A well-layered neckline looks effortless, but anyone who has tried it knows the reality: chains that tangle, pendants that pile up in the same spot, and a stack that somehow looks cluttered instead of chic. The secret is mostly about length. Once you know where a 16-inch chain sits compared with an 18-inch or a 20-inch one, layering gets easy. Here's our necklace length guide, a simple chart you can save, and a few ready-to-copy stacks for US and UK readers alike.
Necklace length chart: where each length sits
Necklace lengths are usually given in inches in the US and in centimetres on many product labels, so we've included both (one inch is exactly 2.54 cm, per the US National Institute of Standards and Technology). Where a chain lands depends on your neck size and build, so treat this as a starting point rather than a rule.
| Length | Centimetres | Where it usually sits | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14" | about 36 cm | Snug around the base of the neck (collar) | A close first layer with open necklines |
| 16" | about 41 cm | At the base of the neck, just above the collarbone | Your top layer: fine chains, small charms |
| 18" | about 46 cm | On or just below the collarbone | The most versatile length; pendants and everyday chains |
| 20" | about 51 cm | A little below the collarbone | Your bottom layer; pendants over crew necks |
| 22"–24" | about 56–61 cm | Towards the top of the bust | Long pendants over knits and high necklines |
Quick way to check at home: drape a piece of string or a soft tape measure around your neck, let it fall where you'd like a necklace to sit, then measure it flat. That number is your ideal length. Tip: save or screenshot this chart for the next time you shop.
The golden rules of layering necklaces
1. Space your layers about 2 inches apart
The classic formula is 16", 18" and 20". A gap of around two inches (5 cm) gives each piece its own space, so pendants don't collide and the stack reads as intentional. If you only want two layers, 16" and 18" or 18" and 20" both work well.
2. Start with your anchor piece
Choose the one necklace you most want people to notice, whether that's a pendant, a bold chain or a sparkly piece, and build around it. Everything else should support it, not compete with it.
3. Mix textures, keep the metal consistent
A smooth chain, a textured chain and a pendant look far more interesting together than three identical chains. Keeping everything in the same warm gold tone ties the look together.
4. Put weight and drama at the bottom
Fine chains sit best at the top, closest to your neck, with heavier chains and statement pendants lower down. It's more balanced to look at and helps the shorter chains lie flat.
5. Match the stack to your neckline
- V-necks and open collars: follow the V with layers that step down to a pendant at 18"–20".
- Crew necks and tees: keep layers above the neckline (14"–16") or let them all fall clearly below it (20"+).
- Strapless and off-shoulder: try a shorter, close-fitting stack to frame your collarbones.
- Turtlenecks and knits: one or two longer chains worn over the fabric.
3 easy necklace stacks to copy
The everyday trio
Start with the Mira Herringbone Chain Necklace, a sleek, flat chain in premium stainless steel that catches the light beautifully on its own. Add the 11:11 Gold Bar Necklace as your meaningful pendant, finished in 18K gold PVD plating, and you have a polished pair for office days and coffee runs. Add a third fine chain if you want more sparkle.
The romantic stack
For date night or a dinner out, let the Nova Heart Cuban Necklace be your anchor. Its Cuban link chain and sculpted open heart pendant work best as the lowest, boldest layer. Above it, the Smiley Curve Minimal Necklace adds a lightweight curved bar on a fine cable chain with an adjustable 40+5 cm length, so you can set it exactly where you want it.
The shortcut stack (no tangling required)
If you'd rather not fiddle with three separate clasps, choose a necklace that's already layered for you. The Starlit Dreams Layered Necklace combines three delicate chains, one with tiny stars and one with a crescent-moon pendant. The Aura Dual Layer Cube Necklace joins two fine cable chains (39 cm and 38+ cm) on a polished cube, and the Emery Double-Layer Zircon Necklace pairs a 16-inch and a 17-inch chain, each with a 3-inch extension, for a sparkly layered look. All three are premium stainless steel with gold plating, and you can add one more longer pendant below them for extra depth.
How to stop layered necklaces from tangling
- Vary the chain weight. Chains of very similar weight and style twist together more easily. Mixing a flat chain with a fine cable or a link chain helps.
- Use extenders to fine-tune. Adjustable chains let you open up the gap between layers by an inch or two.
- Fasten from shortest to longest, and give the stack a gentle shake once it's on so each chain settles.
- Store them flat or hanging, not in a pile, so you're not untangling knots every morning.
Layering also means more metal against your skin all day. Our necklaces are 18K gold plated with a PVD coating, which makes them waterproof and tarnish-resistant; our waterproof jewelry guide explains how to care for them. For longer-lasting shine, put your stack on after perfume and lotion have dried.
A quick word on what you're layering
Layering has a long history; museum collections such as the V&A's jewellery collection show multi-strand chains and pendants across centuries. Today most layered stacks are built from plated pieces, so it's worth knowing how they're described. The US Federal Trade Commission's Jewelry Guides set out how terms such as "gold plate" should be used. Our necklaces are clearly labelled: the base metal and plating are listed under "Specifications" on every product page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular necklace length?
18 inches (about 46 cm). It sits on or just below the collarbone on most people and works with almost every neckline, which makes it a great first chain.
How many necklaces should I layer?
Two or three is the sweet spot for everyday wear. Go up to four for an evening look, as long as each layer has its own space.
Can I wear my layered necklaces in the shower?
Yes. Our stainless steel necklaces are waterproof and tarnish-resistant. To keep the shine bright for longer, rinse after chlorinated pools or heavy sweat and pat them dry.
What if a length isn't right for me?
You can return unworn items in their original condition and packaging within 30 days, and every piece comes with a 1-year warranty on shine and quality. See our FAQ for details.
Do you ship to the UK?
Yes, we ship to the US, UK, Canada and Australia. Standard delivery takes 6–10 business days to the US and UK, 7–10 to Australia and 8–12 to Canada.
Build your own necklace stack
Ready to try it? Browse our necklace collection for chains and pendants in every style. Right now there's 20% off sitewide, or mix and match on our Stack & Save page for 25% off 2 pieces, 30% off 3, or 35% off 4 or more (the stack discount doesn't combine with the 20% offer). Standard shipping is free to the US, UK, Canada and Australia on orders over $50 (after the discount). Happy layering, whether you call it jewelry or jewellery.