Types of Necklaces

Necklaces have been one of the favorite jewelry pieces for ages as they can effectively dress up any outfit, add a touch of personality, showcase the wearer’s preferred fashion sense and style, and draw attention to the neck and décolletage. But in order to make the most out of your amazing necklaces, it’s important that you find the ideal necklace length that fits your personality and neck. The following necklace length guide can hopefully help you with that.

Collar Necklace

Once upon a time, all necklaces were referred to as collars. But when we quickly shift back to this day and age, collar necklaces can be easily confused with choker necklaces. However, they’re not the same. In these modern times, collar necklaces sit just above the collarbone and draw attention to this delicate body area. Their length can be anywhere between 12 and 16 inches. Collar necklaces are typically considered a statement piece due to their thicker material, which is why they shouldn’t be worn with other neck jewelry. Don’t hesitate to accentuate them even more with clothes that show off your shoulders and collarbone.

Choker Necklace

Choker necklaces may seem like a rather contemporary trend but they actually date all the way back to the Victorian era! They can be made of different materials, most popular today being ribbon and velvet as well as gold/silver. Unlike collar necklaces that rest on the collarbone, choker necklaces sit tight around the neck, either in the middle of it or just above the collarbone. Instagram influencers have truly helped the comeback of choker necklaces, especially when paired with longer and danglier neckpieces. They can be worn as a strip of material or chain on their own or with extra bling such as pendants, drops, and beads.

Princess Necklace

In general, princess necklaces tend to be around 18 inches in length, and among all types of necklaces, they’re thought to be the most elegant and universally flattering. In that sense, they’re also the most popular necklace style. They drop just below the collarbone and are often spiced up with a nice central pendant, rhinestone or pearl.

Lariat Necklace

Those who appreciate the length of a statement necklace will definitely love the Lariat necklace. You’ll notice that this is the longest among the different types of necklace chains, even longer than the so-called opera length. It’s commonly referred to as a Y-necklace or a rope necklace. Thanks to their length, they typically don’t have a clasp as it’s simpler to just throw them over one’s head and around the neck.

Festoon Necklace

If you love the look of the romantic Victorian era and Art Nouveau style or find inspiration in everything vintage (or gothic), the Festoon necklace is the ideal necklace style for you. Essentially, the base chain of the Festoon necklace sits much like a choker or collar necklace, but the attention is on the intricate drapes that typically fall from shorter to longer with the longest drape in the middle of the neck. These drapes are decorated with gems and rhinestones, and even lace. In order to show off your Festoon necklace in its full glory, avoid high necklines.

Multi-Strand Necklace

Multi-Strand necklace is a style typically associated with formal occasions and luxurious lifestyles. After all, this style is most popular for pearls. Essentially, multiple strands of pearls (or other beads) connect with each other at the clasp, thus providing a nice and elegant twist. Collar length allows for the most flattering and striking display of this multi-strand neck décor.

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