Necklaces: how to choose for your neckline and how to layer
How a necklace differs from a chain, which styles suit which neckline, and how big a length gap you need so two necklaces don't tangle.
Most people choose a necklace by how it looks against a white background in the shop. But whether it works is decided by your neckline, not the background. For lengths, see our size guide – it has a table; here we look at what goes with what.
Necklace, chain or pendant
- A chain is the foundation. It works on its own or as the carrier for a pendant. The weave determines how strong it is – more on that in a separate guide: chain weaves.
- A pendant is the focal point, and it needs the right chain: a heavy pendant on a flat weave will keep turning to the side.
- A necklace is a finished design with the focal point already built in. There's no need to add anything – it's complete as it is.
Browse: All necklaces, All pendants, All chains.
Which necklace suits which neckline
There's just one rule: a necklace shouldn't end exactly where the fabric does. When the two lines coincide, they cancel each other out.
- Round neckline. A short necklace that sits above the fabric, or a long one that falls below it. A mid-length piece gets lost against the neckline.
- V-neck. A pendant that echoes the V shape – the one case where matching lines work in your favour.
- Collared shirt. A short necklace that stays within the open part of the collar. A long chain will disappear under the fabric.
- Polo neck or jumper. A long necklace worn over the fabric. Here it's the only line, so it works as the focal point.
An evening neckline calls for a bolder piece: Evening necklaces, Evening jewellery.
Layering: how much of a gap you need
Two necklaces tangle not because there are too many of them, but because their lengths are too close. The gap needs to be at least wide enough that the lower necklace doesn't touch the upper one as you move.
- A practical gap – roughly five centimetres from one layer to the next.
- One focal point, not three. If one necklace has a pendant, keep the others plain.
- One type of weave. Different weaves side by side look accidental rather than deliberate.
Fine pieces work best for layering: Delicate necklaces, Classic chains.
Length
Don't guess the length – our size guide has a table and a tool that lets you work it out without a tape measure.
If the necklace is a gift and you can't find out the right length, the safest choice is an adjustable length or a pendant on a medium-length chain – it suits a wider range of people.
What usually breaks on a necklace
Not the links, but the clasp and the area right next to it. That's where you open the necklace with your fingernails every day and where friction builds up – which is also why the plating wears off exactly there.
If the colour has already changed, first work out whether it's build-up or wear: if your jewellery has darkened. What's underneath the plating: what jewellery is made of.
How to store necklaces so they don't tangle: jewellery care.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear a necklace together with a pendant?
Yes, as long as the necklace is plain and has no focal point of its own. Two pieces with focal points side by side end up competing with each other.
Why does my pendant keep turning to the side?
Because the weave is flat and twists around its own axis. A round anchor weave doesn't have this problem.
What necklace length suits everyone?
There's no universal length, but a medium length with an adjustable extender is the safest option for a gift.
