Names of Necklaces

Fine necklaces come in an array of shapes, sizes and importantly here, designs. The sheer number of necklaces that are out there makes the process of selection somewhat confusing, especially if you are starting. For in addition to the various necklace designs, there are a variety of necklaces that borrow design ideas, and components from others, giving rise to new necklaces styles. To help you decide on what is the best necklace for you, we have put together an expansive list of the top necklace types in the world, all classified according to their names.

The categorization by names of necklaces will help you decide what is the best necklace-type for you. Whether you’re looking for a necklace as a gift for a loved one, a romantic partner, or something special to mark a grand occasion, there are necklaces to suit almost every occasion. In this list, we will present the top 19 necklace types, and provide a brief outline of their main features to help you decide what is the best necklace-type for you.

Before we get started, it is important to note that when going for necklaces, unlike other jewellery, you have to pay special attention to comfort, about other factors. As these necklace designs, depending on the wearer may not always be the best suited in terms of taste, and style but also comfort. This is true particularly when it comes to the necklace length and proximity to your neckline.

Another key point when considering your choice of the necklace is how it fits your outfit. There is a close connection between the kind of clothing, the message you are trying to communicate with it, and the kind of necklace you chose.

1. Chain Necklace

Arguably the most simple necklace design, chain necklaces are basic metal necklaces without any extravagant additions. They are available in virtually all popular metal types: gold, platinum, sterling silver and other metals. This is the most straightforward necklace design and can be worn in virtually any context. When it comes to style and personalization, simplicity is the way to go.

2. Choker Necklace

Don’t be confused by the name, or take it for some torture device. The choker is a close-fit necklace that sits close to the neck and comes in an array of material types and external design options. The external character of the necklace varies according to the primary and secondary material used: with options ranging from metals (gold), ribbons, and other ornamental materials for this necklace. Interestingly, different necklace elements can be incorporated into this design. As the core feature is its proximity to your neckline. Among the advantages of going for a choker necklace is that it fits with virtually any style, as it can complement an array of clothing styles. Provided you are comfortable with the design, the choker necklace is a sexy choice, particularly for youthful wearers.

3. Collar Necklace

Collar necklaces are among the better-known necklace designs. They are a close but not tight-fitting necklaces that takes the shape of a circular neckline. And they combine well with an array of clothing tops, particularly the choker is a good compliment for a v-neck top, as the collar necklace adds some stylistic coverage to that part of the neck. Collar necklaces, as per their style, are shorter in length than most necklace designs, but are longer than the choker design, usually measuring around 12 to 13 inches, and sit on the area above the collarbone. Depending on the kind of jewels you choose to add, collar necklaces can be turned into luxury options, with gemstones. Or you may choose to take the simple route with a plain gold or silver option. Of course, if you wish to personalize your collar necklace, the greater surface area of this necklace type will lend you greater freedom to incorporate your additions.

4. Festoon Necklace

Among the more elaborate designs, the festoon necklace is one of the more visually complex designs. Its origins are believed to go back to ancient Greece and as the name implies, its design refers to a garland of braided flowers, complete with, depending on the necklace designs with other foliage. The distinguishing of this necklace are the intricately linked chains with carefully placed gems or pearls that give the impression of an elaborate garland.

The festoon necklace features a dual chain design in that the primary chain lies closer to the neck, almost like a choker chain, with the next main chain set at a lower level: where many of the intricate adornments are placed. The festoon necklace owing to its elaborate style is best matched with more stylistic attire: such as an elaborate evening dress, with a lower neckline being preferable to provide greater space for its placement and to make it more visually prominent.

5. Graduated Necklace

Graduated or beaded necklaces are single-strand necklaces that are known for holding a tightly placed bead, pearls and sometimes gemstone that take up the entire area of the jewel. Whilst the type and size of the attached materials will vary, the tendency is for the ornaments that are placed together to grow smaller as they near the top of the necklace, which ends at the rear of the neck. Thus bigger beads are positioned in the centre. Beaded necklaces were very popular a few decades ago, but are now returning to style. However this style is not for everybody, nor is it suitable for every occasion. So pick your moment carefully when going for this more outlandish style.

6. Lariat Necklace

Another Greek-inspired design, the lariat necklace derives its name from the lasso: which is a looped rope, that in past times was used as a restraint. So.. it makes for an interesting choice. Though in reality, the lariat tends to be longer than the necklace variant. To provide some description, in case the reader is encountering this term for the first time: The lariat is a rope necklace variant that is also known as a rope necklace that ends as a hunter’s loop, which is sometimes referred to as Y-necklaces. The lariat is a specialized style, that is meant for a certain kind of wearer. It combines a Mediterranean style with something rustic and sunny. A great summer choice where the absence of a traditional clasp makes it a more liberated choice. Plus the addition of smaller beads that are laid along the rope, can be adjusted to suit the neckline and comfort of the wearer. The lariat necklace is one of the sexier choices, that drapes around the neck with the strands hanging near the v-line. down. Depending on one the style of the lariat, the necklace can vary in length, with some extending further even nearing the belly button. Which again is a great compliment for summer wear.

7. Lavalier Necklace

The lavalier necklace is more of a stylistic concept rather than a specific necklace design. A necklace style that came into vogue at the start of the twentieth century is one that usually consists of a thin chain that at the end features a trinket like a pendant or a similar jewellery type that is linked together with the main jewels connected at the centre. What is interesting about the lavalier necklace is that the tiny pendant at the end can vary considerably in terms of design: concerning the type, colour and size of the gemstones, special trinkets etc. The distinguishing feature is what could be considered a ‘hanging effect’: where the central jewel stands apart, or it is the main design involves chain links that help produce the distinguished look. In terms of length, the princess length-which is around 16-inches-is the standard of the lavalier necklace. The lavalier necklace is for those who wish to stand out on the day; depending on the complexity of the style, it can produce quite an elaborate presentation.

8. Locket Necklace

The locket necklace is a more classical design, with a name that some of you may recognize. The locket necklace as the name implies a traditional necklace design that is accompanied by a locket or an encased holder at the end, that can carry something inside. Something small but special, close to the heart. The locket of the necklace, at the lowest point, tends to sit closer to the heart. Locket necklaces often valued for their sentimental value are a jewellery type that provides a function: you can carry something. The tiny chamber in the locket necklace can hold anything from a gemstone, a picture, or even a small memory stick, depending on the size of the locket. Locket necklaces were more popular as a style in an earlier time, where locket necklaces were more popular. Where people used it to carry something of their loved ones: usually lockets of hair. This is probably where the name of this necklace-type comes from. In terms of average locket necklaces tend to fall near the opera-length standard. Locket necklaces today come in a variety of designs, in addition to the traditional heart design, necklaces in this range can be found in elongated shapes to hold different items.

9. Matinee Necklace

The matinée necklace is another necklace in this list that is defined purely by its specific length. Which is around 20 - 22 inches: which for an average height female (5 ’ 4) wear, would sit directly over a woman’s bust. Owing to its length and place this necklace design is best suited for enhancing a more visible neckline: with a long gown or short evening dress. Matinee necklaces are stylized by a variety of materials: from semi-precious stones, and small beads. Given their highly visible position, these necklace styles are a great place to showcase your favourite jewel, or you could opt for a simpler, plain metal option.

10. Plastron Necklace

Plastron necklaces derive their style from the plastron, which is a hefty protective shall in certain invertebrates. In the world of necklaces, the plastron necklace design stands for heft and presence. A style that communicates status, high visibility, and a sense of the elaborate. The plastron necklace can take on a variety of styles, but they are unified in their cut shape that covers a wide area above the bust that, depending on the presence of other stylistic additions, can extend further down covering a greater area of the v-line. Plastron necklaces are a mark of opulence and luxury. Or in turn, it could reflect the wearer’s desire to communicate something extravagant. To own and wear a plastron necklace is about sending a message to the world. And given their presence, they provide limitless options for modification. And depending on the jeweller, the stylistic variations on the plastron necklace are vast and complex.

11. Princess Necklace

Princess necklaces are another category of necklaces that do not stand for a specific design. Defined by its length, the princess necklace stands at around 18 inches. A necklace length that can be enhanced with pendants and other stylistic additions of your choosing. The princess necklace comes in a variety of styles: and interestingly there is now a trend in “princess necklaces” where the word ‘princess’ forms the main jewel. However, the main point of this necklace design is the length, which stands just around the top part of the chest.

13. Riviere Necklace

Riviere necklace is fundamentally a gemstone centred design. With a necklace that consists entirely of gemstones: often of the same type (emerald, ruby, sapphire or diamonds). As a stylistic feature of the Riviere are often of the same size and thus provide a distinct visual effect. In terms of length, the Riviere follows the princess formula: around 16 inches, but depending on the design, it could also stand closer to the collar size, around 12 inches. Again the gemstone is the centrepiece of this necklace design, and for those who wish to make a statement in terms of style and status, there are few better options than the Riviere necklace.

14. Sautoir Necklace

Originating from the French tradition, the sautoir necklace is a French term for a long necklace that features a decorative jewel at the end. Sautoir necklaces often feature multiple strands that hang at various levels of the neckline, with various beads or small pearls that could be placed on them. However, the variations found on the necklace can take the shape of the material used in the necklace itself. With metallic styles or silver tassels being used in the making of this opera length necklace That true to its French heritage has a distinct character, with some complex designs drawing inspiration from the Art Deco movement. In terms of personalization, some wear to see it fit loop these necklaces in a specific hold, which adds a new visual style.

15. Thread Necklace

Thread necklaces are an intricate necklace design that weaves together numerous threads or strings to produce a variety of designs, that range from the very simple to more complex necklace designs. Thread necklaces vary in terms of popularity which would greatly depend on the type of thread necklace. In terms of length, thread necklaces can vary greatly from 14 inches to 20 inches. Often referred to as multi-style necklaces, thread necklaces can be worn on a variety of occasions, however, we would discourage you from wearing them if you are planning to get wet. Thread necklaces can also translate into cultural designs, which are more localized in their feel.

16. Torque Necklace

Quite a distinct necklace style, the torque design features an open-close design: the rear of the necklace lies on the back of the neck, with the front of the necklaces having an open clasp design distinctly hanging at the centre. The open-ended style of the torque necklace is a modern option, that can feature gemstones on the side of its surface, with varying levels of elegance. Torque necklaces combine well with a variety of styles, particularly those with a generous neckline.

17. Twisted Necklace

A twisted necklace as the name implies is a necklace that is characterized by a twisting style that flows across the necklace. Now given the singular importance of the twist in the necklace, the specific style of the necklace will vary greatly depending on the particular type of material that is used to shape the necklace. However, the central point of the twist remains the same. Thus twisted necklaces can come in a variety of lengths, and can feature an array of ornaments.

18. Bib Necklace

A bibb or broad necklace covers a considerable portion of the bust area and above the wearer. The bib necklace can vary considerably depending on the jeweller in question. And can consist of anything from gems, chains, pendants, or even animal bone. Bib necklace is not a conventional style and often forms part of the high-class jewellery buyers, who wish to communicate high status and value.

So there you have it, our list of the top names of necklaces. We hope you found this list useful and will help you in making a more informed decision when it comes to your purchase.