From symbolic pendants and personalized lockets to solitaire pearls and long, layering chains, our outstanding assortment of women's necklaces offers something for every style.
Learn more about this classic jewelry style and what to look for when buying necklaces.
What kinds of necklaces are popular?
Diamond pendant necklaces and chain necklaces remain the most consistently popular styles, appreciated for their versatility across both casual and formal settings. Tennis necklaces have seen a strong rise in demand, while pearl necklaces and gemstone necklaces continue to attract buyers looking for color and personality beyond classic diamond styles. For a full breakdown of what's trending right now, our necklace guide covers the most popular styles and how to choose between them.
How do I layer necklaces?
The key to layering necklaces is varying chain lengths and proportions — start with a shorter style like a choker or pendant close to the collarbone and build outward with progressively longer chain necklaces.
Coordinating metals keeps the look intentional, though mixing yellow gold and silver has become a widely accepted styling choice. For step-by-step tips on building a layered necklace look, our necklace layering guide covers popular combinations and what to avoid.
How do I store necklaces?
The best storage method depends on the material — diamond necklaces and gemstone necklaces should always be kept in padded individual pouches or a lined jewelry box to prevent scratching from contact with other pieces. Hanging necklaces on a jewelry stand is the most effective way to prevent tangling for chain styles worn frequently. For broader tips on keeping your collection organized and protected, our jewelry storage guide covers the best approaches by jewelry type.
How do I keep necklaces from tangling?
The most reliable method is storing each necklace separately, either on individual hooks on a jewelry stand or in its own pouch or compartment in a jewelry box.
When wearing multiple necklaces at once, choosing different chain lengths and textures naturally helps them sit apart from each other without crossing. A necklace spacer or extender clip can also hold layered chains in place and prevent them from drifting together throughout the day.
How do I get knots out of necklaces?
Lay the knotted necklace flat on a clean, well-lit surface. Then, use two fine needles or the pointed ends of earring posts to gently work the knot apart without pulling.
For stubborn knots, apply a small drop of baby oil or a similar lubricant to the knot first—this helps loosen the metal links and makes them easier to separate. Take your time, especially with thinner chain necklaces, as rushing can cause the links to bend or break.
What chain lengths are most popular for necklaces?
The most popular necklace length is 18 inches, which sits just below the collarbone and works well for both pendants and standalone chains. Women's necklaces typically range from 16 to 20 inches depending on the desired placement, while men's necklaces are generally longer at 20 to 24 inches. Our necklace length guide includes a full reference chart to help you visualize how each length sits on different necklines and body types.
What length are choker necklaces?
Choker necklaces typically measure between 14 and 16 inches, sitting snugly at the base of the neck. A 14-inch choker fits very close to the throat, while a 16-inch style sits at or just below the collarbone and is the most universally flattering length. Chokers work particularly well layered beneath a longer pendant necklace or chain for a tiered, modern look.
What is the most popular chain type?
Cable chains are the most popular chain type because their simple, uniform link structure provides clean support for pendant necklaces without competing for attention.
Cuban chains are among the most popular bold standalone styles, while paperclip necklaces and herringbone necklaces have become go-to contemporary choices for those who want a flat, fashion-forward profile.
Blue Nile types of chains guide covers the full range of styles and helps you identify which chain best suits your look.
Is a personalized necklace stylish?
Yes, personalized necklaces are among the most popular styles right now. Blue Nile's initial collection necklaces and lockets are seeing a strong resurgence, and birthstone necklaces remain a consistently meaningful gift choice. Personalized pieces work equally well worn solo as a statement or layered into a stack as the anchor piece that conveys its meaning.
What metals does this jewelry come in?
Necklaces are available in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, and sterling silver to suit every style and budget. Yellow gold necklaces have seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years, while platinum remains the top choice for those who want the most durable and naturally white precious metal. Our metal education guide breaks down the properties and care requirements of each option to help you choose confidently.
Can necklaces be symbolic?
Yes, necklaces are one of the most meaningful categories in jewelry, worn close to the heart and often chosen to represent something deeply personal.
Cross necklaces carry religious significance, heart necklaces symbolize love and connection, and birthstone necklaces honor the people and months that matter most to the wearer. Infinity necklaces and lockets are also popular for their enduring symbolic weight beyond pure aesthetics.
What do necklaces for men look like?
Men's necklaces follow the same core styles as women's necklaces but are typically built with heavier chains and larger, bolder proportions.
Cuban chains, rope chains, and figaro chains in yellow gold are consistently the most popular men's styles, while pendant necklaces with cross or geometric designs are also widely worn.
Yes, necklaces are one of the most universally appreciated jewelry gifts because they suit almost every personal style and require no sizing.
Diamond pendant necklaces and pearl necklaces are top choices for milestone occasions like anniversaries and birthdays, while personalized necklaces add a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind touch for any celebration.
The Blue Nile gift guide has curated necklace options organized by occasion and budget to take the guesswork out of choosing.
What is a statement necklace?
A statement necklace is a bold, attention-drawing piece designed to be the focal point of a look, typically worn without additional necklaces to avoid visual competition.
Common statement styles include tennis necklaces with continuous diamond settings, large gemstone pendant necklaces, and thick chain necklaces with substantial presence.
When building a layered look, a statement necklace works best as the longest layer, drawing the eye downward while simpler chains frame it above.
How do I find the right necklace length?
The right length depends on where you want the necklace to sit and what you plan to wear it with — 16 to 18 inches sits at or near the collarbone and works well for most pendant styles, while 20 inches and beyond creates a more relaxed, layered placement.
Neckline also plays a role, as V-neck and open necklines pair naturally with longer styles, while crew necks and turtlenecks suit shorter, bolder pieces.
You can visit one of our local jewelry stores or book a virtual appointment for personalized guidance, and our necklace length chart provides a quick visual reference for every length.
What are pendants?
Pendants are decorative pieces attached to a chain and worn as a complete necklace, available in virtually any design from simple plain metal shapes to intricate diamond and gemstone settings.
Diamond pendants are the most popular category, followed by gemstone pendants and heart pendants for their personal meaning. Blue Nile also offers a Design Your Own pendant tool that lets you pair any loose diamond or gemstone with your choice of setting and metal for a fully customized piece.
Are long necklaces in style?
Yes, long necklaces remain a popular and versatile choice for both layered and solo styling. Long gold necklaces in particular are a leading trend, worn solo for a minimalist statement or as the longest layer in a tiered stack.
Styles at 24 inches and beyond work especially well over relaxed, open necklines and add visual length to most outfits without overwhelming the look.
What necklace style is everyone wearing?
Layered chain necklaces combined with a dainty pendant continue to dominate social media and street style, with initial necklaces and pearl necklaces also generating consistent demand.
Gemstone necklaces in geometric shapes and tennis necklaces with continuous diamond settings are increasingly popular for those who want more impact from a single piece.
For a current look at what's trending across all jewelry categories, our jewelry trends guide is regularly updated with the latest styles.