How to wear colourful jewellery

Anything goes when it comes to styling colourful jewellery. From subtle gemstones to vibrant enamels, it’s easy to add a dose of dopamine to your jewellery box with our curation of rainbow-infused designs. As the temperatures begin to rise and outfits brighten, make sure you’ve got jewellery to match. We asked our Senior Jewellery Designer Deborah Allen for colour styling tips and tricks.

Build a colourful collection

If you are looking to mix up your usual gold or silver plate, choose a bright pair of earrings or beaded necklace that will elevate your summer style. ‘When it comes to choosing your shade, remember that the colour you like in clothing may not be the best jewellery tone,’ explains Deborah. ‘Embracing colour is all about variety, creating an accent or focus that adds interest to your look.’ Unsure about your best colour match? Try out a combination in person at your nearest Oliver Bonas store.

Our expert says

‘When it comes to choosing your shade, remember that the colour you like in clothing may not be the best jewellery tone. Embracing colour is all about variety, creating an accent or focus that adds interest to your look.’

– DEBORAH ALLEN, SENIOR JEWELLERY DESIGNER

Balance is key

If colour is not your usual go-to, limit the number of different shades you wear and play with tones within the same palette to add depth to your outfit. Choose one colour to start and layer pieces throughout to keep it cohesive and simple to style. Pink jewellery is easy to pair with your usual gold or silver pieces to add a subtle pop of colour.

Once you are comfortable with wearing a single colour, you might try pairing two or three together. A clever way to choose is by looking at complementary colours. By combining shades that are opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as green earrings and purple jewellery, you can create a harmonious pairing with minimal effort.

Pink Flower Stud Earrings

Beaded Bracelet

All in the charms

Another easy way to introduce colour is to stick with your preferred metal, but choose a design that has small gems or charms. Take a look at our aquamarine and turquoise jewellery range. This keeps your usual base tone, elevated by punchy pops of colour that don’t overpower. Pick a layered necklace that pairs a colourful beaded row with a gold- or silver-plated chain.

Bead Cluster Pendant Necklace

Bead Cluster Earrings

Stick to stacking

Stacking is a straightforward way to combine different tones. If you feel confident when it comes to colourful jewellery, get creative with the shades you wear together. Layer beaded bracelets in playful palettes with colourful rings or go bold with statement earrings for an all-out maximalist aesthetic.

Beads & Paua Chain Bracelet

Triple Row Pearl Bracelet

When to wear colourful jewellery

Colourful jewellery goes way beyond festival season. Wear a solo piece for a pop of daytime colour or stack gemstones for an evening-ready ensemble. ‘Although certain colours may be synonymous with specific seasons, such as turquoise in the summer months or black in winter months, there are no hard or fast rules,’ assures Deborah.

Get creative and experiment with creating your own palette. But whatever shade you select, the mood-boosting power of colourful jewellery is guaranteed to uplift your look.