A necklace is a simple way to add some personality to your everyday look. If you wear a lot of basics, you might consider a more unique necklace to create some intrigue through texture (like a chain) or a focal point (like a pendant). Alternatively, you can layer necklaces and combine different styles to assemble the perfect neck dressing.

“If you are looking to simply grow your everyday collection, a necklace designed for layering is a great choice,” celebrity jeweler Kendra Scott tells PEOPLE. “These are often long, thin, and delicate necklaces, and may feature smaller gemstones or pendants.” She suggests finding necklaces of different lengths so you can layer them in fun arrangements.

Regardless of what style, metal, or length you choose, a necklace can add a level of whimsy or sophistication to your look. Read on to see our picks for the best necklaces for women (or anyone who wants a bit of bling).

Best Overall

Baublebar Lane 18K Gold Necklace

Baublebar

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Simple, unique, and timeless — this necklace is an ideal everyday piece of jewelry. Made with 18k gold-plated sterling silver, it doesn’t cost as much as pure gold, but it has that same signature look. At 19 inches, the chain sits right at your collarbone to accent your face. The cubic zirconia gems mimic diamonds for a little sparkle to catch the eye when you walk in a room. While it's understated compared to a thicker or larger necklace, it still holds its own as a piece of standalone jewelry. Though should you choose to layer several pieces, it would fit nicely in a stack — use this one spotted on Katie Holmes as inspiration. 

And right now, you can grab your favorite necklace for 20 percent off at BaubleBar when you use the code BB20.

Material: 18k gold plated sterling silver, cubic zirconia | Length: 19 inches | Style: Collar

Best Budget

Ellena Rose Sterling Silver Opal Necklace

Amazon

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• It’s not made with real gold or pearls, so if you’re looking for the real McCoy, this won't be it.

This delicate piece is another simple but chic addition to your neckline. The silver adds a sparkle to your look, while the opal adds a little texture and color. As you might assume with the price, it’s a white gold-plated chain rather than real gold, but with proper care it can last for years. The length qualifies this as a collar necklace, but you can layer it with other necklaces if you want a more dramatic stack.

Material: White gold-plated sterling silver, created opal | Length: 17 inches | Style: Collar

Best Choker

Frasier Sterling Positano Choker

Frasier Sterling

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Maybe it’s the fact that ‘Positano’ is in the name, but we can envision Portia from The White Lotus rocking this choker with her flowy skirts and bucket hat. It’s slightly thicker than other chain necklaces — a statement piece in its own right — but can certainly be layered with other chains when your desired look calls for it. It’s made from 14k gold-plated brass which allows for the low price, and can last for many years with proper care (i.e. don’t fall overboard on any boats).

And don't miss this great spring discount: When you buy any two pieces of jewelry from Frasier Sterling, you get two pieces for free — just use the code HAUL at checkout.

Material: 14k gold plated brass | Length: 11.5 inches | Style: Choker

Best Pendant

Kendra Scott Elisa Birthstone Pendant Necklace

Nordstrom

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Speaking of necklaces that know their worth, the Elisa Pendant Necklace from Kendra Scott is a beloved piece of jewelry worn by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Lucy Hale, and Simone Biles (for context, one of these necklaces sells every minute). It’s available with 21 different colors and gems including ivory mother of pearl, amethyst, and lilac abalone. With this necklace, you can choose between two lengths, so if you’re looking for a shorter necklace, we would recommend the 15– to 17-inch chain, and for a longer fit, the 17- to 20-inch chain. Each of the pendants also has a beautiful metal frame around the edge that matches the gold chain.

Material: 14k gold plated over brass | Length: 15–17 inches, 17–20 inches | Style: Pendant

Best Snake Chain

Baublebar Gia Necklace

Baublebar

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Worn by Jennifer Lopez and Katie Holmes, this popular snake chain necklace is a showstopper. The key to a snake chain is it can’t be bent or the metal will get kinks in it. Worn around the collar of your neck, this jewelry is simple but elegant — sitting at 14 inches in length (but can be extended up to 20 inches). While thinner necklaces are generally easier to layer in a stack, the snake chain can also be layered with the right accompanying pieces. 

You can get this necklace 20 percent off right now when you use the code BB20.

Material: Gold plated, brass casted, stainless steel | Length: 14 inches | Style: Collar

Best Tennis

The M Jewelers The Tennis Necklace

The M Jewelers

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The M Jewelers creates high-quality, trend-forward jewelry pieces at an approachable price point, which is why we love their version of the classic tennis necklace — a classic staple especially for Y2K lovers. We love that this cubic zirconia-based necklace can be ordered in either sterling silver or gold vermeil metal types and is the perfect length at 16 inches — meaning it works as a standalone statement piece or can be layered as a look.

The best part: The jewelry brand is having a Mother's Day event where you can get 55 percent off with code MOM55, bringing this necklace's cost down to $105.55 when the discount is applied.

Material: Gold vermeil or sterling silver | Length: 16 inches | Style: Collar

Best Collar

Mejuri Floating Sapphire Necklace

Mejuri

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This delicate necklace creates a constellation across your collarbone in an array of white sapphires offset by a thin gold chain. As a collar necklace, this is a shorter piece of jewelry, but it has a two-inch extender so you can wear it as a 16-inch length or 18-inch length. The sapphires add a little sparkle while the chain subtly catches the light for a chic and sophisticated look.

Right now at Mejuri, all orders over $75 (which would include this necklace) come with free shipping.

Material: Gold vermeil, 18k solid gold overlaid on sterling silver, white sapphires | Length: 16–18 inches | Style: Collar

Best Silver

Banter Made in Italy Gauge Box Chain Necklace

Banter

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Some people really live in one camp for jewelry, so if you go all in on silver, this necklace is a great staple to wear everyday. Its thin chain blends in well with your neckline and makes for a great layering piece. It’s available in lengths ranging from 16 to 24 inches depending on where you want it to sit between your neck and your chest. The loops form a small chain, so it’s quite delicate in appearance, although the sterling silver should fare well for many years with the right care.

Material: Sterling silver | Length: 16, 18. 20, 22, and 24 inches | Style: Chain

Best Negligee

Baublebar Dulce 18K Gold Necklace

Baublebar

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This 18k gold-plated necklace offers a stylish glimmer to go with that low cut dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion. The negligee style hangs from your collarbone down to your mid-chest and adds just a hint of a sparkle with two cubic zirconia stones on either end of the vertical section. It’s a delicate thin chain, so it won’t overpower your neckline and blends in seamlessly if you want to pair it with a few other necklaces as a stack.

Material: 18k Gold plated sterling silver, cubic zirconia stones | Length: 17 inches | Style: Negligee

Best Statement Piece

Kendra Scott Ashton Gold Half Chain Necklace in White Pearl

Kendra Scott 

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For those who love a bold but tailored look, Kendra Scott has come through for you with this gorgeous necklace. Half chain, half pearl strand, this necklace is so playful, yet really classy and versatile. It could be worn to the office, on a date, to a wedding, or just to brunch with your best friends. It sits just below your collarbone at 17.5 inches in length, and is made with 14k gold plating over brass for the chain and white pearls. Whether you want the necklace to be a standalone statement or accompanied by thinner pieces for a layered stack, all eyes will be on your neckline with this one.

Material: 14k Gold plated over brass, white pearl | Length: 17.5 inches | Style: Chain/pearl

Best Message

Fossil La La Land Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Chain Necklace

Fossil

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For those who want a subtle message with their jewelry, this "kind" necklace is the perfect inspiration. It's made with gold stainless steel and is quite durable, and it sits at 16 inches, or right under your collarbone. The necklace is perfect for stacking or wearing as a standalone piece. And keep in mind, it's part of a limited edition collaboration between Fossil and La La Land Kind Cafe to promote kindness and optimism, so it won't be around forever.

Material: Gold stainless steel | Length: 16 inches | Style: Pendant

Best Mariner Chain

Stone and Strand Chain Necklace

Stone and Strand

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Stone and Strand creates both everyday and investment pieces that are produced in the same factories as luxury brands, but without the insane markup. We love this take on the trendy maritime style; the dainty chain lends itself to work as an everyday piece while still remaining on-trend. It looks stunning styled solo but can also add some contrast and texture when layered with other pieces, including chokers and pendants. While not cheap, it’s made from ethically sourced 10K solid gold, meaning it’s a piece you can wear throughout your lifetime — it’s also super giftable.

Now through May 7, you can save 15 percent off the best gifts for Mother's Day with free shipping and 100-day returns.

Material: 10k solid gold | Length: 16 inches | Style: Maritime chain with ring clasp

Best Lavaliere

Made By Mary Skinny Vertical Bar Necklace

Made By Mary

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This vertical bar necklace looks great with a lower-neckline blouse or top. With options for a gold, silver, or rose gold look, this necklace can match any aesthetic (especially if you like to mix metals with your jewelry). For a personal touch, you can add a word or name (up to 12 letters) on the lower half of the bar pendant. The necklace works as a standalone piece, but it also looks chic when layered with shorter chains, too.

Material: 14k gold filled, sterling silver, or 14k rose gold filled | Length: 16–18 inches, 20–22 inches | Style: Lavaliere

Best Gold

Uncommon James Unaligned Necklace

Uncommon James

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There’s something so classic about gold jewelry, and this gold necklace from Kristin Cavallari's Uncommon James line is no exception. Though made with gold-plated brass, the necklace has a signature gold look as well as intermittent sparkles with small cubic zirconia stones lining one side. The misaligned look (half chain, half gems) creates a really interesting visual and adds texture on texture to your neckline. And though the necklace is 14 inches in length and sits just below your collarbone, it has extension loops up to two inches, should you want to wear a longer chain.

Material: 14k gold-plated brass, cubic zirconia | Length: 14 inches with 2-inch extender | Style: Chain

Best Heart-Shaped

Made By Mary Mini Sweetheart Stacker Necklace

Made by Mary

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This necklace is a sweet ode to anyone whose initials you want to keep close by. The necklace is available in a 14k gold or rose gold filled material or sterling silver, and has two options for the length — ranging from 16–18 inches or 20–22 inches. Should you opt for the smaller one, the necklace will sit just at your collarbone, and the longer one would hang just below it. You can get a letter inscribed on each heart-shaped charm to remember or honor a loved one or yourself. 

Material: 14k gold filled, sterling silver, or 14k rose gold filled | Length: 16–18 inches, 20–22 inches | Style: Pendant

Best Chain

Bonheur Jewelry Dalila Gold Chain Link Necklace

Bonheur Jewelry

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Styled with a popular paperclip chain, this necklace is a fun but delicate piece of jewelry. It has a slightly cooler gold tint rather than a warm yellow gold, though it’s actually 18k gold overlaid over sterling silver. You can opt for the 15- or 17-inch length depending on if you want to layer the necklace with others. Paperclip chain necklaces have seen wide popularity in the last two years for their simple but visually interesting design, and now you can add one to your jewelry collection to create a texture moment at your neckline.

Plus, you can score free ground shipping on orders over $100 right now.

Material: 18k gold overlay over sterling silver | Length: 15 or 17 inches | Style: Chain

Best Investment

Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso Olive Leaf Pearl Pendant

Tiffany & Co

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Audrey Hepburn laid claim first, but there’s just something about Tiffany's. This gorgeous pearl pendant necklace screams sophistication with an elegance that won’t fade over time. The necklace is made with real sterling silver and a freshwater pearl so it’s built to last — making it a piece of jewelry well worth the investment. The length ticks 16 inches so the pearl pendant should sit just under your collarbone. This is a necklace you can wear everyday, for special occasions, and everything in between.

When you order from Tiffany's before May 11, you'll receive complimentary delivery before Mother's Day.

Material: Sterling silver, fresh-water pearl | Length: 16 inches | Style: Pendant

Best Letter

Madberet Gold Letter Necklacev

Madberet

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This solid 14k gold letter necklace lets you wear something personal close to your chest. Whether you choose a letter to represent your own name or someone else’s, this is a classic yet stylish piece that goes with everything. It has two lengths to choose from when wearing the necklace — 16 or 18 inches — and is available in yellow and white gold. This is also a great necklace for layering, should you pair it with a collar or choker-length chain.

Material: Solid 14k gold | Length: 16 or 18 inches | Style: Pendant

Best Rose Gold

Fossil Sutton Flutter Hearts Rose Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Multi-Strand Necklace

Fossil

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For a coppery moment, this rose gold necklace offers a multi-strand design and a heart-shaped pendant. It’s made from a rose gold-plated stainless steel, so it’s quite durable and should last for a while. At 16 inches in length, the necklace sits just at and below the collar (with each strand respectively). The loops are fairly small which creates these thin chains that are sleek but understated.

During the Mother's Day Gifting Event, you can save 25 percent off all styles (with some sale items up to 50 percent off).

Material: Rose gold-plated stainless steel | Length: 16 inches + 2-inch extender | Style: Multi-strand, chain

Best Personalized

Oak and Luna Mon Petit Name Necklace 14k Solid Gold

Oak & Luna

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For those who want to wear their name proudly wherever they go, this name necklace is a chic way to do so. It’s made with an 18k gold plated chain which connects to the word in a script font. You can choose your length at the time of purchase — which range from 14 to 18 inches with a two-inch extender. There is a cap of nine letters for the word, so if your name is longer than that, we would recommend doing your initials instead. 

Material: 18k gold plating | Length: 14–18 inches + 2-inch extender | Style: Chain

Best Pearl

Ross Simons 4-4.5mm Cultured Pearl Necklace in 14kt Yellow Gold

Ross Simons

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Whether you love all things pearl or just hail from the South, pearl necklaces are tried and true pieces of jewelry. This pearl necklace is made with cultured freshwater pearls, each measuring around 4–4.5 millimeters in size. Since it’s a string of pearls, there isn’t a length listed like there would be with a traditional chain, but it sits just below your collarbone. The necklace is also fastened with a 14k yellow gold clasp. Pearls are such a staple, especially for festive occasions, so whether you’re packing for a wedding or headed to brunch, this necklace should be front and center.

Save on the best Mother's Day gifts when you use the code MOTHER for 30 percent off thousands of styles at Ross Simons.

Material: 14k Yellow gold clasp | Style: Pearl

Best Beaded

Awe Black Beaded Enamel Necklace

Awe

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• It’s not a plain chain necklace or super statement making, so if you are wanting either of those, then there are better options on this list.

A beaded dream, this necklace features a 14k gold vermeil chain with black enamel beads throughout. It’s visually interesting and a step away from traditional necklaces, should you fancy something more unique. There are three different lengths you can choose from upon purchase —  try 14–18 inches for collar length, 18–22 inches for just under the collarbone, or 32–36 inches for a longer beaded necklace. The style of this necklace is very versatile and easy to dress up or down depending on your vibe.

Material: 14k Yellow gold vermeil | Length: 14–18, 18–22, or 32–36 inches | Style: Beaded, chain

How to Pick the Right Necklace

Material

The material of a necklace can determine how it looks and how long it lasts. “The metal material used is the most important way to determine the quality and wearability of the piece,” says Scott. She explains that standard “fashion jewelry” is usually 14k gold-plated, which maintains the look of gold but at a more budget-friendly price, like the gold-plated BaubleBar Dulce 18K Gold Necklace. Whereas, real gold will last longer, but costs more, such as the MadBeret Roman Letter Charm in solid 14k gold. “Invest in the pieces you wear daily — the 14K yellow, white, or rose gold you choose as your core items will last a lifetime,” she says. 

Length

The length of your necklace will determine where it sits across your neck line. “The more length options you have with a piece, the more versatile it is,” says Scott. She adds that you can use the “extender chain on a necklace” to adjust the length, or buy several lengths to create a layered look. For instance, it can spark visual interest to pair a collar-length one and a longer necklace, such as the Mejuri Floating Sapphire Necklace and the Made by Mary Skinny Vertical Bar Necklace.

Style

There are so many styles of necklaces, it’s almost impossible to choose just one (and you don’t have to!). For those who want to keep it simple, a thin chain or short collar necklace adds some glimmer to your look without overpowering anything. On the other hand, if you want a bolder necklace, you can rock a statement piece like the Ashton Gold Half Chain Necklace in White Pearl. “If shopping for a special occasion, styling your look with a statement piece is a great way to elevate your look and show off your personal style,” says Scott.

She adds that you can personalize a necklace as a custom style. “You can always add charms, or engrave a meaningful message, number or letter to help tell your own story through jewelry,” Scott says. 

Price

The last element of necklace shopping to keep in mind is price, but it’s an important one. Necklaces can range the gamut in cost since various materials and gems have different values. Plated pieces will offer the look of real gold or silver, but sell at a lower cost — like the Ellena Rose Sterling Silver Opal Necklace, which comes in at $25 — whereas real gold types, and especially those with gems, will be quite a bit pricier. And if diamonds are involved, you should have your checkbook ready, of course.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do certain metals last longer than others?

  Yes, they do. “Due to the materials used, fine and demi-fine jewelry will last longer than fashion jewelry,” Scott explains. “However, you can keep a fashion piece for many years if you care for it properly.” She says you should always remove plated jewelry when you’re dealing with water — washing hands, swimming, showering, exercising — or cleaning, applying lotion, or dealing with other ingredients or chemicals. Most jewelry will come with a pouch of some sort, and these are great to store your necklace in, as well as using a polishing cloth “to keep it looking bright and shiny,” Scott adds. However, if you’re talking about fine jewelry, you can wear it the majority of the time without concern.

• What necklace length should I choose?

  Scott says there’s no real method to finding the right length, it just depends on preference. “Your jewelry box should be filled with a variety of sizes — both in length and scale to create a textural and eclectic feel,” she says. Scott suggests having a mix of chain and pendant necklaces to mix and match on different occasions.

• Are thicker or thinner chains better?

  Scott says choosing between thick and thin chains “is like asking [her] to pick a favorite child.” In short, both styles can be versatile additions to your jewelry box. She says thicker chains are trending for their versatility right now because they’re “not as bold as a statement necklace” but can be worn on their own. “The thicker chain also adds variety to your everyday jewelry,” Scott adds. “You can style it with your everyday pieces for a new and fresh look.”

Take Our Word for It

Madison Yauger is a seasoned writer who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this story, she spoke to celebrity jeweler Kendra Scott, as well as heavily researched the market of necklaces to determine the best picks for different styles and budgets.

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