Looking for your dream diamond accessory? Diamond necklaces are timeless, elegant and versatile items of jewellery. Here is a guide into the types of necklaces, how to choose the one for you and tips on how to style them on different occasions with different outfits.
The Basics of Styling Diamond Necklaces
Diamond necklaces are versatile with a range of designs available. From the more subtle and simple to the more eye-catching and extravagant. Here is a summary of some of the most popular types of diamond necklaces.
- Solitaire pendants feature a single diamond, this is reflected in the name which derives from the Latin word ‘solitarius’ which means ‘isolated’ similar to a solitaire ring. The single stone is suspended from a chain emphasising the quality, cut and clarity. It is worn close to the heart symbolising enduring love both platonic and romantic.
- Statement necklaces are bold and grab attention. This can be through it being a large piece, the use of different materials, colours or intriguing design elements. They are effectively the opposite to delicate or dainty necklaces.
- Diamond chokers are close fitting and doesn’t hang down. Sometimes they may have pendants in the centre. Diamond chockers are embellished with the gemstone.
- Layered diamond necklaces is the style of wearing multiple necklaces at once. Usually, the necklaces will vary in length and style.
Choosing the Right Length
The style of your necklace, the outfit you are wearing, your face shape and height can all be considered when choosing a diamond necklace. Finding the right necklace length can help to find will be most flattering for you and the occasion.
Short (chokers and collars). Collar necklaces sit at the base of the throat at 12 – 14 inches long. Chokers are less tight and lie slightly below at collar necklace at 14 – 16 inches long both look especially good with strapless, off the shoulder or sweetheart necklines. Avoid this style if you’re wearing a turtle neck or a low-cut neckline as it can elongate your chest. Chokers tend to suit if you are petite as longer necklaces can hang too low. Choker and collar necklaces are close fitting and work great for smoothing out the angles on heart shaped faces.
Medium (princess and matinee). The princess necklace is quite common with a loose fit at 16 – 18 inches long, it lies on the collarbone and works with closed neck, collar and sweetheart necklines. The slightly longer matinee necklace from 18 – 24 inches it sits under the collar bone above your breast bone. To avoid interference with the clothing try open collar, crew, boat, and scoop necklines.
Long (opera and rope). Opera and rope necklaces are the longer style. Opera necklaces fall lower than a matinee necklace measuring from 28 – 32 inches but work with similar necklines. The longest is the rope necklace measuring 32 inches or more, almost reaching your waist. It can be worn as it is or can be made shorter in length wrapping a couple times. Longer drop necklaces work with turtle necks or open necklines like a scoop V-neck. Longer necklaces with a charm or pendant suit oval shaped faces and can create a slimming v shape. For taller people a longer necklace can complement the length of your torso.
Styling Diamond Necklaces for Different Occasions
Different outfits call for different accessories and diamond necklaces are no exception. Choose your diamond necklace based on the look you are going for and the neckline of your outfit.
Everyday Elegance:
Simple and subtle diamond pendants are an excellent choice for adding a hint of sparkle. For an everyday look try pairing a solitaire with a v neck jumper or with a slim fitting shirt. Keeping the clothes simple will let the pendant can stand out. Layered necklaces make for a casual chic look. Find your go to chain length and then layer accordingly, keeping the gap between chains approx. 2 inches apart. Try using a mix of gemstones, a variety of chain thicknesses, chain styles or metals to create some more flair. When pairing a diamond necklace with casual outfits a smaller stone allows the necklace to serve as the elegant focal point.
Work and Professional Settings:
Minimalist designs such as a small solitaire on a dainty chain makes for a polished look. Simple layered necklaces of a similar style with a short distance between them is a less dramatic than having a large contrast in chain length. Diamond pendants are great for matching with business attire. A monochrome outfit can be elevated with the aid of a diamond. The diamonds don’t need to be overused to make a statement and for office attire it is a good option for balancing sophistication and subtlety.
Evening and Formal Events:
Wearing a statement necklace can enhance formal dresses, V-necks and scoop necks in particular work well. Pairing with gowns and cocktail dresses? Try a choker with a strapless dress or a large statement necklace with a V-neck gown. Equally a sparkling pendant will suit a V-neck, boat neck or off the shoulder number. When it comes to choosing the right earrings and bracelets to match you need to decide if the necklace is going to be the focal point or not. If so, avoid wearing earrings that are going to detract from the statement piece and opt for studs and a dainty bracelet. However, if you want to wear large hoops you might want to avoid a necklace altogether or try a more delicate chain.
Tips for Layering Diamond Necklaces
There doesn’t have to be just one diamond necklace in your look, try layering with a few styles and don’t be afraid to incorporate other metals, gemstones and other pieces of jewellery. Just consider what the focal point will be so the pieces aren’t clashing but are flattering.
Mixing Lengths and Styles:
As a rule of thumb leave 2 inches between chains when layering necklaces but leave a bigger gap for a more dramatic affect. Try mixing different chain thicknesses, textures and sizes for a stylish look. This could be a dainty chain with a chunky necklace. One item could have a simple design whilst the other is more ornate creating an interesting blend.
Incorporating Other Jewellery:
You can mix the metals used on your chains like silver and gold or incorporate other gemstones with your diamond necklace for an elaborate look.
Balancing the Look:
Be conscious of not over accessorising. If your necklace is a large attention-grabbing piece, let that do the talking and keep your other accessories smaller and more minimalistic like studs or thin chain bracelets. If your necklace is dainty and modest you can style with big drop earrings or statement rings. If your necklace is very detailed match with more simple pieces. If you’re planning on layering your necklaces, avoid stacking loads of bracelets and sport a simple chain necklace if you’re wearing a stack of chunky bracelets. Try to find other items of jewellery that compliment but don’t compete with your diamond necklace.
Coordinating Diamond Necklaces with Outfits
Colour Coordination:
When it comes to matching your necklace with the colour of your outfit, remember that diamond necklaces make quite the statement on their own and its therefore wise to pair them with something that is a block colour such as a simple blouse. You can use diamond necklaces to add sparkle to neutral tones. A sparkling accessory like a piece of diamond jewellery will complement a dark blue or red dress for example a diamond choker. Diamond jewellery is a fail-safe option for a cool-toned green dress. Black dresses look great with the addition of a diamond necklace.
Neckline Matching:
High neckline? Longer necklaces will work well with turtle necks or mock necks, layering your necklaces will add extra style. A crew neckline allows for a couple options, a choker will be an edgier look whilst a longer pendant creates a more graceful elongated effect. For a V-neck find a statement necklace to fill the space and its even better if the necklace is also v shaped. Square necklines are great for a bold geometric statement necklace or pendant. For a scoop neckline try the longer matinee necklace to elongate your torso or alternatively a choker or collar necklace will highlight your neckline. If you’re wearing a strapless or off the shoulder neckline opt for smaller pendants or choker necklaces. Sweetheart necklaces will pair well with a collar or princess necklace and accentuate the heart shaped neckline.
Seasonal Styling:
Seasons change and so do the trends. Some necklace styles may work better one season than another. In Spring and Summer try layering pendants to accentuate your neckline with multiple chains of varying styles and sizes. If you’re wearing off the shoulder styles, a collar or choker necklace can be flattering. In the autumn and winter, you’ll probably be more wrapped up so for everyday try longer necklaces to enhance a jumper, especially with a turtle neck. At Christmas parties match your favourite statement necklace with a V-neck or scoop neckline or a sparkling choker or collar necklace with a strapless gown.
Personalising Your Style
Incorporating Heirloom Pieces:
If you are given a diamond necklace, try and incorporate your antique and vintage items into your everyday wardrobe, this will add an element of timeless glamour to a modern-day wardrobe. Old items of diamond jewellery such as a large statement heirloom that has been passed down to you can work well paired with your new diamond studs.
Adding Personal Touches:
One way to make your jewellery extra meaningful and symbolic is by customising necklaces with initials or meaningful symbols. This can be done by engraving into the jewellery, for example a significant date or name. Another way to style a diamond necklace is by combining it with your birthstone. Try layering with a necklace featuring your birthstone on a pendant providing a pop of colour as well as a personal element, of course if you are born in April, you already have the diamond as your birthstone (though quartz, white topaz and others are associated with the month too).
It’s important to consider the neckline of your outfit, the occasion, your other accessories and your personal style when accessorising with diamond necklaces. Do experiment with the metals, textures, lengths and designs of your diamond necklaces to find what suits you most. Explore our diamond necklace collection for a wide range of styles, designs, eras, metals and gemstones.
