An Expert’s Tips on How to Stack Rings

In recent years, we’ve gotten good at decorating our stuff. Bedazzled phone cases? Very in vogue. Keychain-clad novelty purses? The statement of the season. Shoe charms? So back! Arguably the most important aspect of this new era of expert accessorizing? Learning how to stack rings.

You see, there’s a difference between throwing on rings as you run out the door and thoughtfully layering them to craft a specific look. When you have an aesthetically pleasing assemblage of baubles adorning your digits, it’s a conduit for experimenting with personal style.

“It’s just an easy way to keep evolving,” says Haley Woodbury, co-owner and custom design specialist at Toronto-based fine jewellery shop Anne Sportun. “You’re creating your own look by combining different pieces that maybe no one else would have thought to mix before.”

Should your stack have a theme? What are some no-nos? How do you keep it looking balanced? Here’s what you should know about how to stack rings.

Know your ring size

It may sound straightforward, but there’s an art to buying the right ring size. “When you’re creating a stack, the more you add, the tighter it fits onto your finger,” Woodbury explains. “Make sure you’re sizing up if you’re stacking, so they’re not squishing your finger and giving you an uncomfortable feeling and look.”

While you can order an at-home sizer yourself, Woodbury recommends going into a jewellery shop and getting it assessed by a professional. (It’s a service Anne Sportun offers for free.) “There should be a little bit of resistance,” she says. “But not so much that you have to put lotion on every single time you need to take your ring off.”

Play with odd numbers and unique shapes

For her stacks, Haley Woodbury typically sports anywhere from three to five rings. She likes to pair different shapes and finishes together and layer in pieces with wavy, windy silhouettes to play with negative space. “It’s really important to break it up and have it look like multiple different rings rather than just one big clump.”

Have a theme, but don’t be too matchy-matchy

You don’t want all your rings to look the same, but they should convey a cohesive feeling. For instance, if you have a band with blue sapphires, resist the urge to wear only cool-toned rings. At the same time, Woodbury warns against clashing colours. (Maybe steer clear of pairing red with green, she says, unless you’re looking headed to a holiday party.)

And if you are pairing two rings with stones together, go for stones with different shapes. Instead of stacking all round gems together, try mixing in some baguettes or a marquise. “Those differently shaped stones can really help make your stack feel unique to you,” says Woodbury.

Know which rings not to stack

One big no-no when it comes to stacking is rings that have too much of a depth discrepancy. “You wouldn’t want a super deep, tall ring stacked with a really skinny one, because they might just seem out of balance,” says Woodbury, adding that some rings weren’t designed to stack.

For instance, if a ring has a large centre stone that’s been set low and incorporated into the band, it’s not going to sit well with other rings, she says. “It’s just going to take up all the real estate on your finger.” And when it comes to stacking, the more the merrier. This brings us to our next point.

Don’t be afraid of “cluttered” fingers

By playing with negative space and different shapes, a super-stacked finger can still look chic and not chaotically crowded. “I feel like the messy cluttered look is cute,” says Woodbury. She also isn’t precious about which fingers get rings. She’ll wear stacks on multiple fingers next to each other, and stack some rings all the way up to her knuckle.

Ultimately, it comes down to how comfortable you are with the way your rings sit. When in doubt, go with your gut. “It’s real personal,” says Woodbury. “If you have a connection to the rings, you should wear them how you want.”

The best rings to build your perfect stack

Pandora organically shaped stacking rings

The ideal mini-stack to get you started, Pandora’s set of two organically-shaped rings are designed to fit perfectly together on one finger. Use as a base for stacking, or break them up with a thinner band for a look that plays with negative space, as Woodbury suggests. Part of the brand’s Essence collection, this set is available in sterling silver (as pictured above) or gold vermeil.

Mejuri puffy Charlotte ring

A Mejuri best-seller, this puffy ring has all the textural goodness to make your stack sing. Its statement width and bold shape (inspired by the titular French pastry) will add some symmetrical dimension to your finger display. Not sure where to start? Place two thinner, daintier rings on your finger first, and layer this one on top.

Jenny Bird Dylan ring

Complete with asymmetrical curves and a high-polish gold finish, Jenny Bird’s Dylan ring is an ideal choice for a statement ring. Available in silver and gold, this water-durable piece promises to last. For a vintage effect, pair this with mixed metals and an off-beat coloured manicure.

Bestyle wishbone ring

A more affordable pick, this wishbone sterling silver ring is timeless and elegant addition to your accessorizing repertoire. Its soft “V” shape is visually unique and lightweight to wear. For beautifully balanced styling, try pairing it with a thicker band or a ring with a statement stone.

Anne Sportun tilted pear tourmaline ring

This asymmetrical stone ring will add some nuance to your collection. Showcasing a tourmaline gemstone and wrapped in a dainty 18k yellow gold band, it can easily break up a larger ring clump with its delicate eye-catching aesthetic.

Maison Miru floating sphere ring

With a centrepiece of negative space, this Maison Miru ring is perfect for adding some breathing room to an otherwise chunky stack. Featuring an organic finish, they can be layered or worn solo, and are easily adjusted. Made of stainless steel and coated with 14k gold, this ring is waterproof and durable for all-day wear.

Lover’s Tempo Serena Ring Emerald

With a rigid texture and diamond-shaped crystal, this thick gold-plated ring is both opulent and organic-looking. Though its rich green emerald stone is statement-making, its also not overwhelming. Plus, the rustic ribbing gives it a vintage appeal.

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée pearls of gold ring

Plated with 18k white gold, this bold beaded ring brings character to your stack. With a thin width pearl-like silhouette, it can be easily layered with other dainty bands, or used to balance out a large statement ring.