Necklace layering is a fabulous way to add style and personality to an outfit. Whether at the workplace or stepping out for the night, a necklace stack can elevate any look and give your style an air of sophistication.
How to Layer Necklaces Like a Pro
If you aren’t sure how to layer necklaces in a way that both represents your style and looks intentional, we’ve got your back. With these simple tips, you can master the art of necklace layering in no time. If you want to up your accessorization to the next level and become a master mix-and-matcher, read on.
1. Start with a foundation piece or pendant necklace
The easiest way to build a layered necklace stack is by starting with a foundation piece. This piece will anchor your stack and serve as a cornerstone when combining styles, lengths, and colors. A solid foundation piece could be a jewelry classic in a neutral metal like gold or silver. You could also start with a bolder statement-making necklace and add dainty necklaces around it to accentuate it.
2. Add layers of different lengths
Once you have your foundation piece, you can start adding layers. By using different lengths of necklaces, you can create a visual draw and a layered, cascading effect. Consider starting with a choker, adding a plain gold plated chain, and finishing with a longer pendant necklace. This guarantees each necklace falls at a separate length and doesn’t disturb the others.
This is the most important aspect of necklace layering. If you use necklaces of the same length, not only will they tangle up but you won’t be able to appreciate each one! If all of your favorite necklaces are similar lengths, consider using chain extenders or a necklace separator to keep things looking clean. Play around with necklaces that have multiple clasping options; most can be worn snuggly around the neck and at the mid-chest level.
3. Mix and match textures
Wear thick and thin chains, different types of links, or match several of the same style. Sometimes, contrasting two different textures or chain styles has a dazzling visual effect. Pair a snake chain with a rope chain, or a delicate cable chain with a chunky herringbone. Mesh, foxtail, and infinity chains can be combined to create a surprisingly pleasing blend.
4. Don't be afraid to experiment
The best way to learn how to layer necklaces is to experiment. Try different combinations and see what not only feels right but matches your style. There are no rules when it comes to necklace layering, so have fun with it!
For starters, try on your outfit before creating the necklace stack. This will help you create a cohesive ensemble that matches in style and balance. You could create the perfect necklace layering that looks best in casual settings but not formal ones.
Test out different color pairings like yellow gold with silver accents. Go bold with all silver jewelry and pops of colored gemstones. The possibilities are endless.
Our Favorite Layering Combinations
Within our collections, we offer necklaces of various styles that pair so well together, it will make stacking them a breeze. Here are a few of our favorite necklace sets:
Less is More: Emlyn Pendant, Freida Pendant, & Zodiac Pendant
This necklace stack brings together three different chain styles, three different geometrical shapes, and three different pendants. Customize it with your own zodiac necklace for a unique, personalized feel.
What’s included:
Short: Emlyn Pendant Gold
This one-of-a-kind pendant necklace is bold, chic, and versatile enough to fit into most layering combinations. Crafted with 18k gold and uncut diamonds, this stunning piece maintains a clean, simple look while adding an element of shine.
Medium: Freida Pendant Gold
The Frieda Pendant brings an alternative shape to the layering with a triangle of gold and silver hues. Containing traces of both silver and gold, it adds depth and can be incorporated into necklace stacks of any base metal.
Long: Zodiac Pendant
What better way to add a personalized touch to your accessories than with a mosaic zodiac piece? Our astrological collection has stunning pendant necklaces in each zodiac sign with uncut diamonds for a heightened shimmer.
Shapes and Sizes: Enkel Necklace, Nayika Necklace, & Riffa Pendant
We’ve chosen these three necklaces to be worn together because they create a curated, dimensional look. With a short piece that hugs the neck, an elongated oval shape, and a round statement piece to finish, this look is eye-catching and elegant.
What’s included:
Short: Enkel Bowtie Necklace
One of our favorites, the vivacious Enkel Bowtie Necklace is hand-crafted with champagne diamonds and vermeil 18k gold. Its eye-catching angular shape and short length make it bold and dynamic enough for a chic necklace layering trio.
Medium: Nayika Necklace Gold
This 14” necklace has raw diamonds and an 18k gold vermeil cable chain. The marquise shape has an elongating effect that beautifully accentuates the neckline. We love it as a layering necklace because its simplicity makes it adaptable to various styles and levels of formality.
Long: Riffa Pendant Small
To give this set length, we’ve added the Riffa Pendant Necklace. With alternating lines of precious gems embedded in a pool of diamonds, this pendant is bursting with radiance. Its bold diamond pendant adds a silver-looking component that, next to the thin gold snake chain, looks dazzling next to either silver or gold necklace sets.
Final Tips for Layering Necklaces
As we send you on your way to get creative with necklace combinations, keep these tips in mind.
- Wear different metals to create contrast. Layer gold chains with dainty silver pieces and even a pop of colored gemstones. Layer necklaces with different finishes, such as matte and shiny.
- Add a pop of color with a statement necklace. This will brighten up the matte pieces and prevent the shiny ones from looking overbearing.
- Don't be afraid to layer necklaces with different styles, such as vintage and modern.
- Pay attention to the neckline of your top when layering necklaces. Avoid necklaces that will clash with your neckline or get tangled under your top.
- Start with a two-necklace stack. Once you get comfortable with the look, it will be easier to add strands with time.
- Necklace stacks look more intentional alongside ring stacks and other subtle pieces.
- Embrace jewelry symbolism and highlight a symbolic pendant with understated, dainty chains.
As you experiment with different pairings, remember that your personal style and fashion sense will evolve as you get more comfortable branching out. With a little practice, you'll be a necklace layering pro in no time!