Suppose you only wear the occasional chain necklaces or pendant necklaces. In that case, you might not realize just how many kinds of necklaces there are. From simple to extravagant, short to long, these are the 21 types of necklace designs you need to know about.
What You Will Learn
21 Different Styles of Necklaces
1. Necklace Chains
One of the most popular types of necklaces, a chain necklace, is its namesake because it is made from a chain of connected links. There are many different types of chains, however. A box chain, for example, features square links. A paperclip chain, meanwhile, features links shaped like paperclips of varying sizes. The cable chain is the most basic chain style, though, and the one you’re likely most familiar with.
2. Choker Necklaces
Another prevalent and recognizable necklace type is the choker necklace. Again, this style is easy to identify because it’s all in the name. A choker necklace is a necklace style that sits snugly against the throat as if it’s “choking” the wearer. Chokers can be fine jewelry or costume jewelry consisting of various materials.
3. Collar Necklaces
A collar necklace is very similar to a choker necklace but slightly lower and looser. As the name suggests, it sits right around where a crew neck shirt collar might rest. Because of this, collar necklaces are also sometimes called crew necklaces.
4. Pendant Necklaces
A pendant necklace is any necklace featuring a pendant. However, to accommodate the pendant, a pendant necklace will typically be a little longer and sturdier. Pendants are likewise often larger and heftier than similar but smaller charms, like those you might see on a charm necklace.
5. Locket Necklaces
Some might consider and liken a locket necklace to a pendant necklace if the locket can be moved to another chain or similar necklace (pendants can usually be removed from their necklace).
6. Charm Necklaces
Charm necklaces are any that feature charms. Charm necklaces typically feature multiple charms, whereas a pendant necklace may only feature a solitary pendant.
7. Pearl Necklaces
Pearl necklaces warrant their own distinction simply because no jewelry is quite like pearl jewelry. Pearls have an origin story, appearance, and care requirements that are all their own. Pearl necklaces are very versatile in that these necklaces can be worn with either high-end attire or a more casual outfit.
Suggested Reads:
Different Pearl Colors: A Quick Guide
How to Tell if Pearls Are Real
8. Lariat Necklaces
While you probably know the above necklaces, you may need more time to define a lariat necklace. Lariat necklaces aren’t nearly as common, but create a striking look.
Also sometimes called Y-shaped necklaces, lariats form a “Y” shape, with the two sides of the necklace meeting in the middle of the chest and then the excess dropping down further. Lariat necklaces typically don’t have a clasp.
9. Bib Necklaces
A bib necklace features a design that covers a large portion of the neck and chest, giving the appearance of a bib. Due to their large size and the amount of precious materials often used, bib necklaces are one of the more extravagant and luxurious necklace styles.
10. Princess Necklaces
Necklace length defines the princess necklace. It can be a chain or a pearl necklace, among many other styles. A princess necklace must measure approximately 17–18 inches long and offer a loose fit.
11. Station Necklaces
A station necklace features small adornments at intervals along its length. These features may be beads, gemstones, or any other small item. Tiffany & Co. popularized this necklace style.
12. Thread Necklaces
A thread necklace is self-explanatory. It simply features a length of thread rather than a chain or similar base. The thread can hold beads or other jewelry pieces.
13. Beaded Necklaces
Beaded necklaces are any that feature beads. Beads can feature any material, including precious metals, wood, plastic, clay, and others.
13. Riviere Necklaces
A riviere necklace , or riviera, features an uninterrupted line of linked gemstones, all typically the same type, size, and shape. The necklace’s name comes from how the gemstones “flow” across the neck.
13. Festoon Necklaces
A festoon necklace is somewhat similar to a bib necklace in that both styles fall across the neck and chest but are not as big. Festoon necklaces are multi strand necklaces. This multi strand necklace might feature two or three strands of diamonds or multiple draping chains.
14. Matinee Necklaces
Like the princess necklace, the matinee necklace has a specific length attribution. Matinee necklaces are usually 20 to 24 inches long.
15. Opera Necklaces
Opera necklaces are similar to princess and matinee necklaces, where length is the defining characteristic. An opera necklace is about 30 inches long and can feature any material or appearance.
16. Rope Necklaces
The rope necklace is the longest of the different styles of necklaces defined by their length. This term applies to all necklaces that measure 32 inches or longer. Rope necklaces are not the same as the rope chain necklace, which features an intertwined chain design and the length does not factor in.
17. Tennis Necklaces
While this necklace’s cousin, the tennis bracelet, is far more famous, the tennis necklace is still a classic. Like a tennis bracelet, a tennis necklace features a complete strand of continuous square diamonds, all the same shape and size.
18. Torque Necklaces
Torque necklaces are rare and made from a single, rigid, near-closed ring of metal. Sometimes, these types of necklace feature a rope-like or twisted appearance and miniature adornments on each end of the ring.
19. Sautoir Necklaces
A sautoir necklace is a pendant necklace variant that falls below the navel and features a small pendant or tassel at the end of a chain. These necklaces were historically prevalent in the early 1900s. (Think flappers!)
20. Fringe Necklaces
A fringe necklace features a series of dangling elements (pendants or otherwise) falling from a chain. Typically, the elements are of various increasing and decreasing sizes to form a “V” shape.
21. Negligee Necklaces
Negligee necklaces feature two or more dangling pendants at the base of the chain. However, the pendants may look symmetrical but hang at varying lengths.
Types of Necklaces FAQs
What are the styles necklace wearers like most?
Several styles of necklaces are the most popular overall, including chains, pendants, charm necklaces, lockets, and pearl necklaces.
How are necklace types determined?
Necklace classification considers length, materials used, adornments, and shapes (of the links or the overall necklace).
What is a type of necklace without a clasp?
A few types of necklaces do not feature a clasp, including lariat necklaces, torque necklaces, and, sometimes, chokers.
What are some historic necklace styles?
Both torque and sautoir necklaces were trendy in decades and centuries past (torque necklaces were popular within ancient civilizations, while sautoir necklaces were popular in the early 1900s).
What classic necklace styles should you own?
A few classic necklace styles, including chain necklaces, pendant necklaces, chokers, princess necklaces, and pearl necklaces, belong in every well-rounded jewelry collection.
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