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5 Necklace Layering Tips You Wish You Had Known Sooner

By:  Sharlize Dsouza

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Necklace Layering Guide

If like every jewelry enthusiast experimenting with the necklace layering trend, you too have been trying to build the perfect stack on your neck hoping that your favorite stackable necklaces would somehow look great (and untangled) together, let us tell you; you’re only a few steps away from acing it.

When it comes to making a sartorial statement—whether you’re wearing a basic T-shirt or a deep V-neck evening gown—a perfectly layered necklace stack can really change the game.

But with all the trial-and-error situations you’ve been through so far, you already know that there’s a lot to consider… the metal type, the necklace style, the gemstone color and the works! But don’t you worry. Let yourself be guided by our expert necklace layering tips guide you as you wish you had been a while ago.

Different Types of Necklaces

The Only Necklace Layering Tips You Need to Ace It

That’s right, from balancing delicate chains to mixing metals like a rebellious alchemist, our tips, tricks and inside hacks will help to a T. And if you find any missing pieces in your necklace collection, you can go ahead and shop from our top recommendations to build a stack that’ll leave your friends in awe.

 1. Length Matters

Want the secret sauce to nailing the layered necklace trend without resembling a jewelry jumble sale? This is it.

When creating your stack, there are three particular necklace lengths you need to keep in mind – the choker or short-length (14-16 inches), mid-length (18-20 inches) and long chain (22-24 inches).

Think of the choker as the short, sassy friend who’s always got your back. A pearl choker or collar necklace is a great option here. Build upon this foundation, with each necklace a tad longer (roughly around 2 inches) than the one before. Ex. Pendant, tennis or station necklace. This will help you create a subtle yet sophisticated look. On the other hand, if you want your outfit to spell drama, you can toss in an opera-length necklace!

Remember: While two necklaces will add instant style to your outfit, layering three to five pieces will give you maximum impact.

But what to do if you want to wear two of your fav necklaces but they’re of the same length? Our glam girl’s got the easiest (yet smartest) layered necklace Idea for it. Watch it and learn.

Shop Layerable Necklaces

Angara

Better | Yellow Gold | 9-10mm

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9-10mm, 16" Tahitian Pearl Single Strand Choker
Angara

Good | Platinum | 3.53 carats

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Oval Ruby Solitaire Pendant with Diamond
Angara

G, VS2 | White Gold | 11 1/3 carats

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Three-Prong Set Diamond Tennis Necklace
Angara

Good | White Gold | 1.65 carats

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Round Ruby Station Necklace
Angara

Good | Rose Gold | 0.54 carat

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Bezel-Set Baguette Amethyst Three Stone Curb Link...

2. A Focal Necklace Can Be Pivotal

Just like a circus act, even the best-layered necklace stacks aren’t complete without a headlining star. So, when piling on the sparkle, keep your focal necklace in mind, i.e., the piece that demands attention and sets the tone.

It could be a statement stunner, or something of special meaning like a name necklace, a birthstone pendant or a celestial beauty. Once you have it in place, build the rest of your stack around this charismatic centerpiece, letting it dictate the vibe you’re going for – classy, chic or outright audacious.

Shop Unique Necklaces for Women

Angara

G, VS2 | Yellow Gold | 1/2 carat

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Diamond Three Stone Pendant
Angara

Heirloom | Rose Gold | 0.17 carat

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Blue Sapphire Evil Eye Pendant with Diamond...
Angara

G, VS2 | Platinum | 1 carat

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Graduated Five Stone Diamond Halo Necklace
Angara

Best | White Gold | 0.27 carat

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Citrine Sagittarius Constellation Medallion...

3. Join the Mixed Metals Movement

Want to add an unconventional spin to the layering jewelry trend? Playing around with different metals is a great way to make it happen. However, we suggest you maintain a fine balance.

To create a stack that’s simultaneously elegant and eye-catching, stick to a dominant metal and let the other one play a supporting role for an interesting dose of contrast. FYI, It’s always best to mix metals across the board, so don’t stop at your necklace. Mix your ring and earring metals too.

Shop All Metals

Angara

Good | Yellow Gold | 0.70 carat

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V-Bale Pear-Shaped Peridot Solitaire Pendant
Angara

Good | Rose Gold | 0.35 carat

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Ruby Infinity Heart Pendant with Diamonds
Angara

G, VS2 | Platinum | 1/2 carat

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Round Diamond Solitaire Pendant
Angara

Good | White Gold | 2.96 carats

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Emerald-Cut Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond

4. Make Color Your BFF

IMO, nothing beats a colorful layered stack. Not only is it super fun to create but it can also turn heads in every room.

If you’re a matchmaking newbie, opt for a monochrome look. This essentially means layering jewelry with gemstones that feature the same color but maybe in different shades. For example, necklaces that feature blue sapphires, aquamarines and turquoises.

Want to take it up a notch? Create a gradient effect with the help of warm and cool-toned gemstones. For instance, you can start with a golden South Sea pearl choker necklace. To it, add a mid-length citrine pendant necklace and complete the look with a long garnet station necklace, and voila, you’ve got yourself a statement that’s a complete head-turner!

Shop Gemstone Pendants

Angara

Good | Yellow Gold | 0.43 carat

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Blue Sapphire Teardrop Pendant with Diamond
Angara

Good | Rose Gold | 0.32 carat

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Bezel-Set Round Swiss Blue Topaz Solitaire Pendant
Angara

Good | Platinum | 3.10 carats

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Emerald-Cut Aquamarine Solitaire Pendant with...
Angara

Good | White Gold | 0.85 carat

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Claw-Set Amethyst Infinity Pendant with Diamonds
Angara

Good | Yellow Gold | 0.57 carat

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Pink Sapphire Heart Pendant with Diamond Accents

5. Buy Them Pre-Stacked or in Sets

Psst! Want to know our No. 1 tip for layering necklaces? Skip the hassle of playing jewelry jenga and opt for our perfectly pre-stacked necklaces and sets instead. After all, there’s a better chance that with a ready-to-wear wonder, you’ll look like a layering pro without breaking a sweat. And if you happen to be a lazy girl, then it’s a must-have!

Shop Layered Necklaces 

Angara

G, VS2 | Yellow Gold | 1 1/3 carats

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Cushion & Marquise Diamond Cluster Layered Station...
Angara

Good | Rose Gold | 2.98 carats

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Pear & Emerald-Cut Sapphire Halo Layered Station...
Angara

Best | Yellow Gold | 1.27 carats

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Citrine Scorpio Zodiac Star Medallion Layered...
Angara

Best | White Gold | 0.58 carat

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Amethyst Aquarius Zodiac Crescent Moon Medallion...

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5 Necklace Layering Tips You Wish You Had Known Sooner FAQ

  • What are the best necklace lengths to use when layering?
    Using different necklace lengths is key to creating an eye-catching look. You can start your stack with a 16-inch necklace and then expand every two to four inches.
  • What are some trendy necklace layering styles that are popular right now?
    Pearl chokers, celestial charms, colored gemstone pendants and lariat necklaces are a few necklace layering styles that are popular right now.
  • Are there any necklace layering tips for people with shorter or longer necks?
    If you have a shorter neck, you can opt for necklaces that are linear in style (longer chain, narrower pendants) and if you have a longer neck, go for chokers and more mid-length necklace styles.
  • Are there any rules or guidelines for layering necklaces based on pendant sizes or shapes?
    For a cascading effect, place the shortest pendant closest to your neck, and make sure that each subsequent pendant is slightly longer.

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