Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Carla Jonas
From dainty chains to opulent strands that exude grandeur, necklaces have adorned our necklines for millennia. In fact, necklaces are one of the oldest forms of jewelry, with archaeological evidence suggesting that they were worn as far back as 40,000 years ago. They come in an overwhelming plethora of designs, materials, lengths and styles. From edgy snug collars to glamorous ‘ropes and ropes of pearls’, and from Egyptian-inspired statement plastrons or royalty-worthy festoons, there is a necklace out there for everyone – every style and every occasion. Below, we’re looking at no less than 29 types of necklaces: their design, materials, lengths, fun facts and bits of history, as well as meaning and symbolism. Read on for the ultimate guide to necklace types!
Frequently Asked Questions
There is a wide range of necklace types on the market. Some of the most popular necklace styles include chain and charm necklaces, pearl necklaces, pendants, tennis necklaces and solitaire necklaces. Short and snug necklaces like chokers and collars are other in-demand necklace styles.
The most popular necklace length is the princess length, which regularly measures 18 inches. This length is highly versatile and suitable for both daytime and nighttime attire. The choker length, measuring 14 -16 inches, is the second most popular necklace length.
Trending styles for 2023 include sculptural necklaces that have a strong architectural design, baroque pearl necklaces with large, off-round gems, oversized link chain necklaces and statement pendants featuring unique charms.
A choker is a type of necklace that is designed to encircle the base of the neck closely, resting higher up than other necklace styles such as princess (18 inch), leaving no room for it to drape on the chest. Not to be confused with a collar necklace, which sits tightly higher up on the neck.
29 Different Types of Necklaces
Chain Necklaces
Chain necklaces are straightforward pieces of jewelry that feature metallic chains crafted from precious or semi-precious materials. There are various types of chains out there, including rope, curb, figaro, mesh, box and bead, with the most popular being the classic cable chain. Chain necklaces do not feature any pendants or charms and are worn either on their own or layered with other pieces, such as charm necklaces, pendants and lariat necklace designs.
Pearl Necklaces
Pearl necklaces can be crafted from cultured pearls (real pearls) or faux pearls (imitation pearls made of glass, plastic, alabaster or shells). Cultured pearls can be produced both in fresh waters (Freshwater pearls) or saltwater (Tahitian, Akoya and South Sea pearls). Real pearls are valuable, therefore they are safely secured on silk thread, with knots in between each pearl. A typical pearl necklace will be available at standard necklace lengths, including choker length (at the base of the neck), princess, matinee (sitting low on the chest), opera (close to waist-length) and the longest: rope length.
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Tennis Necklaces
A tennis necklace displays a seamless strand of diamonds that surrounds the entire neckline. Alternatives with a lower price point exist on the market as well, featuring gems like cubic zirconia. These necklaces can be fashioned with either dainty or large, statement diamond stones. The term “tennis necklace” finds its origin in the 1987 US Open, during which renowned tennis player Chris Evert misplaced her diamond-adorned chain in the middle of the match. Evert requested a brief pause in the game to search for her valuable jewelry piece. In addition to necklaces, the term ‘tennis’ also describes types of bracelets that feature diamonds in a single row around the wrist.
Festoon Necklaces
Festoons are types of necklaces that are highly ornate in design and that feature numerous drapes or rows of beads, metallic chains or extensions in an intricate design. Highly popular during the late 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, festoon necklaces are often worn by royalty. The name comes from the French “festoon” and Italian “festone,” (the Late Latin “festo”), meaning ‘festive garland’ or ‘garland of flowers’, evoking the ornate style of this necklace type.
Beaded Necklaces
Beaded necklaces can be utilized for fashion purposes, but they also hold significant importance across various cultures and religions. Mala, rosary, and subha beads are types of necklaces utilized in meditation and prayer rituals. In fact, the English term “bead” finds its roots in the Anglo-Saxon words “bede” and “bidden,” which respectively mean “prayer” and “to pray.” Among Native American tribes, beaded necklaces are integral to traditional attire and ceremonies. These pieces often incorporate symbols and colors with specific cultural meanings. Similarly, in Hawaiian culture, beaded necklaces serve as a tribute to the islands’ natural charm and offer a connection to its rich heritage through motifs such as fishhooks, turtles, and sharks, each representing concepts like protection, strength, and good fortune.
Initial Necklaces
Initial necklaces usually feature a chain and a letter pendant that can be either fixed or dangling (more common). The pendants are usually crafted from precious and semi-precious metals matching the chain, with alternative materials like leather, acrylic and ceramics and as secondary options. Monogram necklaces are a highly popular option for gifts for occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, bridal showers, bridesmaid proposals and more.
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Sautoir Necklaces
The sautoir necklace became widely popular in the 18th century when French aristocrats elevated these neckpieces to symbols of prestige and status. During this time, sautoir necklaces were often crafted from expensive materials such as gold, silver, and pearls. The term “sautoir” comes from French, where it translates to “jumper”, alluding to the graceful movement of this long necklace. Typically, a sautoir necklace features woven or twisted ropes of pearls or gemstones with dangling tassels, paired with geometric diamond and gem-decked designs, often of Art Deco inspiration.
Torque Necklaces
Torque necklaces also come with a complex history. Worn both as necklaces and as bracelets, torque designs were a sign of wealth and nobility, symbolizing courageous warriors. They are typically crafted from a variety of metals and they look similar to a neck ring. Traditionally, they consist of a bar or twisted metal that is shaped as a loop, with metallic knobs (or motifs like animal heads) at each end. Modern styles ditch the knobs and feature a more streamlined design.
Lariat Necklaces
Lariat necklaces have an open-end design, with a chain (ending with a gemstone, metallic element or other ornamental pendant) falling low on the chest. These necklaces are perfect for layering, as they often come in dainty silhouettes and measure between 30 to 50 inches. The name of these types of necklaces comes from the Spanish ‘la reata’, which translates as “the rope.” They are generally crafted from metallic chains, beads, pearls and even leather.
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Graduated Necklaces
A graduated necklace is comprised of beads – or round gemstones, such as pearls – that vary in size. The larger beads are displayed in the center, and they get gradually smaller towards the back. The making of a graduated pearl necklace is labor intensive, because the gems need to matched two by two in size on each side of the necklace. A tennis necklace can be classified as a graduated necklace if the size of the diamonds or cubic zirconia increases towards the center of the neckpiece.
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Collar Necklaces
Collar necklaces are a broad term that can include a variety of necklace types. The most common type of collar necklace on the market today is the neckpiece that is worn tightly high on the neck (made popular during the Edwardian Era), crafted from leather, velvet, metals or other materials. Typically, these collar necklaces present a simple band, with or without a decorative element in the center and are a popular accessory in goth and punk aesthetics. Alternatively, collar necklaces can represent neckpieces similar to chokers, worn tightly at the base of the neck. A third category of collar necklaces: accessories that look strikingly similar to a shirt’s collar, usually decked with rhinestones and worn over a simple top to create a more polished look.
Pendant Necklaces
Pendant necklaces have a history spanning 25,000 years. These necklaces trace their origins to the ancient practice of adorning the neck with amulets or talismans. This tradition goes all the way back to Stone Age, where pendants were anything from teeth, stones, bones and shells. Throughout history, pendants have been worn for reasons that go far beyond aesthetic purposes. Pendants have been valued for their benefits in healing, for spiritual reasons, as well as for protection. During the Victorian era, pendants became even more personal, depicting motifs that evoked sentiments – and often doubled as brooches.
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Station Necklaces (Tin Cup)
Also called ‘tin cup’, station necklaces are pieces of jewelry that alternate beads (or pearls or other gemstones) with chain elements. The effect: creating ‘stations’ for the gems, displayed symmetrically. Many designs feature chains that are barely-there, as their dainty and slim silhouette makes them almost invisible, allowing for the gems to stand out. The name ‘tin cup’ was first introduced to the public in the 1996 romantic comedy ‘Tin Cup’, where this necklace design was worn by the leading actress.
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Multi-Layer Necklaces
Multi-layer necklaces are, as the name suggests, types of necklaces that feature two or more layers. These layers can be identical (like in the case of classic pearl necklaces) or different. Multi-layer necklaces often come in slim chains, with or without gemstones and other pendants. Pieces featuring precious gemstones are valuable, due to the large number of gems used in multiple layers. They can vary in length – from choker styles to princess, matinee and even rope necklace lengths.
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Charm Necklaces
Charms have been used in jewelry since the Neolithic Period. Initially displayed on bracelets, charms were crafted from bone, shell and wood and displayed on leather bands. These necklaces find their origin around the year 3000 BC in Egypt, often depicting motifs that symbolized fertility, protection or prosperity. These days, the most popular charm options include floral motifs, hearts, locks, letters, astrological signs, and astronomical bodies.
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Bib Necklaces
Bib necklaces are types of neckpieces that resemble a baby’s ‘bib’, as in they cover a large part of the chest. They can be made from various materials including metals, gemstones, beads, fabric, and even leather, with styles ranging from sleek and minimalist to highly ornate and decked in gemstones. There are various types of necklaces that fit in other categories but can also be described as bib necklaces, including fringe necklaces or collar necklaces. They are usually secured in the back with ribbon, string or chain and clasps.
Solitaire Necklaces
Solitaire necklaces are highly popular pieces of jewelry that feature a single gemstone as a pendant. The pendant can be both fixed on the chain (stationary) or dangling and free to move up and down the chain. The classic type of a solitaire necklace features a single diamond in a classic setting, such as basket or bezel settings. Alternative gemstones are highly popular, with the top affordable pick being cubic zirconia. The chain is usually slim, in chain types including cable, box, curb and figaro.
Tassel Necklaces
Tassels have been used in jewelry for the longest time – and necklaces are no exception. These types of necklaces are crafted from a mix of materials, including chain, glass beads, metallic components and thread, leather, or silk for the tassel part. Tassel necklaces are usually on the longer side, sit on the lower chest or towards the waist and have an elongated construction. They are considered bohemian pieces of jewelry, although more polished versions are available as well and usually crafted from chains and gemstones.
Leather Necklaces
Leather has been used in the making of accessories since 5000 BC. These necklaces are crafted from a wide range of materials, including cowhide, sheepskin, and even exotic leathers like snake or alligator – as well as faux, imitation leather. They often present amulets or charms, typically in a boho style, including pendants made from stainless steel, baroque pearls, or filigree and geometrical elements. The appeal of leather necklaces is that they are often considered unisex and highly versatile when accessorizing casual to smart-casual outfits.
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Bauble Necklaces
Bauble necklaces are part of the statement necklaces group, as they are highly voluminous. They are characterized by their bold designs that include large to extra-large beads, displayed linearly or in a cluster design. The large beads are made of non-precious materials, often acrylic, plastic, wood, ceramic or even fabric. Bauble necklaces are almost exclusively fashion jewelry pieces, meaning they are made from base metals (such as brass or copper) and non-precious gems / beads.
Riviere Necklaces
Riviere necklaces are types of jewelry that resemble choker necklaces or tennis necklaces. They feature a continuous line of gemstones that are either identical in size or larger in the center. Only one type of gemstone is used in a riviere necklace. The style became popular during the 18th century in Europe. Its name comes from French and literally means ‘river’, which, in jewelry terms, translates to a ‘river of gems’.
Choker Necklaces
A choker necklace is worn at the base of the neck. Its name also represents a classic necklace length (measuring between 15 and 17 inches), not just a type of necklace. The style gained popularity during the 1790s, at the time of the French Revolution, when the wives of those who lost their lives started wearing red ribbons as a way to commemorate their loved ones. Chokers gained prominence in alternative subcultures like goth and punk during the late 20th century and became an emblem of rebellion and counter-culture fashion. Chokers can be made from a wide range of materials, including leather, velvet, lace, metal, and even beads or gemstones. They come in various styles, from minimalist bands to ornate, multi-strand designs.
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Torsade Necklaces
A torsade is a term that can refer to both necklaces and bracelets. Its main characteristic is the fact that it is created by intertwining multiple strands that can feature pearls, strands of chain or various gemstones. The length of a torsade necklace can vary; worn snugly, it becomes a choker, while a lengthier version are more similar to a sautoir. Pearls are the quintessential choice for a traditional torsade, but fashion necklaces can include all types of non-precious materials.
Locket Necklaces
Locket necklaces date back from the 16th century, when small pendants were used for protection. One of the oldest locket jewelry pieces belonged to Queen Elizabeth I‘s, but it was set on a ring, not a neckpiece. The locket contained a portrait of herself and one of her mother (dating from around 1575). Lockets were commonly used in mourning jewelry during the Victorian era. They would contain a small portrait or a lock of hair from the deceased, serving as a way to keep their memory close. Lockets can carry deep symbolic meanings – they may represent love, remembrance, protection, or serve as a token of affection from one person to another.
Negligee Necklaces
The negligee necklace is a jewelry piece that sits below the collarbone, with one side longer than the other (length asymmetry). This type of necklace was highly popular during the Edwardian era (1900-1915), as well as during the roaring 1920s – a period characterized by a fashion revival. The negligee necklace features gemstones at its terminations (usually attached to chain), or, alternatively, metallic elements or tassels.
Plastron Necklaces
Plastron necklaces are statement jewelry pieces that are known for their impressive size. A plastron necklace covers the chest, often entirely, as it hangs down from the neck. They originate from ancient Egypt, where it was called ‘uskh’ and they feature a wide range of typically metallic elements connected together in layers, as well as dangling charms. The making of a plastron necklace involves metals (both precious and semi-precious), as well as stones, feathers, wood, shells and ceramics. Due to their materials and extra-large size, plastron necklaces are typically very heavy in weight.
Birthstone Necklaces
Birthstone pendants are types of necklaces that include the wearer’s birthstone. Each month of the year comes with one, two or even three birthstones (such as June, where the pearl, moonstone and alexandrite are all official birthstones). They can take many designs, from the classic solitaire pendant style to crystals that are secured with wire and set on semi-precious chain. Each birthstone is believed to bring a wide range of benefits to the wearer, from healing powers to improved energy, focus, luck and protection.
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Fringe Necklaces
A fringe necklace features a series of pendant elements that hang from links or a cord encircling the neck. Its origins can be traced back to the Egyptian broad collar, also known as the “wesekh,” which first emerged around the 3rd millennium B.C., and was later popularized by the Greek and Minoan jewelers. In recent times, the fringe necklace achieved high popularity during the 1950s, and continues to be a staple on the market today. Contemporary styles feature ‘fringe’ made of thread, leather and chains.
Thread Necklaces
Thread necklaces originate from ancient civilizations, with their roots in Mesopotamia. Their main characteristic is the thread work around a core structure (usually crafted from sturdy metal, wire or beads). Thread necklaces are highly popular in India, especially in regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan, known for crafting highly ornate and vibrantly colored neckpieces. The most popular type of traditional thread jewelry is made from silk that is extracted from silkworms, but contemporary styles use cotton primarily.
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Final Thoughts
Necklaces have been around for more than 40,000 years. Originally crafted from bone, shells and stone, necklaces have certainly come a long way. The Egyptians loved them decked with gemstones and crafted from opulent gold, the Greeks loved intricate designs, while the Romans were the first to introduce mosaics in necklaces. Later on, the Victorian era brought the popular locket necklaces, while the Art Nouveau period was all about nature-inspired necklace designs.
These days, the market is bursting with a wide range of types of necklaces – from the elegant diamond necklace or the classic pearl strand to the intricate and ornate festoon to the joyful bauble, the complex bib and the minimalist torque, there’s a necklace out there for everyone. Question: which necklace style is your personal favorite? Let us know in the comments section!
For similar content, make sure to check our comprehensive guides on Types of Rings, Types of Bracelets and Types of Earrings!
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