Your Guide to Layering Necklaces

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woman wearing three layered necklaces — Kirsten Francis

These days, it's not enough to wear just one chain. "Layering or curating your jewelry is another expression of personal style, and it's also a great way to wear all the various chains you've collected over time," says Reshma Patel owner of Brooklyn, New York, fine jewelry boutique, Quiet Storms.

How exactly does one pull off the on-trend look? "Start with your favorite piece, or something you wear everyday, and then build from there," advises Patel. However, this doesn't mean you need to throw on half your jewelry collection. "You can achieve a dynamic and beautiful combination with just two chains," she says. "It's not always about numbers." In fact, the expert prefers two contrasting pieces over three or four similar style chains. "It looks more intentional and interesting, and gives each necklace a chance to stand-out."

When it comes to creating your look, don't be afraid to mix metals, textures, and fine and fashion jewelry together. "Jewelry is collected over one's life, so the chance that every chain looks alike is highly unlikely," she says. "There's beauty in combining old with new, 18-karat yellow gold with sterling silver and so forth."

One trend that isn't slowing down is the popularity of pendants. "Antique coins, baroque pearls, and mix-and-match charms have been popular this year," says Patel. "I love the idea of adding a glass ring or an antique signet ring to a longer chain as an unexpected pendant."

While one special pendant hints at a chapter of your story, several layered together tell the whole fascinating thing. Compose a lyrical look that name checks things with personal meaning: family members' initials, souvenirs like an Egyptian pyramid, or an ode to your favorite hobby.

Click through here for some of our favorite finds—they're all perfect for layering.

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Play with Proportions

necklaces length illustration four types — Brown Bird Design

If you have sensitivities to certain alloys or just prefer one metal over another, try playing with proportions, says Patel. For example, you could mix a 24-inch chain with a shorter 18-inch pendant necklace. "You can add one more pendant necklace to sit between the two or closer to your neck, if you want a little more color, texture, and sparkle," she says. For those who are more daring, Patel suggests trying something unexpected, like pairing a pearl or opal choker with a longer minimal or masculine chain. "Sometimes our favorite pairings happen through experimenting with chains of different widths, and the coming together of unlikely colors and textures."

How to Pack Jewelry for a Move

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Wear Your Coins

This dainty chain featuring a coin pendant—a big jewelry trend—is perfect for layering.

Loren Stewart Coin Pendant Necklace, $295, quietstorms.com.

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Vintage Finds

four vintage charms acorn banana bunch lipstick sailboat — Peter Ardito

Looking for just the right object that holds dear to your heart? Find great vintage styles, like these, at Bison Bullion, Jan Palombo Design, and Pamela's Pearls.

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