When it comes to layering jewellery, you can quickly feel overwhelmed because, well, there are just so many ways you can do it! Do you stick to one metal? Is there a perfect number of necklaces to go for? What about necklace lengths, how do you decide what’s going to look best?

If you’ve found yourself hesitating when it comes to necklace layering, hesitate no more! We’ve put together a handy guide to help you select the right pieces to wear together for that effortless layered look.

How many necklaces should I layer?

This is totally up to you. Two necklaces can work wonderfully for a more subtle look, but generally three is the magic number when it comes to layering necklaces. A trio of jewellery is really satisfying to look at, and is the perfect way to get that layered look without going too overboard. If you want to keep things simple, think about pairing two necklaces, as this can also work really well – especially if they are of the same metal. Any more than three can sometimes look a bit too fussy.

Mix and match different lengths

This is what makes or breaks necklace layering. Wearing necklaces that are all the same length will look bulky, while wearing a trio that are all different lengths can make a really nice jewellery look. A 2-4 inch length difference between each necklace is the perfect amount to ensure they each have adequate space to shine.

When it comes to shopping for necklaces of different lengths, we have some necklaces that come with the option of choosing which chain length you would like, which makes it really easy to select pieces that you know will layer well together.

Unsure which lengths to go for? Check out our necklace length guide.

Consider mixing metals

Wondering whether you should mix your metals? The short answer is: yes! The key thing is to decide which metal you want to make up the majority of your layered necklaces, then add just one other metal to keep the look refined. For example, you could layer a couple of rose gold necklaces with a slightly shorter delicate silver necklace with your initial on it. Mixing metals can be a really nice way to make a statement without opting for bigger, more ornate pieces of jewellery.

Of course, if you’re loyal to just one metal then do stick to wearing it. You could keep all of the chains the same metal and instead pick pieces that include hints of different metals in their pendants for a more subtle mixing of metals.

Play with different textures and materials

Mixing up chain styles in a layered necklace look is a great way to play with textures and create a more interesting look. Think a smooth herringbone chain with a link necklace or a chunky rolo chain paired with a pendant on a diamond cut chain. If you’re looking to create a truly unique pairing, consider combining your precious metal necklace with a necklace of a different material, such as beads or cord.

Add a pop of colour with gemstones

We love adding colour to our necklace layers especially when wearing an all black outfit. An easy way to do this is with some colourful crystals. Consider adding your birthstone into your layered look to create a stack that is personal to you. Or, if you’re not a fan of your birthstone simply opt for your favourite colour.

Experiment with pendants and charms

When you’re choosing which necklaces to layer, we like to make sure that the majority of them are fairly simple and delicate, so that if you have a statement piece it stands out in the layered look. Our perfect combination: two chains of different texture and a delicate pendant thrown in there to add a little something extra. Opting for a more delicate look with just two necklaces? Go for one chunkier chain and pair this with a delicate chain complete with a dainty pendant. Or, go for two delicate necklaces with differing pendant sizes.

Layering looks we love

So, those are all the tips and tricks you need for layering necklaces. If you are going to try this out for yourself, try wearing your necklaces with a plain t-shirt or block colour jumper to ensure they really stand out! Good luck with your layering, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different metals, chain lengths and the number of necklaces you layer.