Necklaces: how to choose

How to choose necklaces

Begin with the neckline you wear most. A chain that settles at the collarbone sits neatly with a V neck, an open shirt or a square neckline, while a drop that rests just below the collarbone gives a little more room and works well over a fine knit. If you are choosing a first necklace or a gift, a simple pendant on a fine chain is easy to wear and simple to layer.

Think about weight and adjustment. A lightweight pendant is comfortable through a long day, while a slightly heavier piece can feel more grounded for an evening. An extension link is useful because it lets you set the drop against a high collar or an open neckline; a 5 cm or 10 cm extender gives you room to move the pendant by a centimetre or two.

Consider the surface you want at the neck. A pearl brings a soft, polished note, a crystal or zircon adds a point of light, and a geometric metal shape feels modern and restrained. If you are buying for someone else, choose a length that sits at the collarbone, as it is the easiest to wear and layers well with finer chains.

Materials, details and fit

The pieces in our collection use alloy, copper, sterling silver, pearl, zircon, crystal, titanium, stainless steel, rhinestone and rose gold. Finishes include shimmer. The metal shapes the look: sterling silver and titanium or stainless steel give a cooler line, while gold plating and rose gold bring warmth. Pearls vary too: baroque and irregular pearls keep their own shape, while classic pearls have a smooth, rounded presence.

Look closely at the setting and the chain. A square setting gives a pendant a modern line, a round medal gives a softer frame, and a geometric lock sits clean and close to the skin. A fine chain keeps the focus on the pendant, while a water wave or snake chain adds movement or a flat, close lie. An adjustable chain or extender lets you set the fit rather than accepting a single length.

Fit is about where the pendant rests and how it feels. A short chain at the collarbone suits open necklines, while a length just below the collarbone leaves room for a collar or a knit. Where sizes S, M and L are offered, use them as a guide alongside the chain length. Check the weight if you wear a necklace all day: pieces of around 3 g to 7 g sit lightly, while an 11-12mm pearl pendant has a different presence.

How to style them

Start with the neckline. An open neckline gives a pendant room to sit against skin, a V neck draws the eye to a drop, and a square neckline frames a pearl or a geometric lock. A plain white shirt or a fine knit is a quiet background for pearls, while a black roll neck sets off a bright silver line.

For evening, let one piece lead. A crystal drop or a single moissanite can catch light without competing with a dress, and a pearl pendant brings a softer finish for a wedding guest outfit. If you prefer a collared shirt, wear the pendant just above the collar or let a shorter chain sit inside it. A star pendant on a snake chain layers easily with chains you already wear.

Layering works best with contrast. Pair a fine chain with a pendant, or set a short geometric lock beside a longer pearl strand. Keep the lengths distinct so each piece has space, and choose one focal point rather than several. Let the pendant settle at the front of the neckline before you add another chain.

Care and storage

Fasten chains before you put them away, and keep pendants from rubbing against each other by storing them in separate soft pouches or compartments. A small box with dividers works well for fine chains; a larger pendant needs room so the setting does not press into the chain.

Pearls prefer a soft pouch and a flat drawer rather than a crowded jewellery box. Put perfume and lotion on before you fasten a pearl necklace, and wipe the pearls with a soft dry cloth after wearing. For silver and plated pieces, a soft dry cloth after wear helps keep the surface clean; avoid abrasive cloths.

Hang heavier pieces or lay them flat so the chain does not kink. Check the clasp and extension link now and then, and store the piece with the pendant settled at the front so it does not press against the chain. When travelling, use a small pouch for each necklace and keep chains apart.

Standout pieces

• Square Baroque Pearl Pendant Necklace: A square-set baroque pearl on a water wave chain keeps the pendant light at 6 to 7 grams, so the shimmer travels as you move.
• Crystal Water Drop Pendant Necklace: A crystal drop hangs from a silver or gold plated chain, with an extension chain of up to 10 cm to set it at the collarbone.
• Sterling Silver Geometric Lock Necklace: A geometric lock in sterling silver with an 18k golden tone rests at the collarbone at just 4.00 g.