The secrets to stylish stacking: Experts reveal the art of layering diamond jewelry

Marilyn Monroe performed ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ in the 1953 film Gentleman prefers blondes.

In the iconic scene, the superstar wears a bright pink strapless dress, accessorized with matching gloves and stacks of heavy-handed diamond jewelry.

More than seventy years later, diamonds are still a girl’s best friend, but we wear them in a completely different way.

Once considered too flashy for daytime, modern girls like Nicole Richie and Zoe Kravitz don’t wait for a formal event to add sparkle to their outfits.

Industry experts reveal how to stack diamond jewelry brilliantly because every day is a special occasion.

A tennis bracelet is a status piece

The single row of diamonds that sparkle on one’s wrist exudes a timeless sophistication that is unparalleled.

“A tennis bracelet is classic and therefore automatically the perfect addition to what you already have, whether it’s a handmade treasure or a designer bracelet,” says Monica Rich Kosann, founder and Chief Creative Officer of Monica Rich Kosann.

‘They move with you and are involved with everything day and night.’

The style is available in a variety of metals, including yellow, rose and white gold, silver and platinum.

They can feature any diamond shape (including oval, emerald cut, round and ascher) in a continuous row.

“Personally, I like a classic diamond version, which is a nod to the creator of the tennis bracelet, Chris Evert, with whom I have a collection,” says Monica.

‘A new layer of bling always goes a long way!’ Even in combination with the popular stretch bracelets with beads or friendship styles of the summer.

Decorate your figures like a pro

The combinations are endless for stacking rings, but an intentional and harmonious look requires the help of a professional.

Enter bada** jeweler Dara Kaye.

“Personally, I like to mix as many textures as I can when stacking – i.e. pave, mixed diamond shapes and the settings the bands are made with,” says Dara.

‘I always try to add an eternity style to it, but it has to be with a twist! I look at the settings that are placed next to each other, making sure there are edges and teeth and also shapes. Add chain for extra interest points!

‘My Candy Drop double ring won’t come off for this reason. This is the easiest way to take a stack to the next level because it has chains and dripping diamonds in it.

“If you can add movement in some way, it’s guaranteed to add an extra element of interest and playfulness.”

Within her collection, Dara offers a cigar band encrusted with multi-shaped diamonds, which can add dimension and wow factor to any stack.

This weekend, Dara Kaye Jewelry is dropping Eternity bands (the ‘new classics’) for easy mixing, matching and stacking!

The ace of diamonds is a necklace

The tennis chain, the cooler sister of the bracelet, has lately been often spotted on the necks of celebs and street style stars.

And that’s no surprise, because it’s the perfect piece to layer or wear alone.

“My top tip for styling a tennis chain is to make it the centerpiece of your chain set,” says Keren Yoshua, founder of Craftsman Joyeria.

‘A great stack of chains for summer starts with a heart-shaped tennis chain that sits high on your collarbone.

‘Place a gold Cuban chain on top that is slightly longer than the tennis chain and complete the set with an emerald green charm for a fresh atmosphere.’

A whole lot of love

Rising temperatures call for hairstyles that beat the heat, like a loose ponytail or a loose bun.

To look cool all summer long, invest in a statement ear piece.

Designer and founder of TAI jewelry Tai Rittichai reveals her best tips for achieving the perfect range.

“There are so many different types of earrings you can experiment and play with, including ear cuffs, ear wraps and linear earrings,” says Tai. ‘It’s all about mixing and matching.’

According to the expert, an interesting range is the perfect way to spice up a casual summer look.

‘Personally, I love a stack that combines sparkly chains (like our linear chain earrings) with some heavenly studs and ear cuffs.

‘Once you have built a collection, the combinations are endless. You can create an everyday, dainty look with a mix of delicate hugs and studs, or you can go bold with chunky hoop earrings and ear cuffs.”

For balance, Tai suggests longer earrings at the bottom of the lobe, with studs and ear cuffs running up to the helix.

“Studs are generally most comfortable when you put them in the ear, and smaller teddies work too.”

Although sometimes overlooked, ear ornaments can complete an ensemble. And just like everything else we wear on our body, earrings say something about our personality.

They give off an energy and vibe that can change the wearer’s mood and self-confidence.

“A long earring makes us feel glamorous and an ear cuff can make us feel cool and sharp,” says Tai.

According to the jeweler, the latest trend in stacking is creating a theme.

‘For example, a nature theme with a mix of animal and flower earrings or a heavenly theme with fireworks and gemstones.’