Necklace Styles

Fashion trends come and go, but necklaces are a staple in any wardrobe. When you need the perfect finishing touch for your ensemble, it can help to know a little more about the necklace styles you have to choose from.

Necklace Styles

Necklace styles are so versatile that you can find one for any occasion. Tiered, layered, or a single chain, you can find a unique look for everyday wear or more formal events. A lot of your jewelry’s look comes down to the materials: wood and beads tend to be more casual than metal and precious stones. Scale also plays a role; chunky can give you boho vibe while dainty feels elegant and understated. Color and texture can make the difference between a necklace seeming flashy or minimalist.

A necklace’s style enhances the overall aesthetic of your look when these elements blend together. Explore the most popular necklace styles to help you find the right fit for every occasion.

1. Chain

Simple, but not basic, chain necklaces are a wardrobe staple for that everyday about town look. Your most reliable piece of jewelry, lightweight or super heavy-duty, chains come in huge variety of link styles and solid strands.

 

2. Choker

A choker necklace is worn around the neck rather than hanging from it. If you’re picturing lace or lush velvet ribbon, know that soft flexible material is best for your comfort – it’s wrapped around your neck, after all. For an effortless layered look, pair your choker with a longer necklace or clothing that has a dipped neck.

3. Collar

Also called a crew necklace because of its snug fit (picture the t-shirt with the same name), the collar necklace is another shorty. It stays in place, so this is a convenient necklace for someone who dislikes adjusting their jewelry. A collar necklace can act as an easy outfit contrast to pull a look together, whether it’s punctuating a turtleneck or adding a focal point to an off-the-shoulder look.

 

4. Festoon

Fun to say, fun to wear. This fancy Grecian garland was known for braiding intricate tiers -think florals, leaves, even twigs. Patterns have since evolved to include drops of gemstones that cascade from a metallic choker. A festoon necklace is meant to elegantly drape across the collarbone, which means it’s definitely ball gown-worthy vs. brunch. Avoid high necklines in your glamorous attire – your clothing fabric can get caught in the web and tangle the design. We all know there’s nothing worse than untangling a necklace.

5. Graduated

A graduated necklace plays with scale, so even though it’s just one strand, it offers a lot of visual impact. Imagine stones that recede in size towards the back of the neck, with the smallest stone towards your clasp and your biggest stone taking center stage.

6. Lariat

Known for its considerable length, the lariat is a rope necklace, meaning it creates a dangling pendant, suspended from a combination of chains and beads. It typically hangs in a fashionable Y-formation, almost like a bejeweled ascot. The good news? It can be wrapped like the scarf it resembles for a shorter length. The beauty of the shape goes beyond visual appeal; the wide opening of the necklace also means there is no clasp, so it can easily be slid on.

7. Locket

Locket necklaces are a classic. Whether it’s an adorable gift from your sweetheart or inherited as a cherished heirloom, the locket tradition is forever timeless and always meaningful. Any memento can be kept safe with this type of necklace. The chamber’s contents can be deeply romantic or a fond friendly gesture. Stash away an emotional photo or travel trinket – whatever you want to keep close to your heart.

8. Opera

Like the name implies, the opera necklace is your go-to for formal occasions. In this case, the low hang signifies high class, and the deep neck is associated with deep sophistication. Single or stacked, this necklace style is all about your black tie affairs.

9. Pendant

A pendant necklace is simple: an object hangs from a thread or chain. It can be an intriguing shape, an elegant initial, a religious symbol, an exquisite gem – the possibilities are endless. When you want a standalone stunner, this type of necklace can highlight your chosen charm. For this reason, medallion and locket necklaces are technically pendants.

 

10. Riviere

Similar to the graduated necklace, the riviere is made up of increasingly smaller gemstones, starting from the center towards the clasp. The stones are closely knit side by side so that any strands are hidden and it seems to be a mysteriously, magically untethered ring of jewels.

 

Common Necklace Lengths

Necklace length matters and the attire worn with the necklace length can completely change the look of the piece. Remember that the height of the wearer will affect where the necklace falls.

• Choker: 12 – 14 inches
• Collar: 14 – 16 inches
• Pendant: 16 – 18 inches
• Matinee: 20 – 22 inches
• Opera: 30 – 36 inches

Visit Diamonds by Monet for all your necklace needs, or you can contact us with any questions or custom necklace designs you would love to have made!