Art of a Ring Stack

The Tig Archives 01 / 22 / 2015

Ah, the layered look – first it was a cascade of cropped hair à la Jen Aniston in Friends, then layering clothes à la the Olsen twins (shrouded in endless fashion staples draped one atop another)….and then, of course, there was jewelry. You remember purchasing the multitude of covetable chains last year – trying to ensure they were all the perfect lengths/widths/moods, only to look down and find your meticulously placed baubles tangled up in knots? Well, as with all trends, this one has thankfully evolved to a less congested space than the web of necklaces at your décolletage; hallelujah for wrists, fingers and the clutter-free real estate of your ears. Off-duty models sporting their midi rings and Repossi cuffs make layering jewelry look flawlessly carefree and cool, but to seamlessly pull off the look is not for the faint of heart; there’s some strategy to it, my friend. Cue stack-master Rony Vardi of Catbird jewelry in Williamsburg; she helped us devise the Anatomy of a Stack—your guide to creating your own layered masterpiece that’ll perfectly jazz up your hands.

  1. Start with your most precious piece

    Whether it’s your engagement ring, a family heirloom, or a stone that means something to you, make sure to give it proper real estate on your hand. It should be prominent and alone on your middle or ring finger. It’s also the perfect base piece to play off of with smaller, more delicate pieces.

  2. Mix and match metals
    It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing silver and gold across your entire hand or up one finger, it’s that balance that will make it look like your very own personal collection.
  3. Or don’t
    It’s also completely fine, and very pretty, to pick a single color scheme—like gold—and run with it. Very Balenciaga, very sleek. Just make sure to play with proportion—thick bands paired with delicate pieces ensure your look is not one note.
  4. Incorporate texture
    Smooth, gold rings like the threadbare have their place, but what makes a stack interesting are the pieces that aren’t so symmetrical.
  5. Try the first knuckle ring
    Rony came up with the idea for the midi ring in the 80s, when she started wearing a toe ring from St. Marks in New York City on her finger. That toe ring launched an entire generation of teeny-tiny ring-wearers. Keep your first knuckle ring to a minimum and keep them as delicate and simple as possible.
  6. Don’t forget your pinky or thumb
    A midi ring can double as a pinky ring (and visa versa). And while you don’t have to wear a ring on every finger (they’ll start getting in the way if you do), choosing at least one of your thumbs and pinkies to place smaller rings adds some interest.
  7. End with the kitten mitten
    The bohemian-inspired piece not only ties your finished product together, but it’s also just really gorgeous. And contrary to what you may think, the piece is actually incredibly comfortable—Rony swears she sleeps and showers in hers.