Layering looks effortless in photos and untidy in real life, mostly because of the tangles. Beaded and gemstone necklaces are good for layering, because they bring color and texture that plain chains can't. A few rules keep the stack looking intentional.
1. Pick one star
Choose the piece you most want people to notice, a large pendant or a bold strand of color, and build around it. Everything else supports it. If every necklace shouts, none of them get seen.
2. Vary the lengths
Space the necklaces about 2 inches apart so each one has its own line. Start with the shortest as your base and work down. Different lengths also stop the strands from knotting together during the day. Our necklace length guide shows where each length lands.
3. Mix textures
A smooth fine chain next to a beaded strand reads well. A thin wire choker above a long gemstone strand does too. Too many competing textures start to look cluttered, so keep a quiet piece or two in the mix.
4. Keep the colors related
You don't need to match, but the colors should echo each other. If your star necklace has warm amber and brown stones, a second strand with a touch of the same tone ties them together. Cool blues and greens go together as a group. If you want to try a bolder mix, let the star piece carry the strongest color and keep the others muted.
5. Put the heaviest piece on the outside
Weightier necklaces on top hold lighter ones in place, so the delicate strand doesn't slide around and tangle. If you use a soft stone pendant, place it on the longest strand so it doesn't rub against harder stones.
6. Two or three is enough
Three is a common starting point. You can add more once you have a feel for it, but a simple stack often looks better than a crowded one.
Ways to build a stack from our pieces
- A short base, a long star. Start with the Quartz & Turquoise Wire Choker close at the neck, and let a longer strand hang below it.
- A colorful twist as the star. The Agate, Citrine & Turquoise Twist Necklace brings turquoise, citrine, jade, onyx and pearls together, so the other necklaces can stay simpler.
- A soft, light base. The Multicolour Cluster Necklace has small colorful clusters spaced along white opal beads.
- A long lariat to finish. The Hematite & Chalcedony Lariat Necklace can be worn long, knotted or doubled, and measures 40 inches (102 cm).
Quartz & Turquoise Wire Choker$270 CAD
Agate, Citrine & Turquoise Twist Necklace$185 CAD
Multicolour Cluster Necklace$110 CAD
Hematite & Chalcedony Lariat Necklace$98 CAD
How to stop the tangles
- Fasten each necklace and lay it out flat before you put it on.
- Wear strands of different lengths so they don't meet.
- Store each piece separately, hanging or flat, so they don't knot in a drawer.
- A stack of long, flexible strands tangles more than a stack of stiff wire pieces, so keep a stiffer piece in the mix.
Looking after layered pieces
Stones rubbing against each other can scratch the softer ones, so put the pieces on and take them off one at a time. Read our care guide for the details.
Browse every necklace
All of it is one of a kind and handmade by Ellie. See the full jewelry collection.
Gemstone jewelry by Ellie
Every piece is one of a kind, strung and wired by hand in Canada.
Explore the jewelry →Sources used: Missoma, "How to layer necklaces"; Jacquie Aiche, "How to layer your necklaces"; Aurée Jewellery, "How to layer necklaces"; Siebke Hoyt, "How to layer necklaces".