Necklace Buying Guide
from Overstock.comNecklaces are fabulous fashion accessories, and some are quite fun, too. From a simple yellow gold chain to a collar of pearls wrapped around and around the neckline to the handmade hemp braid that retro-hippie teens just love, there is a necklace style for everyone. Actually, there are many necklaces that would look great on you; each with its unique qualities. This necklace buying guide is designed to help you learn how to buy a necklace you'll love.
A necklace wardrobe
There was a time when a young lady could expect to receive a pearl necklace on her 16th birthday. Times change and most women, and many men, now use jewelry to create and emphasize their individual style. Even though your necklaces can be as original as you are, having a few classics in your collection will give you a balanced jewelry wardrobe.
Chains
Keep at least one fine chain to wear alone (more if you like to wear pendants). Yellow gold enhances warm complexions, and platinum or white gold chains compliment cooler skin tones. There are so many chain styles available that you'll want several for your jewelry box.
Pendants
These pretty charms and lockets showcase brilliant diamonds, colorful gemstones, sparkling crystals and a variety of designs. Pendants are essential jewelry to wear with plain necklines. Beaded necklace strands paired with a pendant also add spice to casual clothes. Pendants are especially popular with sterling silver chains.
Special occasions
Everyone needs signature jewels to wear for parties, formal affairs and any time you want to feel glamorous. A spectacular pearl choker or diamond necklace will brighten the complexion and add sparkle to cocktail dresses or gowns.
Choosing the right necklace length
Necklace length, like necklace style, is a matter of personal taste. Every wardrobe is different, and having chains in various lengths will ensure you always have one to wear with your outfits.
Assessing how a necklace will fit can be difficult if you can't try it on before you buy it, especially when you are shopping online. However, there is a general rule you can follow to find your ideal necklace length: measure your own neck and choose a chain that is 2-4 inches longer. This chain will lie along the collarbone.
View our necklace length chart for a better idea of how a necklace will fall. This chart reflects an average woman's neck size of 12-13.5 inches in circumference.
In general, men's chains will need to be longer than women's necklaces:
- 18 inches: Lies at the base of the throat
- 20 inches: Lies at the collarbone
- 24 inches: Lies at the sternum
Necklace terminology
- Box chain: This necklace has cube-shaped links. The chain is usually worn with a pendant.
- Box clasp: Also called a pressure clasp, the tongue-and-groove construction forms a cube-shaped closure. This is one of the sturdier clasp types.
- Cable chain: The necklace has round, uniform links; it is the most common of chains.
- Curb chain: The round or oval links have beveled sides and lie flat along a surface.
- Diamond cut: This finish features diamond-shaped facets cut into metal jewellery to make it reflect light.
- Extender: This short utility chain attaches to a necklace to increase length.
- Figaro chain: This style features a pattern of three short links followed by one long link. It's a popular design for necklaces, bracelets and men's jewelry.
- Lariat: This necklace fastens in the front with a loose knot which adjusts the length. A lariat-style necklace has the look of the lariat, but fastens behind the neck with a clasp.
- Lobster claw: This fastener fits a round ring into an oval clasp.
- Omega chain: This necklace has a flat surface formed of bar-shaped links that are bonded to a metal strip. It is usually wider than the average chain and is meant to be worn alone.
- Slide: A charm that, unlike a standard pendant, does not dangle from a loop or hook. It has a tube on back for the chain.
- Spring ring: The most common of necklace clasps, it has a round tube with a knob attached to a spring.
- Snake chain: The links form a very smooth, round cable. This chain tends to drape like a ribbon.
- Toggle: This clasp features a bar that fits through a ring to connect two sure ends of a chain. It is decorative as well as utilitarian.
Taking care of your valuable necklaces
Every necklace should be stored in its own compartment or pouch that is lined with satin or velvet. The fabric-lined compartments protect jewelry from scratches caused by prongs and clasps.
Chains
Hang metal chains in a jewelry chest or store each one in its own compartment. Avoid bending chains or winding them tightly. This can damage the links and create permanent kinks in the chain.
Pearls
Pearls are easily scratched and should be stored in their own case if they came with one. Otherwise, it is especially important to protect pearl necklaces from other pieces in the jewel box. Have pearl strands restrung every few years to secure them from breakage. New pearl strands need to be worn for several hours before they will hang gracefully.
Diamonds
Clean the stones in diamond necklaces with a soft toothbrush and a mild dish soap and water solution. Clean the metal sections lightly or the precious metal will scratch. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. Have the settings in diamond necklaces checked occasionally by a jeweler to ensure they are secure.
Is there a simple way to untangle chains?
It seems to be one of those frustrating rules of life: the more you want to wear a necklace, the greater the likelihood it will be tangled beyond recognition. Fortunately, most necklace chains can be straightened with a little work and patience.
To unknot a chain, use two straight pins or push pins (the kind used in offices). Place the necklace on a table or other hard surface and examine the knot pattern. Use the straight pins to gently lift the chain sections and pull them apart. For difficult tangles, use the straight pins to shake the chain a bit while it is lying on the table; this will loosen the knots.
How can I update the look of pearls?
A cultured pearl necklace will always be a beautiful accessory, and if you prefer a classic sense of style, wear a double- or triple-strand pearl necklace with your favorite black cocktail dress or tailored suit.
If you want a more contemporary style, choose colorful pearls. A growing trend features luminous chocolate pearls with a golden brown color. These pearls shine in gold necklaces and are found in strands and pendants. Strands of pink and peach freshwater pearls add fresh color to spring and summer fashions.
Try something new
Every time you shop for necklaces is a chance to be adventurous with your fashion, especially when you shop in Overstock.com's extensive jewelry store. Why not try a new style? Given the popularity of beads, now is a great time to add specialty gemstone necklaces to your collection. Maybe sunny yellow sapphire, mint green amethyst or sky blue turquoise will be your new favorite gem.
Tungsten and stainless steel necklaces showcase a revolution in jewelry design: the use of industrial metals in crafting everything from wedding rings to Celtic pendants. These "new metals" give traditional necklace designs a new look. Tungsten, steel and titanium necklaces are equally wearable as women's or men's jewelry.
Protect your necklaces
Keep your necklaces in like-new condition by protecting them in a high-quality jewelry box. These jewelry boxes are crafted of beautiful woods and have separate necklace, ring and earring compartments. If you have a lot of jewelry, especially necklaces, invest in a jewelry armoire. An armoire includes hooks for hanging chains, drawers for your favorite accessories and mirrors to help you put together your best style.