Metal Mixology: The New Rules of Gold, Silver and Style

Some rules were made to be rewritten. Especially the old one that told us to choose between gold or silver. Today, true style lives in the mix; unexpected, deliberate, and deeply personal.

At Jennifer Kinnear Jewellery, metals are more than materials. They are storytellers. Whether glinting in soft gold or grounded in the cool strength of silver, each piece is designed to carry meaning, not just polish. Mixing them isn’t a trend; it’s a quiet confidence. An expression of individuality that feels effortless.

The Materials We Work With

Across the JK collections, I use three metals, each with its own energy and intention.

Sterling Silver is elemental and honest. It holds the raw texture of the coastlines I walk, from Clew Bay to the shores of Tarifa. It’s the base note in many of my designs; simple, enduring, unpretentious.

Gold-Plated Silver brings a luminous warmth to the mix. It offers the feel of gold with greater flexibility, perfect for layering or highlighting. It’s the light you add in small touches, a fine chain, a gilded hoop, a detail that catches the sun.

Solid 9KT Yellow Gold is for permanence. These are the pieces made to be passed on, the heirlooms in waiting. They carry weight, story, and intention, crafted to last, hallmarked at the Dublin Assay Office.

How to Style Metals with Intention

There is elegance in contrast. Mixing metals is about composition, not perfection.

Start with a signature. A chunky silver ring like the Sovereign, or the sculptural presence of the Crab Claw necklace, gives your look definition.

Then introduce warmth. A medallion in gold plate layered above the collarbone or hoops that frame the face soften the silver with light.

Keep your balance instinctive. Let one tone take the lead while the other whispers beside it. Consider texture. The matte finish of a hand-cast silver ring next to the gloss of gold creates a dialogue. Style, after all, is about tension as much as harmony.

Beyond Metal: Stones, Coral and Sea Glass

Not everything begins at the bench. Many of my designs begin with a walk by the sea.

Over years of beachcombing and travel, I’ve collected coral, sea glass, and fragments of shell from the wild coasts of Portugal, Cádiz and the west of Ireland. These natural finds become sketches, then wax, then metal, retaining the textures of their origin.

In my collections, you’ll find pieces set with semi-precious stones like London Blue Topaz, Citrine and Pink Tourmaline, chosen for their subtle colour, clarity, and emotional resonance. Each element is carefully selected to evoke place, memory and mood.

The Gold-Plating Service

For those looking to breathe new life into existing favourites, I offer a gold-plating service. Whether transforming silver into gold or restoring a beloved piece, it’s a way to reimagine and extend the life of what you already love. Jewellery should grow with you, not sit untouched.

As Seen in Image Magazine

Earlier this summer, I was honoured to be featured in Image Magazine. We photographed the collection in my studio in Tarifa, where the light spills in like the sea breeze, and spoke about how jewellery making — like sailing — asks for presence, patience and trust in the process. It was a moment that brought the story full circle.

Explore the Ocean and Charms Collections. Discover the new ways to mix your metals.
Visit jenniferkinnear.com or make a studio appointment.