Stone and Strand/Facebook
Stone and Strand's beautifully curated jewelry styling shots are nothing short of aspirational.
- Stone and Strand is an online jewelry startup offering everyday luxury in the form of affordable fine jewelry.
- The brand does an amazing job of styling their pieces, curating creative looks anyone would want to wear. I've always wondered, how can I recreate these perfectly layered jewelry looks with my own pieces?
- I sat down with Nadine McCarthy Kahane, Stone and Strand's founder, to learn all things jewelry styling. Keep reading for her expert tips and tricks, including how to stack rings, mix metals, and what pieces are worth investing in.
Great accessories can take an outfit from "so-so" to "WOAH." Take the classic pairing of a plain white T-shirt and jeans, for example. It's an easy go-to, something you can always count on to look good without much thought or effort, though not the most original outfit. Layer on some necklaces, stack some cool rings on your fingers, put on a pair (or several) of your favorite earrings and you have a look that feels elevated, special, and totally you.
I've always loved jewelry. It transcends seasons, you can create endless combinations, and I love learning the stories behind the pieces of those who wear them. Yet, as much as I love jewelry, I often find myself struggling to style it. So, I asked an expert for everything you need to know about the sparkly stuff.
Nadine McCarthy Kahane is the founder of Stone and Strand, an online jewelry startup that sells beautiful, dainty fine jewelry pieces made for everyday wear. The brand has its own namesake label but also sells pieces from other like-minded jewelry designers. If sparkly and shiny baubles are your thing, perusing Stone and Strand's selection will give you that kid in a candy store excitement.
I met up with Kahane at the brand's Manhattan pop-up to discuss everything from how to stack rings to how to best store your jewelry. Hopefully, her insights will help you too. Keep reading for styling tips and major earring envy.
Rings
Remi Rosmarin/Business Insider
Asymmetrical pairings work well when it comes to ring stacking.
Stacking a bunch of different rings on your fingers is all the rage. Yet, whenever I attempt to pair rings, my fingers end up looking more like little Michelin men than anything else. So, this was our first order of business. When it comes to ring stacking, it's all about asymmetry. "Match thicker rings with thinner ones to balance each other out," Kahane suggests. For an easy pairing, she suggests stacking cigar bands and eternity bands.
And don't fear mixing metals. Kahane is all for stacking different proportions and different gold colors. She suggests mixing metals and gemstones for a unique look. "The daintier the rings the more you can pile on," she says. To give an example, Nadine styled my hands with a bunch of fun rings, pictured above. As you can see, there's a nice mixture of textures, thicknesses, and gemstones. Standout pieces, like the Unicorn Heart Ring, are given their own space, while smaller, daintier bands are stacked together for a cool, asymmetrical look.
Here are the pieces pictured above, from left to right:
Mini Pinky Signet Ring, $145, Unicorn Rainbow Heart Ring, $375, Gold Cigar Band, $198, Spark Circle Band, $130, Wavy Band, $150, Three Diamond Open Cuff Ring, $195
Necklaces
I love the look of layered necklaces. But, when layered, necklaces often end up in a tangled mess. Unfortunately, Kahane confirmed that necklaces will always get tangled. But, better storage techniques can help keep your necklaces knot-free, at least while you're not wearing them. Plastic bags are one of Kahane's jewelry storage go-to's. "Put the necklace in a single plastic bag and leave the clasp out so it doesn't scratch the rest of the necklace," she suggests. While it may not be the most sustainable option, you can reuse the same plastic bags for a long time. Plus, when it's time to travel, these are particularly easy to pack up.
Remi Rosmarin/Business Insider
Easy, mix-and-matchable, everyday earrings curated by Kahane.
Earrings
Like rings, when you want to pair earrings, it's all about playing with different proportions. Depending on how many ear piercings you have, where they are, and what your style is, you can really get creative and make all sorts of fun, beautiful looks. For a combination that'll always look great, "Wear a big statement earring in the first piercing and a small dainty one in the second," Kahane suggests. "If you're less adventurous, stick with gold pairs and add in different gemstones and diamonds."
Earrings pictured from bottom to top:
Tiny Hollow Hoop Earrings, $225, Gold Lightning Bolt Stud, $55-$110, Tiny Zodiac Stud, $70, Tiny Diamond Stud, $95-$190, Small Gold Huggie Clicker Earring, $70
Storage, cleaning, and more
When it comes to traveling, Kahane loves soft travel cases particularly "something you can roll everything up into". And, of course, plastic bags to hold necklaces. Check out our guide to the best travel jewelry cases you can buy for our recommendations.
For cleaning jewelry, the most effective thing you can do is take your pieces to a jeweler. If you don't have time to get to a jeweler, there are household remedies you can use to keep your gold pieces looking fresh. Kahane suggests a toothbrush and soap. Put a few drops of dish soap in warm water, then soak your pieces in the solution. After a few minutes, take them out and use the toothbrush to gently scrub off any dirt.
Stone and Strand
Dainty gold chains and diamonds are a chic, versatile, wear-with-everything combination.
Shopping for jewelry is always exciting, but it can be very expensive. With so many metals to choose from, it can be difficult to figure out which items are worth the splurge and when to go for more affordable alternatives. Like most fashion trends, when it comes to trendy jewelry, you're better off going for something cheaper since you likely won't wear it forever. "Buy gold-plated or gold-filled pieces for trendy jewelry," Kahane suggests. "If you know you'll be wearing a piece for a while you may want to upgrade to 14-karat gold." Rings are one item where Kahane suggests splurging on solid gold. Since your hands are often coming in contact with water and other elements, plated and filled rings will quickly show signs of wear and tear. Solid gold, on the other hand, can withstand those elements and will continue looking pristine.
Bottom line
Like anything style-related, choosing how to style your jewelry really comes down to your personal taste. If you don't like the look of silver and gold together, you don't have to wear them together, but if you do, ignore the rules that say you shouldn't mix and match. If you're looking for inspiration or a place to start, I'd highly recommend checking out Stone and Strand's website and Instagram page for some looks you'll want to recreate.