Necklaces: Education & Buying Tips
The right necklace or pendant will add style to any outfit. A necklace is a fashionable gift that's perfect for any occasion. Learn more about diamond, gold, silver, pearl and platinum necklaces along with details about necklace chain lengths and styles.
In general, a necklace is defined as any type of chain or length of precious metal or gems. This jewelry is also available in pendant styles that feature a single diamond, gemstone, fine metal design, or pearl, usually suspended from a chain. A pearl strand is a length of closely strung pearls.
Metal Chains
Chains go with everything. A fine platinum chain in a choker length will add just a touch of shine. If you're giving the gift of a classic chain necklace, consider giving an 18-inch sterling silver or 18k gold chain to add an element of visual interest to your gift recipient's wardrobe.
Necklaces
Necklaces come in an assortment of styles including heavier chains, links, and braids. Some necklaces feature a fixed set of diamonds or gemstones, where others have stones that run their entire length. Pendants feature diamonds, gemstones, or fine metal designs that are suspended from a chain.
Pearl Strands
Pearl strands are an essential element to a jewelry wardrobe. This jewelry to creates an instantly classy look.
Solitaire Pendants
The simple design of a solitaire pendant allows all the attention to focus on a beautiful diamond, pearl, or gemstone. These timeless pieces can be worn with a dress or with jeans. Our Build Your Own Diamond Pendant® feature allows you to select a diamond and setting to create a unique piece of jewelry.
Chain Types
Choose The Right Length
When selecting a necklace or pendant, consider that the length will determine where it will lie when it's being worn.
16 in. Choker length: Just above collarbones. Emphasizes the neckline.
18 in. Princess length: Hangs over collarbones. The most common length.
24 in. Opera length: Over blouse or dress. A dramatic length.
Buyer's Tips: At Blue Nile, we measure the length of the necklace from end to end, including the clasp.
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Common Necklace Clasps
Most necklaces have clasp closures that allow for easy wear. There are several different clasp types we offer at Blue Nile. Explore our common necklace clasp types to learn more about their benefits and function.
Spring ring clasps are incredibly common and easy to use for necklaces. These clasps use a ring with a closing mechanism that links to the jump ring on the other side of the necklace. To use a spring ring necklace clasp, pull the metal on the spring back to open the clasp closure. Then, slide the jump ring through. Follow the same steps to close a spring ring necklace clasp. Some of our necklaces include multiple jump rings so you can wear them at different lengths.
Lobster claw clasps are similar to spring rings but with different shapes to the clasp part of the closure. You can open and close a lobster claw clasp by pushing the protruding metal until the clasp opens, sliding the jump ring on the other side of the necklace through the opened clasp.
Box clasps are popular necklace closures that can blend right into the overall design of the piece. To open your box clasp, press the groove of the tongue down and then gently pull it out of the clasp. To close a box clasp, delicately push the tongue into the clasp closure. You may have to press down on a groove in the tongue so it fits into the clasp, then release it once it’s in the clasp. Be sure to maneuver this kind of clasp gently.
Safety box clasps are used for tennis necklaces and other gemstone designs. You can close a necklace box clasp with hidden safety by sliding the flat metal tongue on one side of the necklace into the box clasp on the other. Make sure that any hidden safety bars are in the open position or the tongue won’t connect. Once the tongue is in its closed position, push the safety bar through. Some necklaces may also have an additional figure 8 necklace catch that hooks over a portion of the safety bar that can be closed for added security. To open your hidden safety box clasp necklace, repeat the same steps to close it but in reverse.
Fish hook clasps are mostly used for pearl necklaces. To open a fish hook necklace clasp, pinch the grooves on the hook and gently pull it away from the clasp. This should undo the first closure in the clasp and the hook should now be wider in the clasp so you can see it on the safety part of the closure. Delicately maneuver the rest of the hook out of the clasp to open it fully. To close a fish hook necklace clasp, slide the hook through the first safety latch of the clasp and then push it gently so it fully closes.
Necklaces & Pendants As Gifts
Many people start out with a strand of faux-pearls, so a strand of freshwater pearls makes a very nice gift for someone starting their jewelry collection. If you have a special occasion like a birthday or your first wedding anniversary, consider a solitaire pendant featuring a pearl or diamond. For a very special occasion like a five- or ten-year anniversary, you might give Akoya pearls, which are the most beautiful white pearls available.
If it's a gift for a fun occasion, like a vacation or a promotion, consider a pendant featuring an 18k gold, platinum, or sterling silver design - these are fashion pieces just for fun.
View our Top Ten Necklaces for a list of necklaces every jewelry collection should have or view these necklaces for a gift to fit your budget: