Forget the days of demure single strands and lonely pendants. Fine jewellery is undergoing a metamorphosis, casting off its solo act status and embracing the power of the stack. This isn't your grandmother's layered necklace; it's a rebellion against matchy-matchy monotony, a symphony of sparkle where precious metals and luminous gemstones intertwine to create a look that's both personal and powerful.
The year 2024 has seen a resurgence of an old trend that's making a comeback with a bang: jewellery stacking. Gone are the days of simple, delicate pieces—this year is all about layering multiple items to create a bold and expressive look. If there’s one thing women adore, it’s jewellery and stacked jewellery has become a favourite. Celebrities like Rihanna, Priyanka Chopra, and Kylie Jenner have embraced this trend, inspiring many to flaunt their unique style through stacking. Celebrities like Rihanna, Priyanka Chopra, and Kylie Jenner have popularized jewellery stacking, and now Gen Z is embracing this trend, putting their own spin on it.
The trend involves layering various pieces of jewellery, whether rings, bracelets, necklaces, or earrings, to make a striking fashion statement. Suhani Parekh, Founder and Designer of MISHO, shares her love for stacking, saying, "I’m a fan of bold jewellery looks. The future of jewellery is about having fun and experimenting more. I love, for example, that mixed metals are back, I've been really loving playing with both silver and gold lately.” This trend, which started as a subtle way to mix and match, has evolved into an art form, allowing people to showcase their personal style. MISHO’s success has reached international celebrity wardrobes, and other brands like ShopLune, Eurumme, and Karishma Joolry have followed suit.
The Appeal of Stacking
Jewellery stacking allows you to express your personal style, whether you prefer chunky chains, vibrant gemstones, or intricate designs. The beauty of this trend is its versatility—there are no strict rules. You can mix metals, combine vintage pieces with modern designs, or layer delicate items with bold statement pieces. The goal is to create a look that feels both personal and stylish, and appeals to those who enjoy experimenting with their wardrobe and expressing themselves through their accessories.
This year, we’re seeing more adventurous combinations. Gold and silver, once considered clashing, are now paired together to create dynamic, eye-catching layers. Chunky chains are mixed with fine necklaces, and a simple band can sit alongside a gemstone ring, proving that stacking offers endless possibilities. You can adapt the look to suit any occasion, from casual outings to formal events, by adjusting the number of pieces and the style of jewellery.
The beauty of investing in versatile jewellery pieces is that they can be rotated to create different looks, allowing you to express a new side of your personality with each outfit. Today's brands have a keen understanding of the styles and aesthetics that women desire. As Sreesha Shetty, Founder of ShopLune, puts it, "Contemporary jewellery designs often blend timeless aesthetics with modern twists. It's inspiring to see women boldly experimenting with various styles, from minimalist to statement pieces. This freedom of expression reflects a broader trend towards individuality and personal style in the fashion world."
Image: ShopLune and Sreesha Shetty, Founder of ShopLune
Designer Insights
We spoke with jewellery designers to get their take on how to perfect the jewellery stacking trend.
There's a well-known quote by Coco Chanel that says before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove at least one thing. I believe the secret is actually the opposite - add just a little bit more," suggests Suhani Parekh, Creative Director of MISHO Designs. "I prefer to highlight one or two statement accessories at a time, and then add some simpler pieces elsewhere. So it could be a statement earring and a stack of statement cuffs, with plain rings and no necklace. Also, when mixing metals, aim for a 70-30 ratio of each finish. But the most important thing is to experiment and see what works best for you!"
Image: MISHO Designs and Suhani Parekh, Creative Director of MISHO Designs.
"One of the key ways to style jewellery stacking is to work with a single colour," shares Eishita Puri Founder & Creative Head, Eurumme. She explains, "You can mix and match different shapes and sizes of the same metal, like gold. For example, you could layer a thin and thick gold chain or combine both, using various shades of gold. Or you could even mix different metallic colours, creating a bold statement piece that pairs well with a monochrome outfit. It's versatile in that way. You can also combine it with a watch to create a minimalist set, stacking the watch with a bracelet."
Images: Eurumme and Eishita Puri Founder & Creative Head, Eurumme
Personally, she prefers a maximalist approach to stacking. "When it comes to stacking, we shouldn't limit ourselves to just our wrists. We can also stack chokers by layering multiple necklaces, not just delicate ones but chunky ones as well. You can even triple up layers of chunky chokers. Stacking rings is another timeless classic that I don't think will ever go out of style! I love stacking rings, and they're versatile too. You can go minimal, go bold, and experiment with different combinations!"
Karishma Mehra, Founder & Creative Head of Joolry, enjoys combining Indian and Western contemporary pieces to create stylish and youthful stacks. She suggests stacking traditional bangles with modern bracelets or layering statement necklaces with intricate Indian jewellery.
Speaking on how to perfect the trend, she says, "You can mix and match and experiment once you've stacked a few bracelets or cuffs. Add more pieces depending on the desired look. Personally, I think it's best not to overload your stack. Maybe three or four pieces, or five if they're delicate, as too many pieces can distract from the individual pieces. Keep your stack simple and stylish to elevate your outfit. When it comes to stacking bracelets, a chic and elevated look often relies on simplicity and balance."
Image: Joolry and Karishma Mehra, Founder & Creative Head of Joolry
If you're looking to add a touch of personality and flair to your outfit, consider trying the jewellery stacking trend. With countless options available, you're sure to find pieces that match your unique taste and style. New to the stacking trend? Begin with a few key pieces you love—a favourite ring or bracelet—and build from there. Don’t be afraid to mix different textures and styles; pairing a sleek bangle with a beaded bracelet or watch can add an interesting contrast. The beauty of stacking is that it’s ever-changing; you can switch up your layers depending on your mood, outfit, or the occasion.
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