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You can never have too many necklaces in your collection, or on your neck. Okay, well, maybe there is a right number of layered necklaces, but the more options in your jewelry box, the better. Wearing more than one necklace at once isn’t about throwing on all of your favorites—it’s about carefully curating a necklace stack that follows a layered jewelry recipe and feels personal to your style.
The Best Necklaces for Layering at a Glance
What Is the Trick for Layering Necklaces?
Layered necklaces can be as subtle or as bold as you want, depending on the style and stack you choose. To start, consider how many necklaces you want to layer. “When layering jewelry, off numbers usually look best together, so think in terms of three or five layers,” says celebrity stylist Samantha Brown. “Two pieces paired together can also look nice if opting for a simpler stack.”
A layered necklace look is truly about mixing and matching, and Brown says incorporating pieces that feel personal to the wearer can make all the difference. “Stacking is an opportunity to show personality,” she notes. With that in mind, consider stacking charms, unique metals, different chain weights, mixing stones, and even materials when layering pieces in your collection (or shopping for new styles).
How to Layer Necklaces Without Tangling Them
Wearing multiple necklaces at once can lead to tangles if you’re not intentional about your choices. According to Brown, the best way to avoid this kind of mess is to vary the thickness of the chains. “Pair delicate chains with chunkier or thicker ones,” she explains. It’s also vital that you remove your jewelry before going to bed, as sleeping in more than one necklace can also cause tangles and might even damage your pieces.
If you’re concerned about tangles, you can also purchase a necklace layering clasp
on tienda online, which allows you to wear three necklaces at once while preventing them from twisting in on themselves.
How Many Inches Apart Should Layered Necklaces Be?
Brown says there are no rules for layering in different lengths. However, you’ll want some distance between your necklaces to prevent them from tangling. “Standard necklaces come in 16 inches, and those look good worn with 17 or 18-inch ones so that they nestle,” Brown explains. If you want to keep things shorter, you can also pair 16-inch necklaces with 15 and 14-inch ones, so that your stack sits higher up on your neckline.
Is Layering Necklaces Still in Style?
While a simple single necklace can make a statement, Brown says “layered necklaces will never go out of style.” This is an excellent way to show off your personality and get more wear out of your necklace collection. Additionally, layering necklaces makes it easier to pair timeless styles, such as pendants, with more trendy designs like beaded necklaces if you want to experiment with what’s currently popular while still creating a classic look.
Refresh your necklace stack with these best picks for the best necklaces for layering.
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The Best Necklaces With Thin Chains
James Allen 14K Yellow Gold Bezel Lab-Grown Diamond Pendant
A simple, dainty diamond pendant necklace makes an excellent base when layering necklaces—and you can’t beat the rate for this
James Allen lab-grown diamond pendant. The necklace features a stunning bezel set round diamond front and center, strung onto a thin chain that pairs beautifully with heavier chains (such as the
James Allen East-West Bezel Solitaire Bead Chain Necklace if you want a splurge-worthy pick).
Electric Picks Paloma Lariat Necklace
If you want to add some length to your layered necklace look, a lariat style, such as the
Electric Picks Paloma Lariat Necklace, can get the job done. This necklace features a daintier chain style that pairs nicely with a thicker chain, but with the added drop length of the lariat for a little something extra.
Ettika Crystal Station Layered Necklace
Don’t want to fuss with layering necklaces? The
Ettika Crystal Station Layered Necklace has a design with a built-in layered style that you can wear on its own or add alongside two thicker chains for a highly stacked style.
Blue Nile Four Prong Basket Solitaire Lab Grown Diamond Pendant
A simple diamond pendant necklace is a classic style that is versatile enough to wear on its own or layer with other necklaces with thicker chains. For a budget-friendly fine jewelry option, consider the
Blue Nile Four Prong Basket Solitaire Lab Grown Diamond Pendant, which costs under $700 for a 0.25-carat diamond center stone.
The Best Necklaces With Chunky Chains
Brilliant Earth Lab Diamond Bubble Necklace
When styling your stack, a chunkier chain is necessary to create a nice balance and prevent necklaces from tangling. For a unique pick, consider the
Brilliant Earth Lab Diamond Bubble Necklace, which has a nice weight and looks gorgeous with both initial and diamond pendants. This necklace is also a nice tennis necklace alternative, if you prefer the shimmering, bold gold look over dazzling diamonds.
James Allen East-West Bezel Solitaire Bead Chain Necklace
If you want to play around with necklace weights but don’t want anything
too chunky, the
James Allen East-West Bezel Solitaire Bead Chain Necklace is a great option. This necklace features a nostalgic bead chain, providing a little extra weight, with an emerald cut diamond front and center. Wear it alongside a daintier chain necklace for the perfect layered style.
Quince 14K Gold Paperclip Chain Necklace
Quince is known for its budget-friendly designs, including some stunning jewelry pieces like the
Quince 14K Gold Paperclip Chain Necklace that cost under $300. This is not only a more affordable piece of solid gold jewelry but also a great layering piece that you can wear on its own or use as a base for a create-your-own charm necklace design.
The Best Tennis Necklaces
Adornia Micro Tennis Necklace
In addition to chunkier chains, tennis necklaces add nice weight to a necklace stack and some fun sparkle. If you want a budget-friendly pick, consider this $30
Adornia Micro Tennis Necklace from Target.
Cate & Chloe Olivia 18k White Gold Plated Tennis Necklace
On Sale 71% off
Walmart is another great place to find affordable tennis necklaces, such as the
Cate & Chloe Olivia 18k White Gold Plated Tennis Necklace. This budget-friendly layering piece features 18K gold plating with 104 brilliant 4mm round-cut faux diamond crystals.
Plum Diamonds Lab Diamond Tennis Necklace
Want something more splurge-worthy? The
Plum Diamonds Lab Diamond Tennis Necklace is one of our favorite diamond designs. This necklace is constructed in a classic tennis necklace design and features a strand of round diamonds for a layer of sparkle.
The Best Beaded Necklaces
Blue Nile Akoya Cultured Pearl Ball Necklace
In addition to dainty and chunky chains, a pearl necklace can add some nice weight and break up all of that metal. The
Blue Nile Akoya Cultured Pearl Ball Necklace is a stunning addition to your fine jewelry collection, thanks to its 16-inch strand of cultured pearls and solid gold accents.
BaubleBar Joan Semi-Precious Necklace
BaubleBar has lots of fun necklaces for layering. If you want to go bolder, consider the
Joan Semi-Precious Necklace. This chunky beaded necklace is available in 10 different hues inspired by real gemstones like jade and lapis for a fun pop of color.
The Best Charms
Blue Nile Lab-Grown Diamond Initial Charm
Charms are another way to add to your necklace stack and give even a single necklace a layered look. If you’re looking for a versatile investment piece, go with the
Blue Nile Lab-Grown Diamond Initial Charm. This charm comes in solid 14K yellow or white gold and is completely encrusted in diamonds for added sparkle. It looks gorgeous on a simple chain, but can also be attached to a paperclip design alongside other charms for a bolder style.
Local Eclectic Semiprecious Stone Initial Charm
If the Blue Nile initial charm isn’t within budget, the
Local Eclectic Semiprecious Stone Initial Charm is a fun alternative that adds a whimsical touch to your layered look. Add this pendant to a cluster of charms, or onto a diamond tennis necklace for an even more unique-looking design.
Oradina 14K Gold Street Star Pendant Charm
On Sale 10% off
Add some extra sparkle with the
Oradina 14K Gold Street Star Pendant Charm. This gorgeous gold charm looks so cute on a simple chain with a shorter and thicker chain on best, but you can also add it to a tennis necklace or even a beaded necklace for a more eclectic style.
