Discover 29 Unique Types of Necklaces for Every Style and Occasion!

29 Varieties of Necklaces

From delicate chains to lavish strands exuding opulence, necklaces have graced our necklines for ages. Dating back as far as 40,000 years, necklaces rank among the oldest forms of jewelry, boasting a rich history. With a vast array of designs, materials, lengths, and styles, there’s a necklace to suit every taste and occasion. Whether it’s a sleek collar or a luxurious cascade of pearls, or even regal festoons inspired by ancient Egypt, the options are boundless. Below, explore an eclectic collection of 29 necklace types, delving into their designs, materials, lengths, intriguing tidbits of history, as well as their symbolic meanings. Embark on the ultimate journey through the world of necklaces!

Chain Necklaces
Chain necklaces, simple yet elegant, feature metallic chains crafted from various precious or semi-precious materials. With styles like rope, curb, figaro, mesh, box, and bead, the classic cable chain remains a favorite. These versatile pieces can be worn alone or layered with charms, pendants, or lariat designs.

Pearl Necklaces
Crafted from cultured or faux pearls, these necklaces exude timeless elegance. Cultured pearls, whether freshwater or saltwater varieties like Tahitian, Akoya, or South Sea pearls, are treasured for their beauty. Strung on silk thread and knotted between each pearl, these necklaces come in a range of lengths, from chokers to opera length.

Tennis Necklaces
Named after an incident involving tennis star Chris Evert, these necklaces feature a continuous strand of diamonds encircling the neckline. They can be adorned with genuine diamonds or alternatives like cubic zirconia, making them accessible to a wider audience. The term “tennis necklace” originated from Evert’s request to pause a match to search for her lost diamond chain.

Festoon Necklaces
Exuding ornate elegance, festoon necklaces feature intricate designs with multiple drapes or rows of beads, chains, or extensions. Popular among royalty in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the name derives from the French and Italian words for “festive garland,” reflecting the opulent style of these necklaces.

Beaded Necklaces
Beaded necklaces serve not only as fashion statements but also hold deep cultural and religious significance. In meditation and prayer rituals, necklaces like Mala, rosary, and subha beads are cherished tools. The term “bead” itself stems from Anglo-Saxon words meaning “prayer” and “to pray,” highlighting their spiritual importance. Among Native American tribes, beaded necklaces are vital to traditional attire and ceremonies, often adorned with symbols and colors representing cultural meanings. Similarly, in Hawaiian culture, beaded necklaces pay homage to the islands’ natural beauty, featuring motifs like fishhooks and turtles symbolizing protection and strength.

Initial Necklaces
Initial necklaces, adorned with letter pendants, offer a personalized touch. These pendants, crafted from various metals or alternative materials, add a meaningful flair to any ensemble. Monogram necklaces, a popular choice for gifts, are cherished for occasions such as birthdays and bridal showers.

Sautoir Necklaces
Originating in 18th-century France, sautoir necklaces symbolized elegance and prestige among the aristocracy. Crafted from luxurious materials like gold, silver, and pearls, these necklaces feature intricate designs, often incorporating geometric elements inspired by Art Deco aesthetics. The term “sautoir,” meaning “jumper” in French, reflects the graceful movement of these elongated necklaces adorned with tassels and gemstones.

Torque Necklaces
With roots in ancient history, torque necklaces symbolize nobility and courage. These looped necklaces, often adorned with metallic motifs or animal heads, were worn as symbols of wealth and status. While traditional designs feature twisted metal with decorative knobs, modern interpretations offer sleek, streamlined styles crafted from various metals.

Lariat Necklaces
Lariat necklaces, characterized by their open-end design, add a touch of elegance to any ensemble. Perfect for layering, these versatile pieces feature chains ending with ornamental pendants, falling gracefully on the chest. Crafted from metallic chains, beads, pearls, or leather, lariat necklaces offer a chic and timeless aesthetic.

Pearl Lariat Necklace
Explore the timeless elegance of the White Freshwater Pearl Adjustable Lariat Necklace, a versatile piece that adds sophistication to any look. With its adjustable Y-shape design and 51-inch rope length, this necklace offers endless styling possibilities, making it a must-have addition to your jewelry collection.
Graduated Necklaces
A graduated necklace showcases beads or gemstones, like pearls, arranged in size order, with larger ones at the center tapering to smaller ones towards the back. Crafting a graduated pearl necklace requires meticulous matching of gem sizes. Similarly, a tennis necklace can be categorized as graduated if its diamonds or cubic zirconia increase in size towards the center.

Collar Necklaces
Collar necklaces encompass various styles, from tight-fitting neckpieces popularized during the Edwardian Era to chokers and decorative bands worn at the base of the neck. These accessories, crafted from leather, velvet, or metals, are favored in goth and punk aesthetics. Some collar necklaces resemble shirt collars adorned with rhinestones, offering a polished look when worn over a simple top.

Pendant Necklaces
Pendant necklaces, with a history dating back 25,000 years, originate from the practice of wearing amulets or talismans around the neck for spiritual or protective purposes. From Stone Age artifacts to Victorian-era motifs, pendants have served both aesthetic and symbolic roles in jewelry.

Station Necklaces (Tin Cup)
Also known as “tin cup” necklaces, station necklaces feature alternating beads or gemstones with delicate chain elements, creating symmetrical stations for the gems. The slim chains allow the gems to stand out, and the name “tin cup” gained popularity from its appearance in the 1996 romantic comedy of the same name.

Multi-Layer Necklaces
Multi-layer necklaces, as the name suggests, consist of two or more layers of chains, often with varying lengths and designs. From classic pearl strands to chains adorned with precious gemstones, these necklaces offer versatility and elegance, suitable for various occasions and styles.

Pearl Pendant Necklace
Explore timeless elegance with the Akoya Pearl & Diamond Michelle Pendant, a sophisticated addition to any jewelry collection.

Pearl Station Necklace
Discover the delicate beauty of the 14K Gold Japanese Akoya Pearl Tincup Necklace, featuring pearls arranged in symmetrical stations along a slim chain.

Pearl Multi-Layer Necklace
Indulge in elegance with the Triple Strand White Freshwater Pearl Necklace, a stunning addition to any jewelry collection.

Charm Necklaces
Dating back to the Neolithic Period, charm necklaces have a rich history rooted in symbols of fertility, protection, and prosperity. From ancient Egyptian motifs to modern-day floral designs and astrological signs, charms add a personal touch to any ensemble.

Bib Necklaces
Resembling a baby’s bib, bib necklaces cover a significant portion of the chest and come in various styles, from sleek and minimalist to ornate and gemstone-studded. Crafted from metals, gemstones, beads, fabric, or leather, they offer versatility and statement-making appeal.

Solitaire Necklaces
A timeless favorite, solitaire necklaces feature a single gemstone pendant, often a classic diamond or alternative like cubic zirconia, suspended from a slim chain. Whether fixed or dangling, solitaire necklaces exude sophistication and elegance.

Tassel Necklaces
Tassel necklaces, adorned with chains, beads, and decorative elements, boast an elongated construction and bohemian flair. From casual to polished styles, tassel necklaces add a touch of whimsy to any outfit, complementing both casual and formal attire.

Leather Necklaces
Versatile and unisex, leather necklaces have been a staple accessory since ancient times. Crafted from various leathers, including cowhide and exotic options like snake or alligator, they feature charms and pendants in a range of styles, from boho to contemporary.

Bauble Necklaces
Statement-making bauble necklaces feature voluminous designs with large beads crafted from non-precious materials like acrylic, wood, or fabric. Bold and eye-catching, bauble necklaces are perfect for adding a pop of color and texture to any look.

Riviere Necklaces
Derived from the French word for “river,” riviere necklaces showcase a continuous line of identical gemstones, either in uniform size or larger in the center. Popular since the 18th century, riviere necklaces exude elegance and sophistication.

Choker Necklaces
Worn snugly at the base of the neck, choker necklaces have been a symbol of rebellion and fashion throughout history. From the French Revolution to modern-day alternative subcultures, chokers come in a variety of materials and styles, making them a versatile accessory for any wardrobe.

Torsade Necklaces
Torsade necklaces, also found in bracelet form, are characterized by multiple intertwined strands featuring pearls, chains, or gemstones. The length can vary, from snug chokers to longer sautoir-style pieces. Traditionally adorned with pearls, contemporary torsade necklaces showcase a variety of non-precious materials, offering a versatile and stylish accessory.

Locket Necklaces
With roots dating back to the 16th century, locket necklaces hold sentimental value as keepsakes for loved ones. From Queen Elizabeth I’s historic piece to Victorian mourning jewelry, lockets have symbolized love, remembrance, and protection. These timeless pieces often hold portraits or mementos close to the heart.

Negligee Necklaces
Popular during the Edwardian era and the 1920s, negligee necklaces feature asymmetric lengths, gracefully draping below the collarbone. Adorned with gemstones or metallic elements, these necklaces exude vintage charm and elegance, adding a touch of allure to any ensemble.

Plastron Necklaces
Statement-making plastron necklaces, originating from ancient Egypt, cover the chest with layers of metallic elements, stones, and charms. Known for their impressive size and weight, these bold pieces make a dramatic fashion statement, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and luxurious materials.

Birthstone Necklaces
Birthstone necklaces celebrate individuality, featuring gemstones associated with the wearer’s birth month. From classic solitaire pendants to wire-wrapped crystals, these necklaces offer personalized elegance and are believed to bring various benefits, from healing to luck and protection.

Fringe Necklaces
Inspired by ancient Egyptian collars, fringe necklaces feature pendant elements hanging from links or cords. Popularized in the 1950s, contemporary styles incorporate threads, leather, and chains, adding movement and texture to any look.

Thread Necklaces
Originating from ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, thread necklaces showcase intricate thread work around a core structure. Highly popular in regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan in India, these vibrant pieces often feature silk or cotton threads, showcasing ornate craftsmanship and vibrant colors.

Necklaces have evolved over millennia, reflecting diverse cultures, historical periods, and personal styles. From ancient artifacts to modern fashion statements, each necklace tells a unique story, making it a cherished accessory for generations to come. What’s your favorite necklace style? Let us know in the comments!