Layering your jewelry in a way that looks effortless yet pristine is as difficult as it is to create the perfect messy bun—the ones you spend an hour trying to perfect with the sole intention of it looking like you threw it up in two seconds as you walked out the door. We figured leaving a task like this up to an expert would be our safest bet, which is why we reached out to jewelry designer, Jennie Kwon, for her tips on the matter.
If you haven't heard of Kwon before now, we suggest you take the time to admire her delicately gorgeous pieces. Although all that she designs is striking enough to wear on its own, everything from her rings to her necklaces are also intended to be layered together, and the result is breathtaking.
Kwon revealed to us some of the biggest jewelry layering mistakes she frequently sees people make, as well as ways to avoid them. Whether you feel like you are too timid to mix and match jewelry, or you tend to overwork the whole notion of layering in the first place, the expert advice she gives us here is something we can all benefit from and we are excited to share it with you here.
Keep reading to see the top five jewelry layering mistakes, and shop ideal layering pieces to get you on the right track!
"When creating a layered look, you want to appear as if you're wearing a plethora of favorite pieces you've collected over the years, not an ensemble you bought all at the same time," Kwon advises. "Mixing styles, dimensions, scales, and colors makes the look much more organic and interesting."
"Similar to mixing metals, a lot of ladies shy away from mixing different stones when layering jewelry," Kwon observed. "Yes, jewelry is meaningful and valuable, but it should also be able to be worn on a daily basis. There really are no rules as to what goes with what. If you have a favorite emerald piece, a pearl piece, and a diamond piece, wearing them all together will be meaningful to you and will simultaneously create a more interesting eye-catching look."
"As with clothing, you don't want to look like you're trying too hard with jewelry," Kwon noted. "However, unlike clothing, jewelry is more special in that people usually purchase each piece in their collection because they really connect with it in some way."
"People shy away from mixing metals when creating a ring stack, layered neck, arm, or ear party for fear of bringing back the two-tone metal look from the '80s. However, there's nothing taboo about a rose, white, and yellow gold mashup. Mixing a variety of metals creates a more natural and interesting feel," Kwon told us.
Related: 5 Style Mistakes That Are Downgrading Your Outfit
"When layering different pieces, it should all come together very organically—a display of your favorite pieces that you've curated over time," Kwon advises. "It should also be fun. Don't stress yourself out thinking of how to lay everything out!"
Keep reading to shop the pieces you'll need to create a perfect layered look!
You won't be able to stop staring at this ring on your finger.
The dainty way to wear hoop earrings.
This is basically two rings in one.
Layer this necklace with a delicate gold chain choker.
All your metals in one place.
Related: This Is How to Store Jewelry the Smart Way
Lariats create a layered look all in one necklace.
A uniquely shaped bangle is just what your work outfit is missing.
This is the kind of necklace you will never take off.
Sapphires have never looked so modern.
If you have multiple piercings, these delicate crawlers are a great addition to your ear party.
Pair this bracelet with a gold watch and tiny stacked rings.
Grace your lobes with the presence of this piece.
Imagine how sultry a gold lariat would be paired with this architectural choker.
These hoops are great for everyday wear or even for a black-tie event.
Make a statement on one ear while wearing simple studs on the other. Check out some of the biggest styling mistakes we all make without realizing.
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