How to Layer Necklaces

Want an effortless, casual look with the same energy and style as a statement piece?  Try layering necklaces. It’s a great way to fill visual space in an outfit, bring attention to your face, and mix up your look without it looking tired. Layered necklaces are also a fantastic avenue for personal expression. It's an approach to styling that's unique and simple.

If you decide a layered necklace look is what you want to go for, there’s a few things you want to be aware of. Knowing how to combine necklaces, first off, is key. It’s also important to understand ways of preventing tangles and, in the worst case scenario, how to deal with those tangles. These are all critical to pulling off a fantastic layered necklace look.

How Do you Combine Two Necklaces?

When it comes to maximizing style and expression in a layered necklace look, you have many options. You want to keep style, statement, and neckline in mind. And in general, think about how each piece can compliment the other. How you layer a necklace like a Diamond Choker Necklace or Gold Nameplate Necklace is ultimately up to you, but there are some general guidelines to follow.

Style

When you think about necklace style, this can encompass everything from chain length, material, pendants, weight, texture, and so on. When combining necklaces for a layered look, the best thing you can do is try to juxtapose style. Combining pearls, for example, with something such as a charm necklace might work well. If you want a flashy neckline, this might be your best bet. Alternatively, you can tone the juxtaposition down for a more minimalist look.

Likewise, don’t be afraid to mix metals; you can pair a gold chain with a silver choker, perhaps. If you go this route, however, be sure to mix up chain length and weight. Two delicate necklaces of rose gold and white gold might blend too much together and take away from the look you were going for. Chain styles can complement each other or drown each other out, depending on how you approach it.

Statement pieces

It is absolutely worth the effort to give your layered look a focal point. Maybe this means adding a bold, delicate pendant necklace. Or it might mean throwing a splashy piece with gemstones into the mix. Whatever you want to have as your statement necklace is up to you--there are no hard or fast rules. But make sure to really use what you have in your jewelry box to complement and enhance the statement piece you choose.

Keep the neckline in mind

It goes without saying that your neckline is the most important thing to consider when combining necklaces. The natural length of your neck plus the outfit you’re wearing will affect what jewelry pieces you decide to wear. For example, if you’re wearing a high neckline, you need to consider the color and pattern of clothing as it relates to your necklaces. A more vibrant outfit might require less flashy jewelry pieces. Likewise, a neckline that’s more muted and lower-cut might warrant bolder necklaces.

How Do you Stack Necklaces Without Tangling?

Now that you have an idea on how to combine necklaces, you’ve got a much more difficult task ahead of you--keeping them from tangling. Varying length and chain weight help accomplish this, as well as pairing with particular styles of necklaces such as a choker. 

Layering by length

Layering by length not only helps you reduce tangling, but also helps in maximizing the style of your layered look. Ensuring there is ample distance between each necklace helps you achieve a cascading effect of sorts. This allows each piece to stand on its own. Some stylists recommend the necklaces be at least two inches apart from each other. Others suggest a general rule that dictates chain lengths for layered looks with three or more pieces be 14”, 16”, and 20”. If these different lengths aren’t achievable with what you currently own, chain extenders are a good investment.

Layering by chain weight

Chains of different thickness are less likely to become twisted and tangled together. Specifically, thicker chains often have less issues tangling. Therefore, consider upping the weight of the necklaces you’re using or varying them. If you decide to use chains of different thickness in your layered look, then it’s important you layer in order. Start with the thinnest chains and work up to the thickest. Putting the thin ones over the chunky ones makes tangling more likely.

Start with a choker

Chokers are a great option when it comes to reducing tangling. They leave plenty of room for the longer strands below and are generally easier to control. Adding one to your look will not only be smart but chic as well. And, with an easier to manage choker, you can really play with style a lot more.

Use tools for layered looks

If all else fails, there are tools and innovations that will help you reduce the opportunity for tangling in your layered look. As mentioned before, chain extenders provide enough space between necklaces if necessary. However, this doesn’t mean they still can’t get caught up behind the neck. For that, you should consider safety pins or necklace spacers.

Necklace spacers have multiple clasps and hooks that are spaced out vertically. Hooking each necklace to the spacer in order can greatly reduce the potential for tangling. Attaching the necklaces to safety pins can also achieve a similar end result. While neither of these options is necessarily foolproof, they’re a decent solution when you need it.

How Do you Untangle Two Necklaces?

Let’s say you’ve done all you can to prevent tangles, but you inevitably entwine two chain necklaces together. Now what?

Thankfully, the solutions for untangling necklaces are fairly straightforward. However, before you begin, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, there’s always a risk of further entanglement--or even breakage--when you try to untangle necklaces. If you’re gentle, this risk should be reduced, but it’s always important to keep in mind. Second: practice patience. The knot will come out if you take your time and use the right tools, as frustrating as it might be. 

That said, there’s a basic process you can follow to getting your necklaces free. With the right tools and techniques, you can eliminate knots entirely.

Unclasp the necklace

This seems like an obvious first step, but it’s crucial that you unclasp all the tangled necklaces before you begin. This helps in separating the chains at the end. Once they are unclasped, be sure to shake the chains to get all the twists out. Doing this can help prevent future knots from showing up while you work on the existing tangles.

Use a pointed object

A small, pointed object is the ideal tool to use when untangling necklaces. Most often, it is recommended to use a pin or a needle. Stick the pointed object into the center of the knot and pull gently up or sideways to separate the chains. This may take some time depending on the complexity of the knot. Take your time and be gentle to avoid breakage.

You can also use a screwdriver instead of a pin or needle, if need be. If you decide to use one, the process is essentially the same. However, rather than pulling up or sideways, you shake the screwdriver back and forth to loosen the knot once it is inserted. 

Use lubricant

If just using the pointed object is not enough to detangle your necklaces, then it’s time to use some lubricant. General recommendations are to use either oil or baby powder. However, some sources also recommend using Windex. Whichever lubricant you decide to use, make sure to dab it on the necklace (or sprinkle, if using baby powder). Once confident enough lubricant has been applied, you can then use the pointed object of your choice to work out the knots.

In the event you decide to use lubricant, there is one important thing to note: make sure you wash the necklace afterward. Otherwise, you risk the potential of more permanent damage further down the road. 

Layered necklaces are very much trending right now, and it’s an easy enough look to execute. Knowing how to maximize your look for style and reduced tangles will be the cornerstone of your fashion and flair. Finding great ways to express yourself has never been easier with this unique approach to personal style.