Mixed Metal Jewelry: Audemars Piguet Panda & Cartier Love Bangle Stack
Mixing and matching various colors of gold is one of the hottest jewelry trends of our time. So much so that the most iconic jewelers are consistently creating new jewelry that comprises different colors of gold all on one piece.
So, on that note, we are going to exhibit a mixed metal jewelry and watch ensemble that features an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Panda, a Cartier Love bracelet stack, and a couple Gabriel & Co. items new to our collection of fine diamond jewelry at Diamonds By Raymond Lee. We’ve also included some sizing, mixed metal, and stacking styling tips to help inspire you on your next high-end jewelry and Swiss watch purchase.
Before we start, remember, when it comes to jewelry, nothing is taboo. You are free to match everything or nothing, mix metals or keep one consistent tone, be extravagant or minimalist. The perfect harmony of a jewelry ensemble is the one you love.
Audemars Piguet 26170ST “Panda” Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch
In this photoshoot, the featured watch is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore reference 26170ST.OO.D101CR.02, better known as, the “Panda”.
Although technically a men’s watch, the AP Royal Oak Offshore line has become increasingly popular among young women. As have many luxury men’s Swiss watch models from the likes of Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe.
The AP Royal Oak Offshore isn’t just versatile in regards to who can wear it, it is also versatile in that it looks great on a bracelet and a strap.
Currently listed on our site with a red and black camo Horus Watch Strap, in this photoshoot, we decided to put on the Audemars Piguet Panda’s original AP stainless steel bracelet. Not only does the bracelet look fantastic, it also goes well with all the other metal bound jewelry she is wearing.
The watch as whole offers a wonderfully sporty feel, and it styles perfectly with this particular outfit and jewelry ensemble…
Now that you have some background on why we choose this getup, let’s go into more detail on this exceptionally popular and highly coveted Royal Oak Offshore, the PANDA.
Audemars Piguet Panda, Circa 2009
The Royal Oak Offshore Panda was released in 2009, as part of the Royal Oak Offshore “themes family”. The Audemars Piguet Panda, along with other watches from this series, like the “Safari”, have names that represent the dial’s appearance. For the Panda, it features the classic tri-tone. It has a white dial, black subdials and red accents…hence the name, Panda.
After the Panda was released, it quickly became one of the most iconic models in the Audemars Piguet catalog.
Full Stainless Steel Sports Watch
Generally speaking, the Royal Oak Offshore watch was designed principally for a rubber diver strap. However, there are some models within the Royal Oak Offshore line that utilize a metal bracelet. The Panda being one of them, with its crisp stainless steel bracelet.
Because of its full stainless steel demeanor, the appearance of this Royal Oak Offshore Panda pays homage to the original Gerald Genta Royal Oak, which was launched in 1972. A watch that by and large launched Audemars Piguet into history as one of the most coveted watch brands to ever exist…
That said, the watch features traditional Royal Oak Offshore proportions. Thus it has a much larger stature than the Royal Oak. It almost appears like a Royal Oak on steroids.
The Stainless Steel Case
The Royal Oak Offshore Panda features a 42mm case, which is the dimension across the round of the case (not inclusive of the crown, crown guards and chronograph pushers). However, it wears slightly larger with the metal bracelet version, as lug to lug it is a brawny 54mm, AND, when you include the rigid outermost cropping (the point where the bracelet starts to fold down the wrist on each side), it is 60mm. This really expands the dimensions, and we believe it does a better job of explaining how sizable this watch is on the wrist when in stainless steel bracelet mode.
In terms of thickness, it’s not as thick as it looks at first glance. It measures in at 14mm, which is only 2mm larger than a contemporary Rolex Submariner.
All in all, this watch is made for larger wrists. HOWEVER, on a woman with average wrist size, having it fall lower down the wrist gives it that slight feminine touch. This is a special styling tip for women, as it allows a robust, manly watch like this to be right at home on a woman’s wrist too. Not to mention, the oversized look is simply in.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore with a Stainless Steel Bracelet
The bracelet gives the watch extra heft and it really helps this watch overpower in its beauty and substance. Moreover, it allows the watch to easily jump in the water, without having to worry like you would with a leather strap.
Note: This watch has 100 meters of water resistance.
As with all Audemars Piguet bracelets, this stainless steel bracelet is executed immaculately by hand. It also features a glowing hairline bevel that runs along the entire length of the bracelet thanks to its high polished finish. The same goes for the sides of the bezel. Apart from that, the rest of the watch mostly utilizes a beautiful brushed finish. On the whole, every millimeter of this watch has superb fishing. This is something you will immediately recognize when looking at it. As with Patek, the finishing is simply next level on AP watches, and this goes for both precious metal and stainless steel versions like this one.
Back to the bracelet…
The tapering of size down to the clasp is flawless. You can see the step down in size with each link, however, you can’t feel it. If you run your fingers along the flanks of the case, it will feel as smooth as glass. The micro-metric tolerances are so crisp. It really goes to show the ultimate precision that Audemars Piguet puts into every aspect of their timepieces.
As for the clasp. It is very compact for a watch of this size. In fact, it has a lower profile than the iconic Oyster clasp by Rolex. The low profile really makes a big difference as it helps to avoid daily obstructions or desk diving happenings. More importantly, it doesn’t sacrifice security, as this clasp will remain fixed until you say it can be released.
The Panda Dial
The Panda dial displays a combination of white, black and red. Yet, upon closer inspection, you can see a semi-gleaming, grained-finished, silver metallic tachymetric scale that runs along the circumference of the dial. This really does a great job of lighting up the dial and pulling you in.
The face of the Royal Oak Offshore Panda is absolutely stunning. The white Mega Tapisserie pattern gives the dial extradorinaiy texture, and it also allows the black subdials to pop beautifully and with immense contrast. Then you have the red accents – the seconds hand, each of the subdial’s hands, and the minute track – which is the perfect finishing touch to the Panda dial.
As for the hands and Arabic numerals, they are all made of white gold and the centers are filled with lume. So, this watch lights up in beauty, metaphorically speaking, and in the dark, literally speaking.
Altogether, the dial is utterly captivating, as is the watch as a whole. It’s no wonder this watch is a favorite amid the watch collector community.
Cartier Love Bangles (Mix Metal Stack)
The Cartier Love Bangle is one of the most iconic pieces of jewelry in history, across the globe. It’s a luxury item that has stood the test of time, remaining just as relevant and popular, if not more, with each generation of women. Every year, you will see Cartier Love Bracelets on the wrists of fashion editors, celebrities, influencers and elite women worldwide. It is without a doubt one of the most sought after luxury items to ever exist.
The Legend of the Cartier Love Bracelet
The Cartier Love Bracelet was first designed in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo, and has been surrounded by legend ever since. The bracelet was said to have been inspired by a chastity belt. Designed to show never-ending love and commitment. Once locked in on the wrist, it’s pronounced that you are theirs (the giver/lover) and theirs only. The only way it can be removed is with the small Cartier screwdriver that comes with it, which the gifter is supposed to keep with them at all times.
What’s more, when the Love bracelet was new to the market, the brand apparently only allowed couples to buy them. These are just two of many stories behind the Love bracelet that get people talking.
Perennial Popularity
Now, there are many reasons for the Love bangles perennial popularity.
First, when the Love bracelet first launched, Cartier gifted it to powerful couples of the time. For example, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and Ali McGraw and Steve McQueen. This instantly made the Love bracelet extremely coveted. From there, it has been seen on the wrists of celebrities each and every year. These days you will see it donning the wrist of women like Eva Chen and Kylie Jenner. This has helped solidify its popularity with young women.
Second, the Love bangle is crafted with everlasting quality, just like the love that it is meant to represent. It comes in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, and you can buy them with or without diamonds. Moreover, the design is versatile and completely original. It can be worn casually or dressed up, and it can be paired with all types of other jewelry.
Third, the overall marketing for the Cartier Love bracelet is pure genius. It is an item women truly lust over.
So, whether you are buying a Love bracelet for yourself or a loved one, there is no question that it is a smart investment. It will always remain fashionable, and the value will only increase with time.
How to Style the Love Bracelet
Although the Love bracelet can be worn on its own, meaning just one Love bangle on the wrist, you will often see women stacking multiple Love bracelets and other jewelry and watches.
You can style it with Love bracelets of the same metal or mix metals. Mixing metals is one of the hottest trends in fashion jewelry. So that is a popular choice.
In this shoot, we’ve made a lovely mixed metal stack, using one Love bracelet of each type of metal.
Now, although three Love bracelets looks great, you can go even bigger and stack more. It’s completely up to you. There are no rules.
To sum it up, here are a few tips for styling Love bracelets…
Cartier Love Bangle Styling Tips:
- Stack multiple Love bangles.
- Mix metals (rose gold + yellow gold; yellow gold + white gold; rose gold + white gold + yellow gold…everything works).
- Throw on other mixed metal jewelry (it goes with pretty much everything, even non-metal jewelry).
- Stack the Love bracelet with a watch like an Audemars Piguet (same wrist or the other wrist, both works).
As you can see from these tips, the options are endless. It’s completely up to you…
We also have a quick sizing tip to share with you.
Cartier Love Bracelet Sizing Tip
Cartier reps will often suggest you get a size that fits your wrist snug and tight. They say it should not be able to turn on your wrist on its own.
However, we prefer to wear the Love bangle one size up. That way it can sit lower on the wrist, which ultimately gives it a more feminine look. Moreover, it’s very comfortable this way.
In any case, it is completely up to you. Just do what feels right and don’t let someone persuade you to choose a size that you don’t prefer. Even Cartier themself.
All told, the Love bracelet oozes elegance and allure. You absolutely can’t go wrong with this purchase. And that goes for buying multiple Love bangles, as stacking them is one of the hottest looks in fashion.
So, because we have a mixed metal Love bracelet stack, we decided to keep this theme across the rest of the jewelry she is wearing.
We chose a mixed metal stack of rings and two affordable and gorgeous Gabriel & Co. pieces which are also mixed metal creations. Let’s have a quick look at each piece of jewelry.
14K Tri Color Gold 3 Stackable 3.05Ctw Diamond Eternity Bands
Mixing metals is the theme of this jewelry and watch ensemble. So, here we have a stunning set of three stackable and identical diamond eternity rings of different precious metals. The rings are made from 14k yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, and each features round brilliant diamonds that all together totals 3.05 carats.
The identical rings of different precious metal colors creates wonderful contrast, allowing each ring to stand out. Yet together, they produce one powerful “WOW”.
Gabriel & Co. Lr51308M45Jj 14K Two Tone Gold 0.41Ctw Diamond Crossover Ring
Here we have a Gabriel & Co. multi-strand two tone yellow and white gold fashion ring that sparkles with diamonds and contrasts with colors, ultimately creating the perfect chic look.
This is the ring that women will marvel and the wearer will never want to take off.
Gabriel & Co. 14K White/Yellow Gold Diamond Intricate Hoop Earrings
Featuring another Gabriel & Co. mixed metal piece of jewelry, these striking hoop earrings create a unique silhouette that women absolutely love. Crafted from 14K white and yellow gold and set with 1.11 carats of round brilliant diamonds, these intricate diamond hoop earrings add the perfect dazzling flair to this jewelry getup.
Diamonds By Raymond Lee
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