20 Types of Necklaces: Styles, Lengths and How to Wear Them

A necklace can change the whole look of an outfit, but the names and lengths are easy to mix up. Is a princess necklace the same as a pendant? How long is an opera chain? This guide explains 20 types of necklaces, how each one sits on the body, and which outfits suit them, so you can buy and style with confidence.

Necklace names often describe length, so the table below gives the usual lengths for six common styles.

Type of necklace	Usual length	Sits at
Choker	14 to 16 inches	Base of the neck
Princess	17 to 19 inches	Collarbone
Matinee	20 to 24 inches	Above the bust
Opera	28 to 36 inches	Bust or lower
Rope	37 inches and longer	Waist, or doubled up
Lariat	Varies	Hangs open, no clasp

1. Choker

A choker sits snugly around the base of the neck. It can be a thin chain, velvet ribbon, beads or a metal band. It works best with open necklines such as off-the-shoulder tops and halters, and it shows off the collarbone.

2. Princess necklace

A princess necklace falls at the collarbone and is one of the most versatile lengths. It suits crew necks, V-necks and boat necks, and it is a common choice for pearls and small pendants.

3. Matinee necklace

A matinee necklace hangs just above the bust. It works well with business wear and high or round necklines, where a shorter chain would get lost.

4. Opera necklace

An opera necklace is long enough to reach the bust or lower. You can wear it once as a long strand, or double it into two shorter loops. It suits plain tops and dresses.

5. Rope necklace

A rope necklace is the longest style, often reaching the waist. It can be doubled or tripled around the neck, which makes one piece wearable in several ways.

6. Collar necklace

A collar necklace is a stiff or wide band that sits flat against the neck, like a shirt collar. It makes a formal statement and suits plain, low necklines.

7. Bib necklace

A bib necklace fans out across the chest in layers or a broad design. It covers a lot of space, so it pairs best with simple tops in a single colour.

8. Pendant necklace

A pendant necklace has a single charm or stone that hangs from a chain. It is the classic everyday necklace. Choose a pendant that suits your neckline: small ones for high necks, longer drops for V-necks.

9. Lariat necklace

A lariat has no clasp. One end is looped or threaded through the other, or it hangs open in two tails. It adds a relaxed, flowing line and suits V-necks.

10. Y-necklace

A Y-necklace has a chain that drops into a centre line, forming a Y shape. The vertical line elongates the neck and works well with V-necks and collared shirts.

11. Locket

A locket is a pendant that opens to hold a small photo or keepsake. It is sentimental and personal, and it suits everyday wear on a princess or matinee chain.

12. Station necklace

A station necklace has small stones or beads spaced at intervals along a chain. It is light and delicate, and it looks good alone or layered with other chains.

13. Layered necklace

A layered necklace combines several chains of different lengths in one piece, or you can stack separate chains yourself. Vary the lengths by at least two inches so the chains do not tangle.

14. Statement necklace

A statement necklace is large, bold and meant to be the focus of the outfit. Keep the rest of your jewellery simple, and wear it with a plain neckline so it can stand out.

15. Pearl strand

A pearl strand is a string of pearls, from princess to opera length. It is a classic choice for weddings, offices and formal events. Wipe pearls with a soft cloth after wearing, because perfume and sweat can dull them.

16. Chain necklace

A plain chain necklace has no pendant. Styles include cable, box, curb and rope chains. It is simple, goes with everything and works well for layering.

17. Mangalsutra

A mangalsutra is a traditional Indian necklace of black beads and gold, worn by married women. Designs range from short, simple strands to long, ornate ones, and many modern versions are light enough for daily wear.

18. Rani haar

A rani haar is a long, multi-strand Indian necklace, often with pearls, stones or gold beads. It is worn at weddings and festivals and looks striking with a plain saree. See our guide to types of sarees for outfit ideas.

19. Kundan set

A kundan necklace uses stones set in gold foil, a traditional Indian technique. It usually comes as a set with matching earrings. Pair it with jhumkas or chandbalis from our earrings guide.

20. Temple jewellery

Temple jewellery comes from South India and features gods and goddesses, lotus motifs and coins in gold or gold-plated metal. It is worn at weddings and classical dance performances, and it goes well with silk sarees.

How to choose the right necklace

Start with your neckline. High necklines suit longer chains, because shorter ones get lost. Open necklines suit chokers and short pendants. A necklace should frame the neckline, not compete with it.

Match the necklace to the occasion. A thin chain or small pendant suits the office. Layered and statement pieces suit parties. Pearls, kundan and temple jewellery suit weddings and festivals.

Think about balance. If you wear bold earrings, choose a simpler necklace, and the other way round. Wearing a statement necklace and statement earrings together usually looks crowded. Our types of dresses guide helps with the neckline side.

Check the metal and clasp. Gold, sterling silver and stainless steel are common choices for sensitive skin. A secure lobster clasp is easier to use and safer than a small spring ring.

How to care for necklaces

Store each necklace separately, ideally hanging or laid flat, so chains do not knot. Take necklaces off before bathing, swimming and exercising. Wipe metal with a soft dry cloth, and put on perfume and hairspray before you wear jewellery, not after. Pearls and plated pieces need extra care, so keep them away from water and chemicals.

FAQs

What are the most common types of necklaces?

The most common are chokers, pendants, chains, pearl strands and layered necklaces. Most other styles are variations on these.

What is the difference between a choker and a collar necklace?

A choker is a close-fitting necklace that sits at the base of the neck and can be thin or thick. A collar is stiff, wider and sits flat like a shirt collar.

Which necklace length suits a round neck?

A matinee or opera-length chain works well, because it falls below a round neckline instead of crowding it.

How do I stop necklaces from tangling?

Fasten the clasp when you store each one, and keep chains separate in a box with dividers or on a hook.