Exploring the realm of two-tone jewellery

You’re going out wearing that?” my mother looked horrified, eyes peeled to my wrists. I was wearing a dozen gold and silver bangles. I’ll never forget the advice that my fashionista mother gave me that day. “Silver and gold are like cheese and chocolate,” she sighed. “They’re great separately, but not that great together.” Most of her generation would agree—mixing precious metals was a cardinal fashion faux pas.
But come 2016, times have changed. Two-tone is the flavour of the season, with this duality being celebrated across fashion and design. From hair styles to lip colour, furniture, automobiles, shoes and clothing, two-tone is everywhere. The philosophy is simple—why choose one when you can have more?

 Ghanasingh Be True

The world of jewellery design hasn’t been left behind; it has discovered the art of bringing varied metals together—and making them work.

What is two-tone jewellery?

“Two-tone jewellery is the fusion of different coloured metals (for example, platinum and yellow gold) in the same piece of jewellery. It could also refer to jewellery crafted from a single precious metal in various shades of polish,” explains Gautam Ghanasingh, CEO and Creative Director, Ghanasingh Be True.

There are no limitations in the world of two-tone jewellery. A popular combination is the classic mix of yellow gold with platinum. White gold, rose gold, silver are also commonly seen in designs.

 
What’s making it trend?

The biggest advantage of two-tone jewellery is its versatility. Whether it’s a cocktail party, a summer brunch or an important work meeting, it has the ability to complement a variety of looks. Two-tone jewellery also looks extremely contemporary and understated, as mixing metallic hues downplays the overall bling effect. At the same time, the glamour is unmistakable. Thanks to this perfect balance of wearability and classiness, two-tone jewellery is even finding favour among brides.

House of Harlow 1960
 

Converse to common perception, two-tone jewellery is not more expensive than corresponding single-hued versions. “Since the second tone is usually just a polish on the existing base metal, the cost is not really impacted,” says Gautam.

Popular styles

Two-tone jewellery is elegant in appearance and modern in design. Dress to dazzle with pendants that have dainty motifs and geometric shapes, as these are popular designs. Elegant intertwined bracelets that perfectly lend themselves to a two-tone hue are bound to add some sparkle to your wrist too. Link bracelets and necklaces are also in vogue, with links alternately coloured in two hues. To make a statement, flaunt some stylish two-tone rings in floral designs or a luxury watch with bejeweled wristbands that showcase varied metallic hues.

An evolution of two-tone, tri-coloured jewellery is on the rise. A popular combination is the use of three-tone metals in yellow, white and rose gold.

Best of the best

Various luxury brands have crafted elegant pieces of two-tone jewellery. House of Harlow 1960, known for their dramatic designs, have some fine two-tone pendants and earrings. Their intricately crafted geometric patterns emphasise the two-tone effect. Michael Kors’ multi-tone hoop earrings are made of silver, gold, rose gold and stainless steel, while The Elements bracelet by Alexis Bittar is a winding two-tone bracelet that ensnares a magnificent mother-of-pearl doublet setting. The delicate Four Leaves Ring by Tiffany & Co brings together gold and diamond cast in platinum.

From the world of luxury watches, the Cartier Panthere two-tone watch is dazzling, while the beautiful two-tone wristwatch by Tiffany & Co. is designed with their trademark flourish. Leading names Pierre Cardin, Philip Stein and Rolex also have stylish two-tone watches on offer. 

So be it silver and yellow gold, or platinum and rose gold, your two-tone piece is sure to add some sparkle to your ensemble.