Everything you need to know about necklaces: Types, shapes and styles

Who doesn't love necklaces? From chokers to chains, there are so many to choose from. Here’s our guide to the different styles and how to wear them.

Chokers and pearl necklaces

Choker necklaces have had something of a resurgence lately, as part of the 90s fashion reboot that has been dominating fashion trends. 

A choker necklace is traditionally worn close around the neck, (but not so tight as to cause discomfort!)

Chokers are designed to bring attention to the shape of your neck and shoulders and achieve this best with some bare skin across the neckline. So show yours off by wearing it with a v-neck, bardot or off-the shoulder neckline.

There are a huge amount of choker styles to choose from. From stunning crystal chokers to beaded varieties. We love a beaded beach choker, as part of your beside-the-sea summer outfit. But you can’t beat the classic glamour of the pearl choker. Worn with a v-neck blouse or off-the-shoulder dress to add instant va-va-vooom! 

Nowadays, of course, you can also find pearl necklaces in an array of styles. From the traditional single strand choker, to natural pearls and single pearl pendants. The possibilities are endless. We think pearls look particularly good with a flouncy white blouse or a little black dress.

Beaded, crystal and gemstone necklaces

A beaded necklace is an opportunity to bring colour and boho chic to your wardrobe. Wear them short and layered with open necked shirts, or long and elegant over turtlenecks and tees. 

Gemstone necklaces also offer plenty of opportunities to bring colour into your wardrobe. They come in so many shapes and sizes that there’s no one way to wear them. But their colour is usually a good indication of what they’ll work well with. We love to match bright gemstones with plain white tops, for maximum impact. But they can look equally stunning picking out and matching a particular shade from a floral or patterned fabric.

Charm necklaces and chains in silver and gold

Chains are an essential element of any jewellery box. They are both a classic item of jewellery and a modern staple. 

Layering chains - where people mix-and-match chain styles and textures to create a personalised look - has become a huge trend. It’s a lot of fun to experiment with, but we also think that you still can’t beat a single, beautiful chain. 

Whether it’s a snake chain, or a large link variety, a short chunky chain or an extra long dangly chain. A single gold or silver chain can have a big impact. Which is why, I suppose, they remain ever popular. 

Now of course, chain necklaces also have another use - as a place to hang your charms. The charm necklace has become increasingly popular in recent years. Allowing people to express their interests and passions through their jewellery. 

We love wearing our favourite chains with block colours, so they stand out. We also love to team them with work wear for extra power dressing points or leisure wear for funky vibes. We save our slinkier variations for nights out with cocktails.

Pendants and lockets

The word ‘pendant’ covers a lot of ground. There are so many variations out there to try, on long chains and short, with multiple pendants or single ones. And those pendants might be made from silver, gold, pearls or gemstones. 

Sometimes your choice of pendants might represent something special to you. A heart, for instance, or an animal or flower. It might be your birthstone, initial, or zodiac sign - or it may just be a pretty piece that caught your eye.

Lockets are a type of pendant that has recently gained popularity as part of the trend towards personalised pieces of jewellery. They are traditionally oval or heart-shaped, but there are other ones to be found too. Usually they include a space for photos of your loved ones inside, but some include small charms or trinkets.

A pendant necklace always looks lovely with a v-neck, but if the chain is long enough they also look good over t-shirts and turtlenecks. Choose colours to suit your mood or outfit and enjoy matching them with your favourite look.