A versatile necklace is an essential piece of jewelry for any collection. The right necklace can upgrade any outfit, from casual daywear to formal evening attire. It also makes a meaningful gift that can be passed down for generations.
When curating the perfect jewelry box, the focus tends to be on rings, earrings, and bracelets. But no assortment is complete without essential necklaces that cater to diverse styles.
Here are 9 must-have necklaces that belong in every jewelry collection:
Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
A solitaire diamond pendant on a chain creates an instantly elegant look. Opt for a round brilliant or princess-cut diamond set in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum. Hang it from a delicate chain necklace in any metal to match the pendant.
The solitaire diamond catches the light beautifully to draw attention. This versatile piece transitions effortlessly from day to night. It’s a staple accessory that always adds a touch of luxury and glamor.
Pearl Strand Necklace
Lustrous pearls have embodied classic sophistication since the early 1900s. A single-strand akoya pearl necklace provides a polished touch to any business professional or formal outfit. For everyday ensembles, layer long strands of freshwater or Tahitian pearls.
Pearls come in a gorgeous array of natural colors, from creamy ivory to white, gray, peach, black, silver and golden hues. Mix and match pearl sizes and shades for dimension. Wear them alone or combine them with other necklaces for interest. Pearls make timelessly elegant heirloom jewelry.
Gold Initial Necklace
Initial necklaces first became popular among medieval European royalty who wore initials or coats of arms as symbols. Today, initial pendants maintain vintage charm with contemporary appeal.
An initial necklace customized with the first letter of your name makes for a thoughtful self-gift or personalized present. Opt for 14k or 18k solid yellow, white or rose gold monogram letters encrusted with sparkling diamonds or other gems. Display your initial right-side up or upside down on a delicate box-chain. It adds a subtle, special touch to everyday style.
Charm Necklace
Capture memories with a collection of charms on one chain. Give a charm necklace with multiple blanks to fill, or start your own sentimental compilation. Gold and silver look equally chic holding carved charms symbolizing travel, hobbies, relationships, career success and life milestones.
Pick meaningful trinkets like a map charm of a favorite destination, date night high heel charm, lucky horseshoe, ballet slipper, pearl birthstone charm and more. The styling options are endless. Plus, you’ll love reminiscing about the special moments every charm represents.
Birthstone Necklace
Your beloved birthstone encased in a gleaming pendant makes for a customized piece you’ll undoubtedly cherish. Surprise a friend or family member with their own birthstone to celebrate their special day all year long.
From dazzling garnets and deep blue sapphires, to opulent emeralds and purple amethysts, birthstones add a pop of color and personal symbolism. Set in yellow or white gold, this necklace accents casual or dressy looks. Stack your birthstone with other dainty pendants for a trendy layered necklace.
Locket Necklace
Lockets keep treasures closest to the heart. An engraved locket necklace opens to reveal space for a tiny photo, inspirational quote or meaningful message. In 18k gold or sterling silver, this cherished and sentimental accessory feels vintage and romantic.
Wear a locket with photos of loved ones as a token to keep them close. Or surprise your bridesmaids with a custom locket filled with a heartfelt note on your wedding day. However you fill them, lockets make extraordinarily thoughtful gifts.
Paperclip Chain Necklace
Delicate jewelry rules recent runway shows. Ultra-fine paperclip chain necklaces serve understated sparkle without overpowering your outfit. They lie gracefully against the collarbone, adding lightweight texture and movement.
Paperclip chains capture light beautifully. Enhance them with tiny gemstone beads, a small diamond or knotting details. Layer with longer statement chains and pendants for a mixed metal, minimalist style statement. Tap into this trend with a paperclip chain made of gold vermeil or sterling silver.
Choker Necklace
Choker necklaces deliver a snug fit around the throat for high-fashion attitude with any ensemble. Pop one on over a turtleneck in winter or let one rest above your collarbone come spring. Festoon your choker simply with a sphere, bar or gem for decorative flair.
Edgy yet elegant, black chokers hold particular intrigue and attitude. Explore ribbon chokers with glistening crystal or gem embellishments. Rock ‘n roll inspired tattoo, velvet or leather chokers also add provocative polish. Make even the most basic outfits exciting with an on-trend choker necklace.
Multi-Layered Necklace
Why choose one necklace when you can wear several? Mastering the skillful layering technique levels up your accessory game. Mix different metals, chains, pendants and lengths to achieve that perfectly curated stack.
Thoughtfully combine a few of the necklaces above for artistic appeal. Allow chains in yellow gold, rose gold and silver to mingle fluidly together. Keep layered necklaces delicate and lightweight so they don’t overwhelm your neck and chest.
Conclusion
The ideal jewelry collection displays beautiful diversity. Any well-rounded assortment includes go-to necklaces ready to complete daytime business casual looks or amplify evening elegance. Invest in all nine necklaces described above to take any outfit from simple to standout.
Treasure these staple chains, charms, gems and pendants as keepsakes that gain sentimentality over time. Allow favorite necklaces to become signature staples passed down as heirlooms. With proper care, they’ll bring joy for generations, becoming the vintage pieces tomorrow’s jewelry enthusiasts will covet.