5 Tips for Creating a Layered Look with Chain

Minimalism and maximalism have been playing tug-of-war in the human sense of beauty for millennia. One of the popular on-going jewelry trends is layered necklaces, either as individual lengths that can be swapped on and off for personalized taste—or as pre-fabricated sets on multi-strand clasps for an easy put-together look that lets jewelry fans get going faster.

Whether your brand aesthetic is Less is more or Less is a bore, this long-lasting style is one your customers can express with your designs. Here’s some ideas for creating layered combinations and things to keep in mind while making decisions about your brand aesthetic.

What is Necklace Layering?

Creating an ideal layered necklace combination can be challenging, for both artisans and retail customers alike. How many necklaces does it take to achieve a harmonious appearance? What lengths are ideal for layering? Which necklace styles complement each other best for a stylish stack? How many necklaces should a stack contain? What kinds of mix-and-match work well together? What’s not enough or too much?

Draw inspiration from high fashion houses by examining the work of acclaimed designers like Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant and Valentino. While their necklace designs vary significantly in appearance, a consistent theme emerges: a commitment to personalization. Designers and fashion lovers alike can choose from a variety of charms, drops and pendants to personalize the look. 

One element to keep in mind is clothing necklines. Layered necklaces can provide the focal to an outfit, so jewelry that disappears beneath clothing or gets lost in ruffles undermines the visual impact. Optimal choices for this trend include high collars or plunging necklines, as these options ensure necklaces drape gracefully either on a backdrop of fabric or against the skin—although that doesn't exclude experimenting with scoop, bateau or other necklines.

Here are some common necklace styles that get stacked on the catwalks, runways and red carpets:

• Minimalist chain or narrow cord with affirmation charms
• Petite gemstone links
• Ribbon chokers
• Body chains and long bikini necklaces
• Gemstone strands from the collar necklace to the pearl rope  
• Rigid neckwires

One consideration is how many necklaces to stack in a look. A common design maxim is “keep it odd.” An odd number keeps the look balanced and interesting without being too symmetrical. The stack can be as limitless as Mr. T’s signature style, though many fashionistas prefer 3, 5 or 7 for a put-together outfit.

The answers to these questions are a matter of personal style and brand aesthetic. No answer is “wrong,” just “wrong for you.” And that applies whether you’re the jewelry designer, the jewelry wearer—or both!

1. Play with Style

Different types of necklaces tell different style stories. And those style stories are an intentional decision.

For example: punk, hip-hop, steampunk and Victorian-esque necklace designs all feature chain as a core element. Yet the style of chain makes a difference in supporting the aesthetic or conflicting with it: ball chain is often used to hold dog tags and is great for military-inspired designs, curb and French rope chain create an instant callback to 1980s hip-hop styles, while paperclip chain is the star of 21st century jewelry luxury minimalism.

The same applies to other style elements and colors. Black velveteen ribbon or cord with richly red-colored beads and antiqued silver finishes practically breathe “romantic gothic,” while gleaming stainless steel with precisely enameled teal-and-orange geometric shapes flat-out state “mid-century modern.” The brand message conveyed by three necklaces that subtly reference each other is very different from the message conveyed by seven necklaces of vastly different materials worn in an artful tangle. The first is classic and formal, the second is casual and boho.

What’s your brand saying?

4. Play with Sets - Separate or Connected

Jewelry makers have some control over how layered necklaces from their design lines go together. Here are three suggested methods:

1. All necklaces are designed to work with all other necklaces from the collection 
2. Necklaces are marketed as sets, displayed together or sold together
3. Necklaces are actually multi-strand designs, connected by findings or a clasp.

Option 1 can take more of a designer’s time and creative energy, but result in a small, cohesive collection. Option 2 or 3 can reduce the effort and guesswork for customers who want to flaunt the layered look. Option 3 can make it more difficult for a jewelry lover to incorporate pieces from their current jewelry box into the look, but keeps clasps and connectors out of sight and decreases the chance of tangling.

Each method offers a way to tailor jewelry designs to the wearer while maintaining a consistent brand aesthetic. Designers often start with the measurements of the longest layer and work towards the shortest to fill in the blanks, but it’s not the only way to work. Others begin with the focus of the layered set and design around it. 

How much aesthetic control do you want?