Types of Necklaces: Styles, Lengths and How to Choose

Juliana Malachite evil eye necklace, a pendant style necklace

Types of necklaces fall into a few clear groups: chokers, collars, pendants, beaded strands, and long necklaces. Length and shape decide how each one sits. Once you know the type you want, picking a piece gets easy. Use this guide, then shop the styles that fit you.

What Are the Different Types of Necklaces?

Here is a simple map of the main types of necklaces.

Type Typical length Look Shop at MyAleph
Choker / collar About 12 to 16 in Sits high on the neck Mayra, Terre
Pendant About 16 to 18 in Charm or stone on a chain Aura, Eden
Beaded / princess About 14 to 16.5 in Beads close to the collarbone Juliana
Everyday / short chain About 16 to 18 in Light for daily wear Nina
Long / opera 28 in and up Hangs lower or doubles Joséphine

For a wider style overview, see Jewelry Styles Explained. Browse all necklaces.

What Necklace Length Should I Wear?

Necklace length changes where the piece sits on your body.

  • Choker length: hugs the neck. Good with open necks and party tops.
  • Princess length: sits at or just below the collarbone. The most common everyday length.
  • Matinee length: hits the top of the chest. Good with blouses and work clothes.
  • Long length: falls lower. Wear alone or looped for a double layer.

If you are unsure, start with a pendant or beaded piece around 16 inches. You can always add a longer layer later. Measure a necklace you already love with a soft tape. That number is your best guide.

Choker Necklaces

A choker sits high and close. It draws the eye to the neck and face. Chokers work best when the neckline is open. Think square necks, off-shoulder tops, and simple tees.

The Mayra Evil Eye Choker uses three black enamel evil eyes. It is dipped in gold and made for nights out. $325.

Mayra gold evil eye choker necklace

The Terre Choker is a sculpted collar for a strong, clean line. $325. Wear Terre when you want shape without many charms.

Pendant Necklaces

A pendant hangs a charm or gem on a chain. It is easy to gift and easy to layer. Pendants are the type most people start with because sizing is simple and the look works with jeans or dresses.

The Aura Evil Eye Necklace is a soft evil eye with Turquoise at the center. Dipped in gold. $130. Also in silver.

Aura evil eye pendant necklace dipped in gold

The Eden Citrine Necklace is a birthstone pendant for November. $195. Blue Topaz Eden is ready for December gifts too. Pendants like Eden make clear birthstone gifts without a huge stack of beads.

Beaded Necklaces

Beaded necklaces use stone beads as the main look. They feel like jewelry you can live in. Color does most of the talking, so a simple top is enough.

Juliana pairs stone beads with an evil eye charm. Malachite, Garnet, Turquoise, and Moonstone options are each $175. Juliana adjusts from about 14 to 16.5 inches. That range covers many necklines without needing a different chain.

Malachite brings a deep green for strength. Garnet brings a rich red for confidence. Turquoise stays bright and clear. Moonstone stays soft and glowing. Pick the stone that matches the energy you want to wear.

Everyday and Long Necklaces

The Nina Everyday Necklace is a light Art Deco piece for daily wear. $145. Everyday types of necklaces should feel almost forgettable until someone compliments them.

Nina Art Deco everyday necklace

The Joséphine Long Necklace hangs longer for a bold line over sweaters and dresses. $245. Long necklaces also work over turtlenecks when short styles feel tight.

How Do I Choose a Necklace for My Neckline?

  • V-neck or scoop: pendants and beaded styles follow the line
  • Crew neck: longer pendants or long necklaces sit better
  • Off-shoulder: chokers and collars shine
  • High neck: skip short chokers; try a long necklace
  • Button-up: a short pendant peeks through the open collar

More tips live in our layering jewelry guide and dainty everyday necklaces.

Can I Layer Different Necklace Types?

Yes. Mix a short pendant with a beaded piece, or a choker with a longer chain. Leave a little space between lengths so they do not tangle. Keep one piece as the star. Let the others stay quiet.

A simple formula: one short evil eye pendant, one beaded Juliana, and optional long Joséphine for nights out. You do not need all three at once. Build the stack over time.

Gold Tone and Silver Tone Necklaces

Many shoppers search for a gold plated necklace or a silver necklace when they mean finish color. At MyAleph, pieces are dipped in gold or dipped in silver. Match the finish to the jewelry you already wear most days. Mixing both is fine if you repeat each metal at least twice in the outfit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of necklaces?

Chokers, pendants, beaded strands, everyday short chains, and long necklaces cover most searches and most wardrobes.

What necklace length is best for beginners?

A pendant or beaded necklace near 16 inches works with most tops.

Are gold plated necklaces good for every day?

Yes, when you care for them. Our pieces are dipped in gold or dipped in silver. Take them off for water, perfume, and workouts.

What necklace makes a good gift?

Pendants and Juliana are easy gifts. See best sellers for pieces people buy again and again. For ship timing, see our shipping page.

Choker or pendant first?

Choose a pendant for daily wear. Choose a choker when you want a stronger neckline for evenings.

Find Your Necklace Type

Shop by type in our necklaces collection. Start with Juliana, Aura, or Nina.

Get first look at new drops. Join our email list at the bottom of this page.

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