing up my everyday jewellery with a few pieces of silver. It’s an easy way to elevate my outfits and I’ve been taking inspiration from the multi-toned wrist stacks and ear piercings of the jewellery-obsessed creatives on my feed.

What was once a serious fashion faux pas is now the mainstream and mixed-metal styling is everywhere. For the time being, I’m opting for more of a conservative approach to integrating mixed metals into my collection, adding a touch of silver here and there and refraining from purchasing higher-priced pieces until I’m fully converted. But no matter your price point, it’s clear the success of your mixed-metal look depends on the styling.

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Below, six Australian creatives share how they style mixed-metal jewellery. Deciding to supplement my everyday pieces with something different is a big move for me (clearly, I don’t cope well with change). Taking inspiration from these creatives and implementing the styling tips they use has allowed my personal style to be a sparklier, more fun version of itself.

Marisa Suen, stylist

How would you describe your own personal jewellery collection?

Trinkets!!!! I’ve collected random trinket-ed pieces for years. I also love something a bit more minimalist and timeless, like an interesting chain. I also am very specific with the material I wear. Love stainless steel, palladium and of course 925 silver and 18-24k gold.

Is mixing metals a fashion faux pas? What styling advice do you have for people wanting to wear mixed metals?

Definitely not!!! I LOVE mixing metals, especially gold and silver among little specks of gems. For me, there is no rule on how to mix metals, it’s so fun to play! If you’re easing into mixing metals I would recommend starting with more simple pieces in the metal (colour) you don’t wear as often and pairing it with your usual pieces.

@marisasuen

Ethan Lazarof, content creator

Olivia Cummings, Founder of Cleopatra’s Bling

Photo of Amaani Alikhan for Cleopatra’s Bling

How would you describe your own personal jewellery collection?

I started Cleopatra’s Bling motivated by the wish to wear a type of jewellery I couldn’t find anyone else making, [jewellery] that took historical design references and blended them with a contemporary aesthetic. My personal jewellery collection leans heavily into the idea of layering and abundance.

It is a blend of seasonal pieces taken from our recent collections (including sterling silver), mixed with bespoke fine jewellery made in 18k or 22k gold. These fine pieces are items I plan to keep forever and pass down to the next generation, but mixing them with occasional jewellery gives me a sense of variety and relevance to the moment.

Is mixing metals a fashion faux pas? What advice do you have for people who plan to mix metals?

The idea not to mix metals comes from a misconception that most people have only one shade that suits their undertones and colour palette. After moving to Istanbul and founding Cleopatra’s Bling, I realised it’s more important to wear what you are drawn to… mixing metals can offer you an eclectic, luxurious look.

Some tips include selecting the right shade of gold – rose or yellow, low or high karat – and blending these with gemstones that complement your colouring. It’s most important to collect the pieces… [with] symbolism and design you resonate with.

@cleopatrasbling

Simone Farrugia, stylist

How would you describe your own personal jewellery collection?

An eclectic mix of everything! Treasures I’ve collected over the years…. not all that I necessarily wear now.

Is mixing metals a fashion faux pas? What styling advice do you have for people wanting to wear mixed metals?

I’m not sure how many fashion faux pas are really left! I’m all for mixing metals. Don’t overthink it, perhaps keep the jewels all within a similar style, it’s harder to mix a really delicate piece with something chunky… otherwise, have fun with it! My mixed metals look here are from Yellow Chilli.

@simfarrugia

Dani Maher, writer and creative

How would you describe your own personal jewellery collection?

My jewellery collection is a haphazard mix of pieces I’ve amassed over the years: rings inherited from family members, earrings gifted by friends, [and] necklaces I gifted myself. Their value to me has less to do with how much they’re worth and more to do with who they’re from, or what they mean to me when I wear them. Some pieces are cheap, others more expensive, but I love them all.

Is mixing metals a fashion faux pas?

If it is, sue me. To me, the rule of not mixing your metals is like the rules against wearing red and pink, or navy and black, or double denim – so-called ‘fashion crimes’ that we once feared, but have since opened our minds. Fashion is about fun, after all, and what makes you feel good.

I started mixing my metals a few years ago, not as any sort of fashion rebellion, but rather out of a desire to wear all my favourite pieces at once – and that feels good to me; it makes me happy. And beyond that, I’ve actually gotten more compliments on my jewellery since I started mixing my metals – I guess it becomes a bit more of a statement.

What styling advice do you have for people wanting to wear mixed metals?

Embrace the maximalism of it — the more, the better. The vibe works best when you’ve got a real mix – maybe a few solid gold pieces, a few plain silver pieces, [and] a few gemstone-dotted pieces for variety (not just all gold and one silver piece, or vice versa). Wear all your rings at once (or however many your fingers can manage), and if you’ve got multiple ear piercings, stack them up.

There can still be a little method to the madness: try different combinations of your favourite pieces to see what works best. [Like] which rings stack well on which fingers; which necklaces are the right lengths to layer with each other; which earrings suit the positions of your piercings in the right order. Once you’ve got a solid rotation going, I promise you won’t be able to stop.

@danimaherr

Izzy Wight, Fashion Journal’s Editorial Assistant

How would you describe your own personal jewellery collection?

I’d say it’s minimal but important. These are pieces I rarely take off, simply because I’d lose them as soon as I put them down. The gold ring is my mum’s from the ’90s, it’s a Mexican peso she had made into this lace-like design. The silver rings are chunkier, which I like for contrast. Then it’s just a simple flat silver chain and some sleepers in varying sizes. Honestly, it’s too much of one metal for my liking – I prefer an even split of gold, silver and stones. I’m working on it.

What styling advice do you have for people wanting to wear mixed metals?

If you’re like me, the best way to do it is without thinking about it. Mixing metals should look and feel effortless, so just stack up your favourite rings, earrings, necklaces, etc. Start thinking of gold and silver as neutrals, and layer your favourite colourful gems and shiny pearls on top.

@izzy.wight

This article was originally published on May 10, 2023.

For more on incorporating mixed metals into your collection, head here.