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Tips and Tricks for Mixing Metals Like a Pro

The Leaders in Custom Jewelry Pittsburgh Teach You How to Properly Mix and Match Metals

By
Lisa Marie Kotchey Jewelry
,
on
August 21, 2020

Traditionally, fashion experts have warned against mixing together different types of metals. No one knows for sure where this dated piece of advice came from. But that old school of thought has been left behind for a while now. Nowadays, you can see multiple people throughout Pittsburgh and beyond experimenting with mixing and matching different metals in their jewelry. 

However, pulling off this trend isn’t always easy. Many people struggle with finding the right balance of metals without accidentally making them clash. If you’re still new to the concept of mixing metals, Lisa Marie Kotchey designs — the leader in custom jewelry Pittsburgh— is here to give you easy tips and tricks to mixing your metals. 

Familiarize Yourself with Different Types of Metals

Unlike the Leader in Custom Jewelry Pittsburgh, you probably aren’t completely familiar with different metals

A diamond ring

Before you starting mixing them together, you should educate yourself on the different types of metals available on the market as well as their various uses and benefits. Most metals can be categorized based on their respective colors or appearances. Within these categories, the metals tend to vary based on their different properties and levels of purity. 

White Metals

White metals are popular materials used in necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more. White metals typically include: 

  • Sterling silver — durable and long-lasting metal made of 92.5% silver
  • Platinum — the rarest type of metal that is highly valued for its durability and immunity to tarnishing
  • Titanium — extremely strong metal that is hypoallergenic and scratch-resistant
  • White gold — gold with a white tone

Gold Metals

Different types of gold metals are another popular option among people looking to customize or mix up their jewelry. Metals with a yellow or gold color include:

  • 24k gold — pure gold that doesn’t contain any allows or impurities 
  • Gold alloys — more durable type of gold mixed with other metals such as silver or platinum

Other

However, many metals do not fit into either of the above categories. Rose gold and violet gold, for instance, are unique and colorful metals that can be placed in a number of different jewelry pieces. Learning how to match these different colored metals will be crucial for successfully pulling off your unique look. 

Choose a Base Tone

Ground your jewelry pieces with a solid base tone

ring with rose colored gem

Don’t know where to start? Start by picking the main base tone of your jewelry ensemble. It can be white, silver, or yellow gold. Then, choose another color to act as an accent. If you want gold to be your base tone, use gold bracelets with thick cuffs or necklaces with thick chains. You can complement these bolder pieces with some small accent rings or earrings. Just make sure the base color stands out, but is still complemented by the accent pieces. 

Focus on Ratios

Ratios will help you maintain a balanced look

piece of gold and silver jewelry

While you can add an even balance of gold and silver, it’s okay to add in a third shade or even a little more gold than silver. In fact, gold or silver accent pieces can really make your outfit pop. As you balance each color out, make sure you take the size, texture, and style of each piece of jewelry into account. This will help you distinguish your accent color from your base color. 

Try to Create a Layered Effect

Keep your pieces interesting by layering them

Photo of Lisa Marie Kotchey - Pittsburgh, PA, United States. This diamond remount took family diamonds and reset them into a bracelet that is casual enough for everyday wear and dressy e...

In order to make the metal mixing appear purposeful, try layering different pieces of jewelry over each other. You can pile on multiple bracelets on one arm or layer multiple necklaces together. Most people mix together gold and silver-toned pieces. However, you can also mix together rose gold and silver or white gold and gold. Don’t be afraid to add a third metal if it complements the other two metals. This creates a stunning effect that will make any outfit pop! 

Select Tri-Colored Jewelry

Tri-colored jewelry can give you a classy and balanced style

Photo of Lisa Marie Kotchey - Pittsburgh, PA, United States

If you want to create a more dramatic effect, consider going for a tri-colored combo rather than mixing just two different metals together. You can find a number of rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that already come in a tri-colored combo of silver, yellow gold, and rose. Many people wear tri-colored pieces to function as the anchor piece of their overall look. 

To keep things simple, you can purchase one of these tri-colored pieces so that you don’t have to worry about picking out the right balance of colors yourself. Tri-colored pieces are also great for people who want to layer their jewelry but have trouble figuring out how to balance the different pieces together. 


Are you interested in experimenting further with your jewelry? Get in touch with Lisa Marie Kotchey Designs, one of the leaders in custom Jewelry Pittsburgh, today to start making a gorgeous new piece of jewelry.