How to stack rings like a pro, according to jewellers like Jessica McCormack

Fashion has long been cyclical, and that goes for jewellery too. Queen Victoria, who can be seen as one of history’s original influencers in starting the trend for white wedding dresses, was also known to wear several rings stacked on one finger. Though to be fair, the Tudors were also partial to a ring stack. In any case, look at Michael Rider’s debut for Celine – the current barometer for a zippy kind of chicness – where models wore rings stacked on every finger. Queen Victoria would have been into it. Right now, ring stacks are everywhere, from Zoë Kravitz, Jessica McCormack ambassador – and undisputed cool girl – wearing artful curations of sapphire bands and solid gold, to jewellery’s ultimate maximalist, fashion buyer Lori Hirshleifer, and her ultimate magpie approach. Catherine, Princess of Wales, has lately taken to stacking five rings – including her 12-carat Garrard sapphire and diamond piece, previously owned by Princess Diana – while Taylor Swift stacks diamond bands on her pointer. Jewellery brands are catering to this desire to pile on rings too, from Repossi with its Berbere ring that looks like two (or three) rings in one, to Boucheron with the Quatre. Pieces designed with textured motifs such as Chanel’s quilted Coco Crush and Chaumet’s honeycomb Bee pieces work with what you already own. There is, however, an art to it. For London-based Kiwi jeweller McCormack – whose designs include her blackened gold, Georgian-inspired Gypset collection – a considered approach is essential. So, too, are sentiment and personal taste. “When stacking rings, I love mixing styles and materials, gold and old-cut diamonds next to pavé, or a more structural ring next to a delicate band. It shouldn’t feel too perfect or overly styled – the best ring stacks look as though they’ve been collected over time,” she says. “I usually start with one strong piece, like an oval diamond eternity ring, and build around it instinctively.” Paris-based jeweller Yvonne Léon – whose vintage-inspired pieces mix enamel and diamonds – started her career in fashion magazines before moving into jewellery. She suggests mixing shapes, textures and even levels of perceived preciousness. “I love mixing my creations by playing with textures, shapes and metals – a delicate ring on one finger, a bolder one beside it. It’s truly an art of balance,” she says. “Our Sous l’Eau ring was designed to stack perfectly with the La Plage ring, forming a unique landscape that almost becomes a single ring. Likewise, our Vague Diamants ring, thanks to its shape, pairs harmoniously with any signet ring. I love that everyone can create their own combination and invent their own way of stacking rings.” For London-based jeweller Christie Wollenberg, co-founder of Otiumberg, whose sculptural pieces have been worn by the likes of Keira Knightley, wearing rings mirrors her own design philosophy. “I approach ring stacking much like I approach design: thinking about proportion, balance and how each element relates to the next. It should feel curated, never contrived,” she says. “I tend to begin with a grounding piece – something sculptural or sentimental – and then build around it with finer bands or subtle diamond details.” Wollenberg says a favourite piece – and one she shares with her sister and co-founder Rosanna – is the silver wave ring. “We often wear our silver wave rings layered with delicate diamond bands beneath; we love the tension of something sculptural and slightly chunky, set against classic, refined lines. That contrast gives a stack depth and personality,” she says. As for what to avoid? For Wollenberg, it’s anything that feels too contrived. Or too, well, much. “I’m very conscious of avoiding overcrowding. The moment a stack feels excessive, it loses its sophistication. For me, stacking is a form of self-expression, and the most compelling combinations evolve naturally over time rather than being assembled in a single moment. The best stacks often feel instinctive rather than overly planned,” she explains. Getting it right, Wollenberg says, is about proportion (mixing sizes and weights) along with texture and finish – combining different polishes, surfaces and dimensions in the same stack. Another factor? What you leave off. “Restraint plays an equally important role,” Wollenberg says. “You don’t need 10 rings to make an impact; often two or three thoughtfully chosen pieces feel far more powerful than a stack that tries too hard. And comfort should never be underestimated. Jewellery should feel effortless and instinctive to wear – if you’re constantly adjusting it, the ease is lost, and that shows.” Vintage and antique jewellery dealer Emrys Cousins of Love Well Sourced says trusting your intuition is important when it comes to curating a ring stack. Still, she has a few guiding principles to share. “I will often start with two rings with a similar form, and then add from there. It might be two signet-style rings with oval faces, or two 1960s cocktail rings. Having a pair to start will help the final stack feel cohesive,” she says. Cousins always likes to leave one or two fingers unadorned to create balance, and focuses mainly on her pinky, ring and middle fingers, or pinky, ring and index fingers. She likes mixing metals – especially when pieces share a similar design era or motif – and layering colours. The punchier the better: “Coral with lapis lazuli and tiger’s eye, or tourmaline paired with citrine and peridot, sapphire and emeralds – and a side of diamond always works,” she says. Ultimately, Cousins says that as with any jewellery pieces, a ring stack should carry meaning. Do it your way, she advises. “Jewellery should be personal and bring joy. If layering your favourite pieces means breaking these rules, go ahead and write your own.”

How to stack rings like a pro, according to jewellers like Jessica McCormack

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Celine’s models, Taylor Swift and Zoë Kravitz are all loading their fingers with rings – check out these pointers (pun intended) from jewellery experts

Celine’s models, Taylor Swift and Zoë Kravitz are all loading their fingers with rings – check out these pointers (pun intended) from jewellery experts