For years, the rule was simple: choose gold or silver and stick with it. Today, mixing gold and silver jewellery is one of the most relaxed and personal ways to wear accessories. It lets you wear everything you own, combine gifts and heirlooms, and create a look that feels uniquely yours.
The key is to make it look intentional. Here is how.
Why mixing metals works
Wearing gold and silver together creates contrast and depth. It feels modern and effortless, and it frees you from worrying about whether a new piece matches the rest of your collection. Pearls make mixing metals even easier, because their soft, neutral lustre sits beautifully with both warm and cool tones.
Five rules for mixing gold and silver jewellery
1. Start with a bridge piece
A bridge piece contains both metals in one design, which instantly ties everything together. Once you are wearing one, anything gold or silver you add will look deliberate.
Mixed Metal Click Small Hoop Earrings. Gold vermeil and sterling silver in one lightweight hoop. The easiest way to start mixing metals.
Silver and Gold Ginkgo Leaf Pearl Lariat Necklace. A ginkgo leaf lariat with a freshwater pearl, and part of a collection available in both metals, so you can combine them.
2. Repeat each metal at least twice
If you wear a single silver ring among lots of gold, it can look like a mistake. Repeat each metal somewhere else in your look, for example silver earrings with a silver ring, and gold necklaces with a gold bracelet. Balance makes the combination look considered.
3. Let one metal lead
You do not need an equal split. Many people choose a dominant metal, usually the one that suits their skin tone best, and use the other as an accent. This keeps the look cohesive.
4. Use pearls as the link
Pearls are the perfect neutral. A pearl necklace layered between gold and silver chains softens the contrast and connects the whole look. If you love layering, our guide to layering necklaces has more ideas.
Keshi White Pearl Choker Necklace. Organically shaped keshi pearls that sit beautifully alongside both gold and silver chains.
5. Keep the style consistent
Mixing metals works best when the pieces share a similar feel. Delicate gold chains look lovely with delicate silver ones, while chunky pieces pair well with other bold shapes. Matching the scale matters more than matching the metal.
How to mix metals on each part of the body
Earrings and ear stacks
Mixing metals across several piercings looks particularly modern. Try a silver stud in your first hole and gold huggies further up the ear, or wear a bridge piece in the centre.
Asymmetrical Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings. Available in gold vermeil or silver finish, so you can choose the metal that balances your stack.
Rings
Stack gold and silver rings on the same hand, or split them between hands. An adjustable pearl ring makes a natural centrepiece among mixed bands.
Stick Baroque Pearl Ring. Available in gold vermeil or sterling silver. An adjustable sculptural centrepiece for a mixed stack.
Wrists
Pair a silver watch with gold bracelets, or combine a gold bangle with a pearl bracelet for texture as well as colour contrast.
Which metal suits your skin tone?
Look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear green, you likely have warm undertones, which suit gold. If they appear blue or purple, you probably have cool undertones, which suit silver. If you cannot tell, you likely have neutral undertones and can wear both easily, which makes you a natural at mixing metals.
Understanding gold vermeil and sterling silver
Gold vermeil is a thick layer of gold over sterling silver, which means gold and silver pieces in our collection share the same quality base. Read our gold vermeil guide to find out more, or browse our gold vermeil and sterling silver collections.
Frequently asked questions
Is it tacky to mix gold and silver jewellery?
Not at all. Mixing metals is widely worn and looks modern when done intentionally. Repeating each metal and using a bridge piece keeps it looking polished.
Can I wear a silver watch with gold jewellery?
Yes. Add one other silver element, such as a ring or earrings, so the watch feels part of the look.
Can I mix gold and silver with my wedding ring?
Yes. Many people wear a yellow gold wedding ring with silver or white metal stacking rings. Placing a mixed metal or pearl ring nearby helps connect them.
Wear what you love
The best thing about mixing gold and silver jewellery is the freedom it gives you. Start with a bridge piece, repeat your metals and let pearls tie everything together. Explore our gold vermeil and sterling silver pieces to start building your mixed metal look.
