Necklaces and Pendants

How to Choose a Necklace

The first thing that decides how a necklace looks on is length. A choker sits high at the base of the neck and draws the eye up. Mid-length chains, around 45 to 50cm, rest near the collarbone and suit almost every neckline. Longer pieces drop onto the chest and make more of a statement on their own. Picture the necklines you actually wear before anything else.

After length comes the call between a pendant and a plain chain. A pendant gives the eye somewhere to land and carries meaning, an initial or a birthstone that says something. A plain chain keeps things simpler and lets the neckline do the talking. Plenty of people own both and switch depending on the day or outfit.

Then the metal. Our sterling silver necklaces suit most skin tones and go with everything. Gold-plated chains bring warmth, and rose gold-plated sits between the two. If it's a gift, length is the thing to get right, and a mid-length chain suits the widest range of people.

Pendants and Layering

Pandora is the obvious place to start if you want a necklace you add to over time. Pandora necklaces and pendants take charms and clip-on pendants you swap as the collection grows. Kit Heath leans into detailed, British-designed silver, and ENAMEL Copenhagen is where the colour and the playful shapes live.

For more sparkle, Coeur De Lion necklaces use faceted crystal and bold colour. Sif Jakobs necklaces set cubic zirconia into fine, Italian-style pendants. If pearls are the mood, ORA Pearls does freshwater pearl pieces that work alone or layered under a finer chain. Since pearl is June's birthstone, our June birthstone guide is worth a read for anyone born that month.

Layering is mostly about length. Start with something short, a choker or a pendant on a short chain. Then add one or two longer pieces with a few centimetres between each so they sit apart instead of tangling.

Keep to one metal for a clean line, or mix gold and silver on purpose once you're confident. Initial pendants, lockets and birthstone designs slot into this easily, and they make gifts that feel personal without much guesswork.

Necklace FAQs

What length necklace should I buy?

Necklace length is measured in centimetres and usually runs from about 35cm to 90cm. A 40cm choker sits high on the neck, 45 to 50cm rests around the collarbone and suits most necklines, and 55cm and up sits lower for layering. If you're unsure, a 45cm chain is the safest single choice. Many necklaces here include an extender so you can fine-tune the fit once it's on.

What is a choker and does it suit everyone?

A choker is a short necklace, usually 35 to 40cm, that sits snugly at the base of the neck rather than hanging down. It suits most people, though anyone who would rather not feel anything close at the throat tends to size up slightly or choose a 45cm chain instead. Chokers look best with open or scooped necklines that leave the neck clear.

What is a charm necklace?

A charm necklace is a chain made to hold one or more charms or pendants that you choose and can change over time. Pandora is the best known for it, with necklaces built to carry its charms and clip-on pendants, so you can start simple and build the piece up for birthdays or milestones. Charms stay within their own brand's system rather than mixing across brands.

Are silver or gold-plated necklaces better for everyday wear?

Both wear well day to day with a little care. Sterling silver is solid 925 silver and polishes back if it dulls, so it holds up over the long term. Gold-plated chains keep their colour longest when they are kept away from perfume, moisture and friction, so it helps to put them on last and take them off before showering or swimming.

Do you sell initial or letter necklaces?

Yes. An initial necklace carries a single letter pendant, usually the wearer's own initial or a loved one's, and it is one of the most popular personalised gifts. Our initial styles come from the Ania Haie line in sterling silver and gold-plated finishes. Each product page shows the exact letters available.

Can a necklace be gift wrapped and delivered quickly?

Yes. Add gift wrapping at checkout for £4.95 and the necklace arrives ready to give. Standard tracked delivery is free on orders over £45 and takes two to five working days, or choose Royal Mail Special Delivery for guaranteed next working day delivery, £6.95, on weekday orders placed before 3pm.