How to layer necklaces

Layering necklaces means composing a line: several lengths that answer one another, each leaving the other in view. A single piece for a touch of light, two or three for a bolder neckline. A few guidelines are enough for the whole to fall just right.

Leave 5 cm between two necklaces

This is the starting rule: about 5 cm between each necklace. The rows then fall in distinct lines, without overlapping or tangling.

Start with two lengths

The simplest: a short necklace close to the neck, a longer one below. A few pairings that work:

• Choker and princess: a 35 to 40 cm necklace with a 42 to 48 cm one, for two close lines around the collarbones.
• Princess and matinee: 42 to 48 cm with 50 to 60 cm, for a more airy composition, lovely with an open neckline.
• Three rows: a choker, a princess and a 70 to 85 cm opera; the longest row balances the whole.

To see where each length sits, see our Necklace length guide.

Pair the materials

A pearl necklace and a fine chain bring out the best in each other: the chain lightens, the pearls bring the colour. This is the idea behind our layering sets, designed to be worn together or apart.

Pair the colours

Two ways: stay within one family of tones, blues answering one another from the deepest to the lightest, or let a pale pearl soften a more intense stone. Pearls, neutral and luminous, go with every colour. Our whole palette is presented in Our stones and pearls.

By neckline

• V-neck: lengths that follow the point of the V, such as the princess and the matinee.
• Round neck: short necklaces that stay above the neckline, or a long row worn over it.
• Turtleneck: opera and rope lengths, worn over the knit.
• Open shirt: a choker and a princess, inside the open collar.

Avoid tangles

Fasten the shortest necklace first, then the others, from the shortest to the longest. In the evening, take them off one by one and store them separately, each in its pouch: they will not tangle and the stones will not scratch one another.