How I Learned to Style Handmade Jewelry (And You Can Too)

I used to be that person who’d spend twenty minutes staring at my jewelry box, completely overwhelmed. Too much? Not enough? Does this even go together? Then I’d give up and wear the same simple studs I always wear.

Everything changed when my sister gave me this gorgeous handmade necklace for my birthday—chunky turquoise stones with silver wire wrapping. I loved it, but honestly? I had no clue how to wear it without looking like I was trying too hard.

Here’s what I’ve figured out after way too many fashion mistakes and a few surprising wins:

Start with What You Love, Then Build Around It

Okay, this might sound backwards, but hear me out. Instead of picking your outfit first, choose the piece of jewelry that makes you happy just looking at it. Maybe it’s that ring your friend made, or the earrings you bought at a craft fair last summer.

I learned this the hard way when I kept trying to make that turquoise necklace work with busy patterns. Once I paired it with a simple white tee? Game changer. Sometimes the jewelry needs to be the star of the show.

Mix Metals (Seriously, It’s Fine)

My mom used to say never mix gold and silver. Sorry, Mom—you were wrong on this one. Some of my favorite combinations happened by accident: my grandmother’s gold bracelet with my silver watch, or that copper cuff I bought in Santa Fe with my everyday silver rings.

The trick isn’t matching—it’s balancing. If you’re nervous about it, start small. Add one mixed-metal piece to an outfit and see how it feels.

One Bold Piece at a Time (Trust Me on This)

I made this mistake at my cousin’s wedding. Wore statement earrings AND a chunky necklace AND three bold bracelets. The photos… well, let’s just say I looked like I fell into a jewelry store.

Now I follow what I call the “main character rule”—one piece gets to be the star, everything else supports it. Big dramatic earrings? Simple chain necklace. Bold pendant? Small studs or nothing at all.

Layering is an Art (That I’m Still Learning)

Pinterest makes layering look so effortless, doesn’t it? In reality, I’ve had plenty of tangled-chain disasters. But when it works—oh, when it works, it’s magic.

Start with three pieces max: short, medium, long. My go-to combo is a delicate chain at my collarbone, a pendant that hits mid-chest, and a longer beaded necklace. Takes some adjusting throughout the day, but worth it.

Match Your Mood, Not Your Outfit

This sounds cheesy, but stick with me. I have this pair of moonstone earrings that I only wear when I’m feeling contemplative. My coral bracelet comes out when I need an energy boost. That malachite ring? Perfect for days when I want to feel grounded.

Your handmade pieces have personalities—lean into that. It’s way more interesting than trying to perfectly color-coordinate everything.

Color Can Be Your Friend (Or Keep It Simple)

I’m still figuring this one out. Some days I want that pop of bright jasper against all black. Other days, I stick with my safe neutrals—clear quartz, pearls, anything that doesn’t require thinking.

The beauty of handmade jewelry is that even the “neutral” pieces have character. My moonstone bracelet technically goes with everything, but it also has these little flashes of blue that make me smile.

The Secret Ingredient? Wearing It Like You Mean It

Here’s the thing I wish someone had told me earlier: confidence isn’t something you fake until you make it. It’s about wearing pieces that genuinely make you feel like yourself.

That turquoise necklace my sister gave me? I wear it now on days when I need to remember how much I’m loved. It’s not just an accessory anymore—it’s a reminder.

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The real talk: Styling handmade jewelry isn’t about following rules or looking like those perfectly curated Instagram feeds. It’s about finding pieces that tell your story and wearing them in a way that feels authentically you.

Some days you’ll nail it. Other days your necklaces will tangle, or you’ll realize your bracelet doesn’t work with your sleeve length. That’s all part of it.

The beautiful thing about handmade jewelry is that someone poured their creativity into making it. When you wear it with intention—whether you’re following “rules” or making up your own—you’re honoring that craftsmanship.

And honestly? That matters more than getting everything perfectly “right.”