Reading our detailed guide will simplify choosing your preferred length. Click here to explore the 15 trendiest necklace designs for women.
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Necklaces stand out as some of the most elegant jewelry any woman can add to her collection. A staple on the red carpet, necklaces not only complete a look but elevate it to the next level.
Often the most exciting and captivating part of an outfit, a necklace can be so striking that the entire ensemble is chosen around it. With countless necklace designs to choose from, finding the perfect one can sometimes be overwhelming.
Which necklace design should you opt for a special occasion? Which one serves as a versatile choice?
We created this article to help ease this challenging decision by outlining the 15 most popular necklace designs for women.
Keep reading to discover more.
Understanding the Typical Lengths of Necklace Designs
In the last year alone, over 30 million people in the US have purchased fine jewelry. Yet, many still lack knowledge about various necklace lengths.
Understanding these lengths can make selecting the appropriate necklace much easier. Knowing the length combined with the right design can simplify your entire shopping experience.
No two necklaces are the same in terms of their size. Here are the standard lengths for necklace designs:
- Collar – 12 to 14 inches
- Choker – 14 to 16 inches
- Princess – 16 to 18 inches
- Matinee – 20 to 22 inches
- Opera – 30 to 36 inches
- Rope – 36 inches and above
As you can see, necklaces come in various lengths and sizes. Consider the other jewelry pieces you’ll be wearing to determine which size works best for layering.
The 15 Most Popular Necklace Designs
We have curated a list of the top 15 necklace designs for you to choose from.
Let’s dive in.
BONUS: Adjustable-Length Chains
Having high-quality chains is essential in a jewelry collection. Sterling silver and gold are top choices, while gold vermeil is quickly becoming a favorite among designers and buyers.
Fixed-length chains can be frustrating as finding the perfect length often means buying several chains of different lengths.
Enter the adjustable-length chain.
Say goodbye to fixed-length necklaces and hello to endless possibilities with our stunning adjustable chain, perfect for finding the PERFECT LENGTH for any occasion.
1. Festoon Necklace
The Festoon necklace dates back centuries. Originating in Greece, “Festoon” translates to a wreath or garland of interwoven flowers, leaves, and branches. These designs incorporate threads of chains and other elements into a draping necklace.
Despite its ancient origins, the Festoon remains a staple in modern wardrobes.
A Festoon necklace is recognizable by its draped design, often prominent during the Art Nouveau and Victorian eras. They often feature accents like gemstones, pearls, and precious metals.
2. Lavalier Necklace
The Lavalier necklace emerged at the beginning of the twentieth century. Characterized by a slender chain with a small pendant adorned with decorative stones or elements, this elegant, feminine style remains highly popular.
Many Lavalier designs also feature a petite chain connected to a larger focal piece, making them ideal for light, feminine, or bohemian fashion styles.
You’ll typically find these necklaces at princess length, just below the collarbone.
3. Single Strand Pendant
A single strand pendant features either a silver or gold chain with a single focal element. It’s one of the most popular necklace designs due to its versatility within your wardrobe.
With a wide selection of pendants available, it’s a versatile addition to your necklace collection. The pendant could showcase a gem, element, or charm.
The beauty of a pendant necklace lies in its customizability, making it fantastic for personalized gifts. You might pick one with initials or a birthstone to complement your style subtly.
4. Beaded Necklace
Beaded necklaces have enjoyed immense popularity since ancient times, with even Egyptian pharaohs partaking in the trend. Today, women wear beaded necklaces made from various materials like:
- Glass beads
- Crystal beads
- Clay beads
- Crocheted seed beads
- Coral beads
These necklaces often pair well with t-shirts, casual dresses, and even sweaters and jeans.
Classic beaded necklace designs, like pearl and graduated necklaces, continue to be favored among modern fashion enthusiasts.
5. Lariat Necklace Designs
Lariat necklaces tend to be longer than opera-length ones and are often referred to as rope or Y-necklaces.
The Lariat is distinctive because it lacks a clasp. The beads or chain create a long rope that can be tied or pulled through a loop.
Lariat necklaces typically fall below the belly button, but they can also be wrapped around the throat several times to form a choker.
6. Charm Necklace
A charm necklace is much like a traditional charm bracelet. They’re not only popular as fashion accessories but also as collectible items.
Charm necklaces convey a fun and casual vibe, typically featuring a variety of charms that are personal to the wearer. This style has gained popularity due to trends set by companies like Pandora.
Consider a vintage-style charm necklace for a different look. Nothing is more vintage than a 2000-year-old Roman Glass.
7. Choker/Collar
Choker necklaces have been popular since the Middle Ages, designed to sit close to the neck. Some designs inspired by Cleopatra resemble collars, like the one shown above. Most chokers feature adjustable fastenings that make it easy to get the fit just right.
Many people choose custom-made chokers tailored to a specific length. Some chokers
Some items are crafted from a single piece of material, while others are made using multiple smaller components.
Chokers, typically made from velvet, gold, or ribbon, were particularly adored during the Victorian era. Recently, they’ve experienced a significant resurgence, gracing runways around the globe.
The design of chokers can cause them to either sit high on the neck or just below the collarbone. The latter, being slightly longer, provides more freedom of movement.
Certain choker designs feature a central pendant. Amber pendant chokers were particularly popular in historical periods. While necklaces have always been in vogue, the popularity of chokers has varied over time.
In the past, when clothing styles featured lower necklines, chokers were worn as bold statement pieces. Some individuals even layered multiple chokers, adorning their necks with diamonds and luxurious materials.
8. Bib Necklace Design
A bib necklace is distinguished by its ensemble of layered chains or a single substantial element that covers the breastbone entirely. Contemporary versions are more delicate but retain the classic bib style. These premium jewelry items, though longstanding favorites, can be quite expensive.
In 2017, the U.S. jewelry market saw expenditures exceeding $17,882 million, with bib necklaces among the favored designs.
Bib necklaces leave a lasting impact and ensure you stand out at any event. They’re typically paired with formal attire, making for bold statement pieces.
9. Altered Art Necklaces
Altered art necklaces gained immense popularity in 2018. They combine a mix of materials, including but not limited to:
- Charms
- Faux pearls
- Vintage lockets
Often displaying costume jewelry, these necklaces are artistic amalgamations of various elements. Ideal for casual wear, such as with sweaters, jeans, and t-shirts, these necklaces aligned well with 2018’s emerging trends.
10. Shoulder Necklace
Shoulder necklaces, though underappreciated, exude a unique feminine elegance. These pieces are typically reserved for formal occasions such as weddings or galas.
A bold shoulder necklace can also infuse excitement into your wardrobe, even outside formal events.
11. Princess Necklaces
Princess necklaces are characterized by their medium length, typically around 18 inches, making them one of the most universally flattering choices. Positioned between chokers and matinee lengths, they often feature central pendants.
The focal elements usually rest just below the collarbone, adding an elegant touch to the piece. Adorned with shimmering rhinestones and slender shapes, often with a single drop point, these necklaces are generally meant for formal affairs but also pair well with blazers and v-necks for work.
12. The Riviere Necklace
A Riviere necklace features one or two rows of precious gemstones, with some designs including semi-precious stones as well.
The gems may gradually decrease in size towards the back, and the necklace typically falls within either the princess or collar length.
Boasting closely set links that obscure the joins, these necklaces present a seamless stream of stones, highlighting the gems over the necklace’s structure. They are a classic choice for formal events or special occasions.
13. A Locket
The traditional locket pendant necklace often holds sentimental value, frequently passed down as a family heirloom.
Lockets contain a small compartment for pictures or mementos, making them deeply personal. Especially popular in the Victorian era, many lockets from that time are engraved and include a lock of a loved one’s hair.
Lockets can be paired with various chain lengths, typically coming with a princess-length chain but often looking best with an opera-length chain. Combining a locket with a choker can create a striking multi-layered design.
14. Negligee
The negligee is an evolved version of the lavalier and gained popularity in the early 19th century Edwardian era. Unlike the nightgown of the same name, these necklaces have asymmetrically shaped drops of varying sizes attached to a central pendant and typically have a longer length.
15. Sautoir
The sautoir, a French term, describes a long necklace with a pendant at the bottom. These necklaces may have multiple or single strands adorned with decorative links, threads, and sometimes tassels, adding dynamic movement to the design.
Sautoirs can include beads, charms, and other elements, with lengths that range from 60cm to the longer 90cm styles made famous by Coco Chanel’s fashion trends.
What Type of Necklace Will You Choose?
With the wide variety of stunning necklace designs available, it’s clear why necklaces have been an essential part of fashion for centuries. At Roman Designer Jewelry, we work with talented designers from over 27 countries, offering authentic, high-quality jewelry directly to you at fair prices.
Take the time to choose the perfect jewelry for any occasion, but remember, there’s no reason any necklace design can’t be worn anytime. For help selecting the ideal necklace, contact us today.
