A necklace has a way of becoming more than an accessory. It might be the diamond pendant worn on a wedding day, a gold chain passed down through generations, or a simple strand of pearls chosen to mark a milestone. Whatever the occasion that brought it into your life, the right necklace deserves careful thought — and a jeweler you can trust to help you find it.
The Most Popular Necklace Styles and What They Mean
Necklaces come in a wide range of styles, and understanding the differences makes it far easier to choose one that suits your taste, your wardrobe, and the person you have in mind.
- Pendant necklaces feature a single focal point — a gemstone, a meaningful charm, or a sculptural element — suspended from a chain. They draw the eye and work beautifully as gifts because they can be deeply personal.
- Chain necklaces are timeless on their own and versatile enough to layer or pair with a pendant. Classic styles include the cable chain, the figaro, the rope, and the box chain, each with its own character.
- Tennis necklaces offer a continuous line of matched gemstones — most often diamonds — set in a delicate setting. They bring understated glamour to any occasion.
- Strand necklaces, including pearl strands, are among the oldest and most enduring forms of jewelry. A well-matched strand of cultured pearls remains one of the most elegant choices a person can own.
- Lariat and Y-necklaces have a long, open drop that suits contemporary fashion and works well on open necklines.
Choosing the Right Metal for a Necklace
The metal you choose affects not only the appearance of a necklace but also how it wears over time. Yellow gold has a warmth that flatters a wide range of skin tones and pairs naturally with colored gemstones. White gold and platinum offer a cooler, more contemporary look that lets diamonds and light-colored stones take center stage. Rose gold has become increasingly popular for its soft, romantic tone.
Sterling silver is a beautiful and more accessible option for everyday wear, though it benefits from regular polishing to maintain its brightness. If you have questions about which metal best suits a particular piece or person, the staff at our Wildwood and Cape May Court House showrooms are always happy to walk you through your options in person.
Necklace Length: Why It Matters More Than You Might Think
The length of a necklace dramatically changes how it looks and what it pairs well with. Here is a general guide:
- 14–16 inches (choker to collar length) — sits at or just above the collarbone; elegant with open or low necklines.
- 18 inches (princess length) — the most common length, sitting just below the collarbone; flattering on nearly everyone and works with most necklines.
- 20–24 inches (matinee length) — falls at or above the bust; works well layered or worn alone with higher necklines.
- 28–36 inches (opera and rope length) — versatile enough to be doubled, knotted, or worn long; a classic choice for a formal pearl strand.
When gifting a necklace, 18 inches is a reliable choice if you are unsure — it is the most universally flattering length for pendants and chains alike.
Caring for Your Necklaces at Home
Even the finest necklace benefits from a little routine attention. Store each piece separately — ideally hanging or laid flat — to prevent chains from tangling and gemstones from scratching one another. For most gold and platinum necklaces, a gentle soak in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, followed by a soft-bristle brush and a thorough rinse, is all that is needed to restore their luster. Pearls and porous stones like turquoise or opal require more care; they should be wiped gently with a damp cloth and kept away from perfume, hairspray, and prolonged moisture.
Professional cleaning and inspection, done annually, can catch worn clasps or weakened links before a piece is lost. Our jewelers offer professional cleaning and jewelry repair at both of our New Jersey shore locations — it is a simple step that extends the life of a piece considerably.
Necklaces as Gifts: Getting It Right
A necklace is one of the most consistently well-received gifts in fine jewelry. For an anniversary, a diamond pendant or a gold chain with personal significance tends to resonate deeply. For a graduation or a coming-of-age moment, a pearl strand or a birthstone pendant is both timeless and personal. For a mother, a necklace that incorporates children’s birthstones has become a meaningful modern tradition.
If you are not certain what style the recipient would prefer, consider choosing a quality chain that can be worn on its own or paired with a pendant she selects herself — it is a thoughtful way to give something beautiful while still leaving room for her own taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best necklace length to buy as a gift?
An 18-inch chain or pendant is the most universally flattering length and works well for the majority of necklines. If the recipient is particularly petite or tall, you may want to adjust accordingly — a 16-inch length sits nicely on a smaller frame, while 20 inches offers a bit more drop for someone taller. When in doubt, our staff can help you think it through before you make a decision.
Are lab-grown diamond necklaces a good option?
Lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to natural diamonds — they are simply grown in a controlled environment rather than mined from the earth. They offer an accessible way to own a larger or higher-quality stone for the same budget. At M.S. Brown Jewelers, we carry both certified natural and lab-grown diamonds, so you can make an informed comparison and choose what is right for you.
How do I keep a chain from tangling in storage?
The most effective method is to hang necklaces individually on small hooks inside a jewelry armoire, or to store each one in its own small pouch or box. If you need to pack a necklace for travel, threading one end through a drinking straw and clasping it closed keeps the chain straight and tangle-free during transit.
How often should I have a necklace professionally inspected?
Once a year is a good rule of thumb for any necklace you wear regularly. A jeweler can check the integrity of the clasp, inspect any prongs or settings holding gemstones in place, and clean the piece thoroughly. Catching a worn clasp or a loose stone early is far less costly — and far less heartbreaking — than losing the piece entirely.
Whether you are looking for a classic pendant, a layering chain, or something truly one of a kind, the team at M.S. Brown Jewelers would be glad to help. Stop in at our Wildwood store on Pacific Avenue or visit us in Cape May Court House — or simply give us a call. We have spent years helping families along the Jersey Shore mark the moments that matter most, and we would be honored to help you find exactly the right piece.