Necklace Design

In the world of jewelry and fashion, not much can draw the eyes and grab the attention quite like a necklace. Whether you are dressing up for a special event or just wearing your usual day-to-day work clothes, everyone knows the importance of an accessory for completing the look. The necklace is the one accessory that can bring your appearance to a new level.

Historically, necklaces were worn by both men and women during the Middle Ages and later became the main item of jewelry in a wardrobe during the Renaissance period. From the 14th to the early 17th centuries, it was common to use necklaces as a sign of wealth and status and more and more elegant necklaces, such as those adorned with precious gems and stones, as well as gold chain necklaces with pendants were worn. From the beginning of the 18th century, necklaces became more and more of a female item of jewelry. Worn together with other jewelry such as earrings or bracelets, jewelry became the domain of women until the late 20th century. So you are looking for a new necklace that appeals to you, but it can be so confusing, where do you even begin? There are so many different necklace designs, chain designs, chain lengths as well as necklace components to choose from. It is important to note that obviously personal taste comes into play when thinking of necklaces. What length of chain do you prefer? What metal should it be made out of? Do you prefer a bar, a pendant, or a name necklace such as a 'Carrie Necklace' made famous by Sarah Jessica Parker's character in the hit TV show 'Sex and the City?' All of these factors play a part when looking at necklaces and deciding which is the right one for you. Here at Onecklace we have looked at the different types of necklace design that we produce to try and help you decide what works best for you.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF NECKLACES?

Pendant

One of the most common types of necklace, pendant necklaces are so versatile and adaptable that they are the perfect way to show off your true personality and fashion sense. A pendant necklace is often a single-strand gold or silver chain that holds some type of item at the front, allowing it to hang down against your neck and be worn proudly. The pendant itself can encompass so many different things. Initials; monograms; infinity symbols; religious symbols; these are just a few examples of the many different types of pendants, but they are all pendants. The beauty of pendant necklaces is how personal you can make them and when designing your own pendant necklace or trying to come up with a gift for a loved one, you can come up with anything you like. The beauty of pendants is also how they go great whatever you are wearing!

Choker

A choker is typically a shorter style of necklace, worn closer to the neck and the chain lengths for chokers generally range from 14 to 16 inches. One of the best things about choker necklaces is that no matter what the color or design may be, they always go well with everything you wear, regardless of the occasion. You can be going out with friends or having a business meeting, it doesn't matter whether it is an informal or formal setting, the choker will always look great! Chokers also complement any type of neckline you have, meaning they suit most people whatever they are wearing and look comfortable sitting on the neck, even the tighter chokers. When it comes to chokers, there is a huge array of different options that are available so anyone can find the choker to suit them.

Collar Necklace

Collar necklaces encircle the neck around the collar region and are usually shorter than choker necklace; only 12 to 13 inches in length. One of the best things about choosing a collar necklace is that they can be made of so many different items, as opposed to a pendant necklace for example. Beads, pearls, different gems, as well as chains of gold and silver, have all been used to make collar necklaces, which allows you to vary your options and pick something that could work for both formal and the more casual setting. Collar necklaces are a great choice for off-shoulder necklines as well as boat neck, turtlenecks, or V-necks. Sitting gorgeously close to the skin and just above the collarbone, these necklaces can lend an elegant sophistication to any outfit. With such variation, you are bound to find a collar necklace to achieve the look that you want.

Charms

Charm necklaces have become hugely popular in the 21st century. Taking note from the massive success of charm bracelets, which allow people to add on or take off however many charms they like, the necklace has become a major feature of modern jewelry. Charms are a great way to express your individuality and personality as you get to choose which charms to wear and what they mean to you! With an average length of 24 inches, charm necklaces are a little longer and hang down further than others but this again allows you to show off your neckline and wardrobe. A charm necklace is sure to take the spotlight as the centerpiece of any outfit, and they can be worn great with simple colors.

Locket

One of the more sentimental types of necklace design, the locket necklace can add an air of mystery to any outfit. A locket necklace is a form of a traditional necklace pendant that can be passed down through generations. A locket, or small chamber, usually contains a small memento or photography of someone, and hangs of a longer chain. Made popular by the Victorians, back then many people wore lockets with photographs, carvings or even a strand of hair from a loved one contained inside. Locket necklaces nowadays come with a range of chains, although they are most commonly coupled with an opera-length chain which is 30 to 36 inches. Because of the longer nature of the chain, a locket necklace can be combined with something short a choker necklace, for example, to create a multi-layered necklace style.

Lariat

Another stylish type of necklace that goes well with a low neckline – the lariat has a Y-shape appearance and features no clasp. The ends of a lariat necklace are looped, crossed over, or knotted in a variety of ways and the bottom part can have a pendant or charm attached to it to give it an even better look. The beads and chains of a lariat necklace make a long rope that may be pulled through a circular filter and tied at the front, bringing a more exotic and dramatic look to your outfit. Sometimes called a lasso necklace because of the way it ties, the lariat necklace is perfect especially for U-shaped necklines and is great for both casual and formal occasions, adding a modern twist to a dainty design.

Chain

A versatile and minimalist type of necklace, the chain necklace has become one of the most popular and commonly seen types of necklace. Maybe more than any other style of necklace, the chain necklace comes in a huge array of different lengths, different sizes, single or double strands, allowing you to mix and match with other necklaces and a variety of different materials. Simple yet sophisticated, the chain necklace go great with solid colors and ideal to wear whatever you have going in your life. Some of the different styles can include anchor chains, sturdier and heavier double links; bead chains, small balls that are usually attached together by some type of wire or string; curb chains, also called Cuban chains, where the links lie flat and can be wide or thin; rope chains: consist of small links twisted together to resemble a rope. There are so many different options of chain necklace available, it is no wonder they are so popular.

Rope

As the name suggests, a rope necklace is pretty much in the style of a rope! Lightweight necklaces that are usually made with longer chains - above 30 inches in length - they hang very low meaning they are generally worn in the more informal settings. The length of the rope necklace allows it to be combined with the many different types of shorter chain length so you can pack more excitement into your outfit for the day!

Statement

Bright and bold, statement necklaces can make a dramatic impact on your outfit. Featuring pendants and more elaborate and decorative ornaments, statement necklaces are not intended to be understated. As the name suggests, they are there to make a statement! They can add an air of elegance to any outfit, making them more suitable for smarter occasions or office days, and can come in a variety of metals, adorned with gemstones, or diamonds or pearls. Often considered on the more eccentric side, statement necklaces don't leave too much room for pairing up with other necklaces but they do allowed you to spice up your wardrobe and often go well with simple garments and solid colors to make the necklace and neckline the focal point of attention.

HOW CAN I PICK THE RIGHT NECKLACE FOR MY NECKLINE/OUTFIT?

So we have covered just some of the many different types of necklaces that are out there. When it comes to picking a style and design that works for you, again, most of it comes down to personal taste. If you prefer wearing a bold statement necklace then rock it; if you prefer a simple and understated chain necklace then let it shine.

But let’s take a look at how it’s possible for your neckline and outfit to affect your necklace choice to help narrow down your options.

V-neck necklines will bring the focus to your chest or cleavage so it is important to note that your necklace should try and do the same. Because V-necks are angular lines that draw down to the chest, your necklace should also be angular and have sharper edges to make it work - softer and more rounded necklaces will not suit a V-neck and everything should be in proportion. A bigger pendant or charm should be used depending on the width of the V-neck and the length of the chain is important to note. A chain that is too long will draw away attention from the neckline so make sure to choose the right length.

For strapless necklines, chokers are usually the best options. Show off your neckline and keep the eyes above your chest with a choker or a necklace with a shorter pendant. This helps to keep all the attention on your neckline and collar bones. If you want the opposite effect and don't want to emphasize the neck area and neckline, statement necklaces will help keep it covered up and draw attention to the width of your shoulders.

Turtlenecks are more of a problem, as, obviously, the top goes all the way up to just below the chin. Chokers are a definite no-no as nobody will see the chain strapped around your neck as it will be covered. Try and match with medium to long chains and necklaces if you want to wear a turtleneck. Usually, chains around 30 inches go better with turtlenecks as this will pull attention lower down and allows you the choice to wear a pendant or locket hanging from a longer chain to make a statement. Collared necklines, similar to turtlenecks, do not leave much room to show off certain styles of necklaces, although there is still some space available. If you have a longer neck, a choker may be the best option whereas for shorter necks you could select a necklace with a pendant, charm or locket that will sit just above the last open button. Statement necklaces can potentially also work well with collared shirts but note that in length it should ideally end just below your shoulders.

As with everything we have discussed above, so much comes down to personal taste and preference. The beauty of personalizing and customizing your own piece of jewelry is you can let your imagine run wild and have some fun, to design a piece that will truly mean something to you and be treasured forever.