Layering necklaces and huggies

Many of our photographs show more than one piece at a time: a pearl choker above a chain with an evil-eye coin, two or three rings on one hand, huggies with a charm. Wearing several pieces together is less about rules than about spacing, contrast and a little restraint. Here is how we think about it.

Start with lengths. Necklaces layer best when each sits at its own level, about 3 to 5 cm apart. A 38 cm choker sits at the base of the neck; a 42 cm chain falls just below it; at 45 cm a chain reaches the collarbone. The Votsala choker and the Mati necklace are made to sit exactly this way, one above the other.

One texture, one shine. Pearls beside polished metal, a hammered chain beside a smooth pendant: contrast keeps each piece readable. Two chains of the same weight and finish tend to blur into one.

Let one piece lead. In any combination, choose a single bold piece, such as the Kalderimi chain or the Aoos drops, and keep everything around it quieter. If everything is loud, nothing is heard.

Huggies and second piercings. A huggie sits close to the lobe, so it works on its own or beside a stud. Wear a charm huggie such as the Ilios or the Kardia in the first piercing with a plain stud or a small hoop above it, or keep the charms for one ear and something simpler for the other.

Match metals, or mix them on purpose. Gold-plated and plain silver can be worn together, but the mix looks deliberate when it repeats: a silver chain and silver earrings with a gold-plated ring, for example, rather than one stray piece. White gold sits happily beside both.

Rings, too. Our Elato, Vryo and Mazi rings were photographed together on one hand: a wide rope band, a hammered band and a slim two-stone ring, all with green stones. Repeat one element, here the green, and vary the rest: width, texture and height.

Look after a layered set. Chains worn together can tangle and rub against each other. Fasten each clasp at the back of the neck, take them off one at a time and store them separately.

There is no wrong way to wear jewellery you love. These are simply the habits that make a combination look chosen rather than accidental.