Mixing, matching and stacking your jewellery is one of the easiest (and most fun!) ways to express your personal style – and to make your favourite pieces go further. Whether you love a bold, creative look or something more subtle and curated, there’s a lot of enjoyment to be had by putting different pieces together in creative ways that feel just right for you.
As an Australian jewellery designer with decades of experience making wearable art, I love seeing how people style their jewellery in their own way. And I’m often asked for tips on how to create jewellery combinations that look stylish, interesting and uniquely you, without going overboard or ending up too matchy-matchy.
In this article we’ll cover how to mix and match different pieces, layer and stack like a pro, and how to confidently combine designs that don’t strictly match, but still work beautifully together. Whether you’re looking to add flair to your everyday outfits or pull together a creative look for a special occasion, these ideas will help you get the most out of your jewellery collection.
If you’re not sure where to even start with styling your jewellery, I highly recommend you take a peek at my must-read Jewellery Styling Guide so that you can discover how best to wear jewellery that truly suits who you are.
Let’s get started with mixing, matching and stacking your jewellery …
Layering & Stacking Jewellery
Layering and stacking is one of the easiest ways to mix and match jewellery – and it’s a look that works for just about everyone. Whether you’re layering delicate necklaces, stacking rings, or piling on bangles, it adds depth and personality to your style.
When it comes to layered necklaces, try choosing different chain lengths so each piece has its own space to shine. Mix delicate chains with bolder pendants or combine similar metals for a cohesive feel. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at our layering necklaces collection, or check out our Necklace Length & Styling Guide.
Stacking rings will give you even more freedom to play. Combine plain bands with gemstone rings or mix different metals for contrast. You can also try bands of varying widths and textures for an interesting, balanced stack. If you’re keen to experiment, our Ring Stacking Guide is a great place to start.
Bracelet stacks are another fun way to express your style: try combining cuffs with bangles or mixing gemstones with plain metal pieces. You can also build a stack with different gemstone beaded bracelets covering a suites of colours. Play around with different combinations until you find one that feels just right — and don’t be afraid to change things up as your mood or outfit changes.
Finding a Focal Point
One of the easiest ways to pull together a mixed and matched jewellery look is to start with a focal point. This could be a bold statement necklace, a pair of eye-catching dangle earrings, or a stack of colourful gemstone rings – whatever piece you want to stand out the most.
Once you’ve picked your feature piece, build around it with more subtle or complementary items. For example, if you’re wearing a vibrant gemstone pendant, pair it with small, simple studs and a delicate bracelet. If your earrings are doing all the talking, maybe skip the necklace and let them shine.
This approach keeps your look from feeling too chaotic and gives each piece the attention it deserves. It also helps you make confident styling choices, especially when you’re working with bold or contrasting designs.
Don’t be Afraid to be Matchy-Matchy
Not too long ago, there was a moment in fashion where being too ‘matchy-matchy’ was considered a style faux pas. Wearing perfectly co-ordinated jewellery sets – matching earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings – was suddenly seen as overly staged or old-fashioned. And while the intention might have been to encourage more creative styling, it also led to some people avoiding matching pieces altogether.
And honestly? That kind of rule is meant to be broken. If you love a co-ordinated look, go for it: matched sets can feel elegant, polished and put-together, especially for special occasions. On the flip side, deliberately choosing mis-matched or contrasting pieces can make your jewellery feel more personal, expressive and modern.
There’s no single ‘right’ approach here. I’m always in favour of ignoring silly fashion rules and wearing what makes you feel great. Whether you’re a mixer, matcher or somewhere in between, it’s all about having fun and expressing your own unique style.
Matching vs Mismatching
Gone are the days when jewellery was expected to be worn in matched sets. These days it’s just as stylish to wear pieces that complement rather than match exactly. Or you can even go for a highly contrasted, mis-matched look when it comes to jewellery.
If you love a more co-ordinated look, consider looking for pieces that were intentionally designed to go together, such as matching motifs or shared gemstones. But if you’re feeling more adventurous, experiment with pieces that share a similar feel or aesthetic without being identical.
I often design jewellery ranges (or parts of jewellery ranges) for our Australian jewellery store which do just that. Below are some ranges I’ve created with pieces that are intended to be mixed and matched: they share a design aesthetic but have different motifs that will work beautifully together and can even tell a story.
For instance, you can combine different flowers and leaves in the Bouquet collection to create sets that feel naturally connected without being too perfectly matched.
Or explore the Seaside Range, which has ocean texture pieces which are all the same size and shape, but each one has a different beach-inspired texture. Be creative and choose pieces that tell a story or show your love of something.
Play with Colour and Texture
One of the most enjoyable ways to mix and match your jewellery is to get playful with colour and texture. A pop of gemstone colour can bring life to a neutral outfit, while contrasting finishes – like matte vs polished metals – can create depth and visual interest in your look.
Try pairing richly coloured stones with subtle metals, or vice versa. Don’t be afraid to wear multiple gemstones in complementary or even contrasting hues: it’s a great way to show off your personality.
Explore our Gemstone Jewellery collection for a wide array of unique designs. In particular our Birthstone Jewellery designs and Beaded Necklaces are both excellent options for adding colour to your jewellery wardrobe.
When it comes to texture, consider mixing intricate, detailed pieces with sleeker, simpler designs. This contrast can make both pieces stand out more, while giving your look an effortless, layered feel. Try combining a finely detailed pendant with a chunky chain, or wearing different textures across your ring stack.
Colour and texture give you endless possibilities to play with, so mix things up and see what feels most like you.
(Reading this on a website that isn’t simonewalsh.com? Be aware that the content has been stolen, infringing the copyright of a small business. ABN: 65108844126)
Bringing it All Together
Mixing, matching and stacking your jewellery doesn’t need to be complicated – it just takes a little curiosity and playfulness. Start with a piece you love, then experiment with others that complement it. Look for shared elements: similar colours, textures, shapes or materials. Try layering, stacking, or mixing across collections.
And don’t forget: there are no hard rules here. If something feels good to wear and reflects your personal style, that’s what really matters. Jewellery is a way to express yourself, so have fun with it and don’t be afraid to break the ‘rules’ if it makes you smile and feel good.
Ready to get mixing and matching? Check out our range of unique, artisan created pieces in silver, gold and gemstones:
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