Jewelry stacking isn’t a science, it’s personal. Our individual backgrounds and styles shape the very nature of how we get dressed, down to the rings we stack together. So, to celebrate a new collection drop timed with Korean-American Heritage day, we tapped Kinn Studio’s Jennie Yoon to tell us what inspires her jewelry stack and how her family’s heritage laid the foundation for her designs.
How has your Korean American background influenced your personal aesthetic and design?
“A lot of our pieces can be engraved with Asian characters. The offering and storytelling are unique. We created a 'Dear Kaia Nameplate Necklace' that’s much more relatable. My name actually is Hye-Jung. I love wearing a piece that says my Korean name, not just my American name.
I moved here when I was in middle school with braces at age 12. I still have my Korean name as my maiden name, but back then, I hated roll call. So, I started going by Jennie to be more ‘normative’ in class. Fast forward to who I am now, I’m so comfortable with my identity. I’m proud of my culture and where I come from.
Jewelry is a means of self-expression when language isn’t part of the equation.
A lot of the pieces are influenced by family, too. There’s one photo where I must have been 5 or 6 and my mom is wearing a very long pendant. It would be incredible today. These family pieces inspire me, as do their stories that were passed down.”
Dear Kaia Nameplate - Korean
Courtesy of Kinn Studio
Dear Kaia Nameplate - Thai
Courtesy of Kinn Studio
Do you switch up your pieces every day?
“I’m very busy which means I’m very practical. With two daughters (a 15-year-old and a 4-year-old) and a full time job, I like to set and forget my accessories–I even sleep in my jewelry. When it comes to colored stones, that’s where I switch it up.
We see our pieces as building blocks, I love versatility. Jewelry can jujj up a plain sweatshirt. I’m a virgo to a T.”
Are there any rules for stacking jewelry?
“There’s never too much, but it’s all about balance. You can go classic with hair pulled back and simple makeup and then go maximalist with jewelry. But, if you’re going to glam up the rest of your look, I’d pair down your pieces.
Jewelry is here to complement and complete every look.”
Courtesy of Kinn Studio
Courtesy of Kinn Studio
Thoughts on mixing metals?
“My tip is to try it.
People shy away from it because they think they aren’t good at it, and never give it a try. Golden rule is to always give a look a shot. If you hate it, take it off.
Sometimes, when there’s not a lot of texture happening on both pieces, it helps marry them with continuity. The Kinn Studio dome duo features two of the exact same ring. So, it offers the basic foundation you need before you put on everything else.
It’s also important to look at yourself in the mirror. Not just on your hand, or wrist, but everything together. “
Favorite must-have Kinn Studio pieces in every jewelry collection? Especially ones that play well together?
“I love a good chain necklace or bracelet, and I gravitate towards classic, vintagey looking pieces. Back then they used to play around with a lot more texture than modern pieces do.”
