Although I work in the jewelry industry, I still sometimes have trouble mastering the perfect layered necklace look. Like a messy bun, the layering trend is one of those "effortless" looks that actually requires a fair amount of effort. To create a tasteful look you must find the right pieces to compliment one another or you'll just end up looking messy or overdone. As a female jeweler modeling jewelry is a part of the job, therefore I have my fair share of experience building different layered looks from the ground up. I've put together 5 simple tips and tricks to help you master the look too.
Tip #1 - Note the length of your necklaces
Whether you're buying one piece or a few to pair together, you should consider the necklace's chain length. Unless intentionally going for a messier, more laid back look, you should ensure your necklaces will fall at least half an inch apart on your neck. For this reason, I find myself suggesting necklaces on chains with 3-4 jump rings, that way the piece is more versatile and you'll have more freedom to manipulate the look to your liking.
Tip #2 - Put on your blouse before building your neck
One of the many perks of my job is being able to wear the most stunning jewelry and try new looks everyday. One thing I've found myself doing when shopping for work clothes is considering necklines and how they would or would not work with necklaces I want to model and take photos of during the day. Showing up to work and realizing my neckline doesn't work with the beautiful layering look I had in mind is a total bummer, so I suggest being sure of what your wearing clothes-wise before you miss your train constructing the perfect necklace look and end up wearing a turtle neck because its 20 degrees outside.
Tip #3 - Decide if you're going for a tapered or rounded look
This tip really should be numbered "part 2 of tip 2" because choosing a tapered or rounded necklace look can depend on what looks best with your neckline. A tapered necklace look pairs really well with a button down or v neck top but doesn't always work with other cuts. On the contrary I usually have no problem making a look, weather tapered or round, work with rounder necklines. For this reason I consider my favorite pieces and plan other necklaces and blouse options around the piece.
Tip #4 - Don't overdo it - Sometimes less is more
As a jewelry nut it's super easy to for me to get a bit of control when layering necklaces. Just because you have 7 necklaces that can somehow work together doesn't necessarily mean it's the best look. It's important to wear the jewelry and not let it wear you. Therefore, I try and consider what earrings I am going to be wearing when going with a layered look. If I know I will be wearing big statement earrings or earrings with a bright, beautiful stone I'm likely to choose less necklaces or pair together a few dainty diamonds by the yard necklaces to compliment, not congest.
Tip #5 - It's ok to mix it up
Layered necklaces give off a fun, playful look - therefore you should have fun with it! Mixing rose, white, and yellow gold together or with pearls and beaded necklaces is a popular trend that was basically a sin years ago. Why have a white-gold, rose-gold, or yellow-gold girl day when you can learn how to pair all three? The pairing of golds, beads, and pearls is a skill that can be mastered and once you are familiar with your personal collection you will be more open and able to play around with pairing different tones in a tasteful way.
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