How to Use Layered Necklaces to Up Your Style Game

How to Use Layered Necklaces to Up Your Style Game

You have probably seen someone online or in person wearing stylish layered necklaces. If you’re like us, you have thought to yourself that it looked beautiful, but you’re at a loss for how to achieve the same effortless look for yourself. You may be afraid that if you wear multiple necklaces at once, they will get all jumbled up, or you won’t know how to pair necklaces together in a stylish, cohesive way.

Never fear — we have compiled the top tricks and tips for styling the perfect gold or silver layered necklace look. Plus, we will share some gorgeous necklaces and pendants that will make a perfect addition to your layered necklace stack. 

The Rule of 3 for Silver and Gold Layered Necklaces

14K Yellow Gold Square Ruby and Diamond Bar Pendant

A great place to start when choosing your gold or silver layered necklaces is to remember The Rule of Three. Although this rule typically applies to communication, it also works for layering necklaces. The Rule of Three states that anything presented in threes is more memorable — so when picking your classy gold layered necklaces, you should start with three necklaces of different lengths for the most striking, balanced look.

5 Tips for Layering Necklaces:

  1. Use the shortest necklace as your foundation
  2. It’s true: less is really more
  3. Choose your chain type and placement
  4. Add a splash of color for interest
  5. Try different shapes

Start with the Shortest Necklace

IPPOLITA Mini Flower Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver with Diamonds

Each person has a necklace length that is most flattering on their neck. If you do not know yours, then try on different lengths to see which best suits you. When you know which short necklace length works best for you, that one will be the foundation for your layered necklace stack.

From there, you can choose longer lengths of necklaces to add to that shortest foundation necklace. For a subtler look, pick gold or silver layered necklaces that are about two inches apart. For a more dramatic look, choose a super-long necklace to add depth to your layered look. 

Go for Simple

If you really want to capture the cool, effortless feel of gold and silver layered necklaces, then you need to remember that less is actually more. Wear no more than three necklaces at a time to keep your layered necklaces from looking cluttered and overdone. Two or three simple gold layered necklaces look like you effortlessly threw them on.

Consider Chain Placement and Type

In a stack of three layered necklaces, people’s attention will automatically go to the top and bottom necklaces. Thus, the middle necklace should be kept plain and simple. A pendant necklace works best as the bottom necklace as the eye draws downward over the stack. A stack of just two gold layered necklaces can make a big impact as it can clearly display both necklaces.

Keep It Interesting with a Dash of Color

14K White Gold Oval Emerald and Diamond Pear Shape Pendant

If your outfit is simple, you may want to add some drama by featuring a pop of color in your layered necklace look, such as a necklace featuring colorful gemstones like rubies or emeralds. The colorful necklace should be at the top of your gold or silver layered necklace stack because it will draw attention to your face and highlight your features.

Make sure you only use a small amount of color in your necklace stack. Too much color going on can make the necklace set look busy.

Use Different Necklace or Pendant Shapes

Use different necklace shapes and types to create a visually interesting silver or gold layered necklace look. You can do this by combining a simple chain necklace (clasped at the shortest length) with a longer dangling pendant necklace. Or you can use two sizes of pendants, featuring the larger one on the bottom.

Are Layered Necklaces Trendy?

Layered necklaces are definitely trendy at the moment. Gold layered necklaces have been famously spotted on stars like Gigi Hadid and Rihanna. Stacking necklaces is currently a big trend not only for the rich and famous but is seen all over social media and influencers’ accounts

Layering Necklaces by Looping a Super-Long Necklace

IPPOLITA Stardust Paparazzi Long Station Necklace with Diamonds

If you love the layered necklace look but want to keep things simple and easy, you can opt for a super-long necklace, such as one that is 36+ inches long. Super-long necklaces (often referred to as “opera” or “rope/lariat” necklaces) can be looped two or three times around your neck depending on their length. Another great thing about looping or wrapping necklaces is that the layer length can be adjusted to your preference.

Popular Precious Metals for Layered Necklaces

Today’s most trendy metal choice for jewelry is yellow gold, and many of the examples you’ll see online are yellow gold layered necklaces. In addition, gold is also available in white and rose hues. However, silver jewelry is once again on the rise as the ‘90s and Y2K styles come back into fashion.

Whether you choose gold or silver layered necklaces (or a mix of both!) depends on your preference, budget, and style. 

All About Gold Layered Necklaces

Roberto Coin Tiny Treasures Yellow Gold "Love Letter" Initial Pendant

As we have said, yellow gold layered necklaces are an ever-popular choice. Let’s take a closer look at the qualities of a gold layered necklace. First of all, gold is a dense, yellow precious metal that is attractive, durable, and malleable — making it extremely valuable throughout the ages.

Since gold does not tarnish or corrode — and is beautiful and workable — it has been a metal that people have used for jewelry and decorative objects since ancient times. The most commonly used gold alloy in jewelry is 14K gold because of its beauty, strength, and affordability.

Gold (whether yellow, white, or rose) and diamonds are a classic pairing in jewelry. A great addition to a gold layered necklace stack would be a yellow gold and diamond initial necklace. A tiny letter necklace would add a bit of personality and sparkle to your necklace stack.

All About Silver Layered Necklaces

In addition to being a rising trend, sterling silver layered necklaces would make a good alternative to gold as they are often lighter and more affordable. Silver is a white, lustrous, precious metal that is prized for its looks and conductivity.

Silver has been used for jewelry, coins, and decorations for thousands of years because of its rarity, color, pliability, ductility, and resistance to oxidation. Pure silver alone is too soft to be used for jewelry. Sterling silver is a mix of 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 of another metal (like copper or other alloys) to make it stronger.

IPPOLITA Classico Sterling Silver Crinkle Paillette Disc Long Necklace

A sterling silver layered necklace stack is both gorgeous and long-lasting. Try starting your silver layered necklace stack with a short silver necklace with a touch of diamonds as your base, and then add on a longer silver necklace for a contrasting effect.  

Can I Mix Metals in a Layered Necklace Set?

Yes, you can definitely mix gold and silver layered necklaces! A mixed-metal look is edgy and modern. Choose separate gold and silver pieces to mix and match or use a two-toned necklace that includes both gold and silver.

How to Layer Your Necklaces

While there are no hard-and-fast rules to layering your necklaces, there are some guidelines you can follow to make the layering process easier. But, of course, be creative and have fun with it!

Our Favorite Ways to Wear Layered Necklaces:

  • Mix lengths
  • Choose a statement piece
  • Use dainty pieces
  • Choose all one metal
  • Use different shapes
  • Mix diamonds and gemstones

How to Choose Different Lengths of Layered Necklaces

White Gold Round Diamond Choker Necklace

Though we have already touched on necklace lengths, it is important to remember that you want all of your necklaces to be seen. Make sure that you are picking differing lengths so that each gold or silver layered necklace is on full display. You may want to try starting with a choker necklace as your base, then adding a mid-length and longer necklace.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to consider the neckline of your outfit – it can play a big role in the visibility of your layered necklace look.

How to Use a Statement Necklace in Your Layered Necklace Stack

If you have a new or old favorite statement necklace, you can incorporate it into your silver or gold layered necklace set. As the name suggests, it should be the star of the show — meaning it should be the main feature in your layered necklaces. Keep the other pieces clean, simple, and preferably the same metal. 

Opt for Dainty Pieces in a Gold or Silver Layered Necklace Look

14K Yellow Gold 1.8mm Round Hollow Box Chain Necklace

Layering your necklaces does not mean you have to have a maximalist aesthetic. If you keep your necklaces dainty and simple, you can achieve a clean, minimalistic look even when layering two or three necklaces. You can rock a gold layered necklace look with a simple, stunning diamond pendant and an elegant, sleek gold chain.

Match Your Layered Necklace Metals

If mixing gold and silver layered necklaces together feels too intimidating or just not your style, then stick to all one metal for a cohesive look. You can add variety by differing necklace lengths and thicknesses or styles. You can achieve this with a chunky link necklace and a dainty charm pendant necklace for a unified yellow gold layered necklace look. 

Go for Different, Daring Pendant Shapes in Your Layered Necklaces

14K Yellow Gold Open Heart Diamond Pendant

If you love bold style, then you should try mixing three or four pendants in your layered necklace set. Mix and match gold and silver layered necklaces with your favorite array of pendants. For example, you could mix and wear a star, a tiny dog tag, and a heart for an intriguing and totally you look. 

Mix Colored Gemstones and Diamonds

You may think that you should stick to only diamonds or only colored gemstones in your gold or silver layered necklace look. But if you want to add drama and sparkle, consider mixing both gemstones and diamonds for a colorful, shimmering statement. Even small hints of color and shine can make a big impact on your outfit. 

How do You Keep Layered Necklaces from Getting Tangled?

So, you have two, three, or more gold and silver layered necklaces around your neck, and they look fabulous — but how on Earth do you keep the chains from getting hopelessly twisted and tangled? Enter the layered necklace detangler.

You can buy these nifty, inexpensive tools online. You can buy either silver or gold layered necklace detanglers to match your chosen necklaces. You simply clasp your necklaces to the detangler stations, and it will keep the strands separated.  

Best Occasions for Gifting Layered Necklaces:

  • Birthdays
  • Anniversaries
  • Valentine’s Day

Gold or Silver Layered Necklace Birthday Gift

Sabel Collection Round Birthstone Pendant Necklace

For her birthday gift, consider getting a layered necklace set that includes one necklace with her birthstone. This is a subtle, thoughtful way to let her know how much you care. Her necklace stack will be that much more meaningful and personal when it includes a sparkling sapphire or dazzling opal to represent her birth month.

If you are unfamiliar with birthstones, there are gemstones that represent each month of the year. You should select the stone that represents the month when your loved one was born.

The traditional birthstones are as follows:

  • January: Garnet
  • February: Amethyst
  • March: Aquamarine
  • April: Diamond
  • May: Emerald
  • June: Pearl
  • July: Ruby
  • August: Peridot
  • September: Sapphire
  • October: Opal or Tourmaline
  • November: Topaz or Citrine
  • December: Tanzanite, Zircon, or Turquoise

A birthstone pendant makes a beautiful and meaningful addition to any silver or gold layered necklace stack.

Silver or Gold Layered Necklace Anniversary Gift

Jewelry is a classic gift option for your anniversary. But go the extra mile and surprise her with a gold or silver layered necklace set. If you are coming up on a significant anniversary, you should consider choosing one of the necklaces with a precious metal or gemstone that coincides with the traditional anniversary gift for that year.  

For instance, for your 30th anniversary, you may want to add a strand of pearls along with the silver layered necklaces. Or, for your 40th, add a stunning ruby pendant to those gold layered necklaces. Of course, you can celebrate your golden 50th anniversary with a gleaming gold stack of necklace chains.

Gold or Silver Layered Necklace Valentine’s Gift

18K Yellow Gold Concave Heart Pendant with Diamonds

If you feel like you have become stuck in a Valentine’s Day gift rut (flowers and chocolate … again?), then consider giving her a silver or gold layered necklace set. Although jewelry is a typical Valentine’s gift, she probably won’t expect to see a set of two or three complementing necklaces! Add a bit of romance by incorporating a heart pendant on one of the necklaces or with a pop of festive color from red rubies or garnets.

As you shop for your perfect layered necklace stack that expresses your personality or search for just the right gift for that special occasion, be sure to visit a Fink’s Jewelers location for expert guidance and top-notch customer service. We would be happy to assist you in finding beautiful necklaces that will be cherished for a lifetime.