Necklaces: A Guide to Necklace Styles

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between opera necklaces and princess necklaces? What exactly is a lariat or rope necklace? And a matinee is not something that you go to see at the theater, not some kind of necklace?

Well fear not, because this easy guide is here to give you the lowdown on necklace styles, with concise yet comprehensive explanations of what’s what when it comes to necklaces.

chokers: These are necklaces that sit just above the clavicle and emphasize your cleavage. Chokers are great for evening wear and complement most neckline styles. If you’re wearing a high-necked top, then you don’t want it to hide your choker.

princess length: This is the princess of necklace styles (!), and the most common length for a necklace. The standard princess length is approximately 18 inches and is designed to hang just below the clavicle. The princess necklace will go with lots of different outfits, from high necklines to plunging necklines.

bib necklaces: Most often the same length as the princess necklace, these are made from multiple strands of beads or pearls or woven rings, which can be quite subtle and unpretentious, or go as far as a statement shell!

morning: Longer than the princess necklace, this style tends to fall to the top of the bust, with a length of around 20 to 25 inches. Morning session can be a great option to go with women’s business attire.

Opera: Also sometimes known as the rope necklace, the opera necklace style can be worn as a single strand or double looped, and is longer than matinee. The trend in recent years has been for ultra-long rope necklaces, and even wearing several different ropes at the same time.

Ribbon: This is another type of very long necklace style, but the ties are loose at one end so you can tie or knot them in different ways to suit your style. Some lariat necklaces have an open charm or slot at one end that the opposite end can be threaded through.

adjustable necklaces: For flexibility with necklace styles, many necklaces have extra links of some sort on one end so that the clasp on the other end can be attached in different places so you can adjust the length. And here’s a quick tip: adjustable necklaces are an especially great option when you’re giving a gift and aren’t sure what length to buy.

Still stuck? Why not choose a pendant that you love and combine it with chain, cord, leather, suede or whatever takes your fancy?