The Art of the Stack
For a long time, I overthought stacking bracelets. I wondered if there was a “right” way to do it. The more time I spent designing and wearing jewelry, the more I realized there isn’t.
Some days my stack is simple. Other days it’s built from pieces I’ve collected over the years. That’s what I love about it. Every combination tells a slightly different story.
Over time, I’ve found a few ideas that guide the way I build a stack. Not rules, just starting points that have helped me discover what feels personal.
Start with a Signature
Every stack starts somewhere.
For me, it’s usually a single gemstone bracelet. It’s the piece that sets the tone, whether it’s Onyx, Lapis, Tiger’s Eye, or another stone that I’m drawn to that day.
From there, everything else builds naturally.
Layer with Chains
Once I have that first piece, I like adding silver.
A chain changes the balance of a stack without competing for attention. Sometimes it’s the clean lines of the Baseline. Other times it’s the weight of the Foundation or the versatility of the Framework.
A little contrast goes a long way.
Play with Texture
This is where things become your own.
Mix smooth stones with faceted cuts. Pair polished silver with oxidized finishes. Try different bead sizes until the stack feels balanced.
There’s no formula.
Just combinations that feel right to you.
Closing Thoughts
One of my favorite things about making jewelry is seeing how differently people wear the same pieces.
A bracelet that becomes someone’s everyday companion. A stack that’s built over time. A combination I never would have thought of myself.
That’s the art of the stack.
Not following a formula, but creating something that’s personal, lasting, and entirely your own.
David Lim
Co-Founder, Maya David
