Women's necklaces: every type explained (+ which length suits you)

A necklace may well be the most personal piece of jewelry there is — it sits right by your face and says something about your style at a glance. But between chokers, chain necklaces, pendants and layered looks, it can take some searching to find what really suits you. In this guide we calmly explain every type of women's necklace, help you pick the right length, and show a few Lundholm favorites for each style.

Every necklace in this guide is made of premium stainless steel with PVD gold plating: waterproof, hypoallergenic and color-fast. So you can simply keep yours on in the shower, at the gym and in the pool. Further down we explain exactly why that makes such a difference.

What types of necklace are there?

Necklaces differ in three ways: the shape of the links (the chain itself), whether or not there is a pendant on it, and the length. Below we run through the eight most popular types of women's necklace, so you know exactly what sets a pendant necklace apart from a chain necklace — and which style suits your wardrobe. Rather browse straight away? Have a look at the full necklace collection.

1. Pendant necklace — the classic

The pendant necklace is by far the most worn necklace. A fine chain with a single pendant as its focal point: a heart, a stone or a symbol. Subtle enough for every day, and still that personal accent. Ideal as a first necklace or as a gift, because the pendant often carries a meaning. Complete the look with matching earrings or a bracelet.

2. Chain necklace — bold and timeless

With a chain necklace, the chain itself is the focal point: chunkier, interlocking links that give a necklace a little more character. Think of the popular "linked rings" look or sturdy flat links. Wear it on its own for a clean, modern statement, or combine it with a finer pendant necklace for a layered effect.

3. Snake chain — fluid and luxurious

The snake chain is built from very small links that sit tightly against each other. That makes it look and feel like one smooth, flowing line — very elegant and just a little more luxurious. Beautiful on a bare neckline or with a low-cut top.

4. Layered necklace — the stacked look without the hassle

Wearing several chains over each other has been one of the biggest trends for years — but it takes effort to keep separate necklaces from tangling. A layered necklace solves that: several lengths fixed to one clasp. The layered effect, without the knots. Layered necklaces come into their own especially well in our festival and boho looks.

5. Heart necklace — the romantic favorite

The heart necklace remains the most popular choice as a gift, and not without reason: a heart always carries a message. From a tiny, subtle heart to a bold chunky heart as a statement — there is a version for every taste and every occasion.

6. Beaded necklace — color and a summer feel

Beaded necklaces bring color and texture. From fine 10 mm beads to large 15 mm statement beads in resin or natural stone — they instantly make an outfit more playful and are perfect for spring and summer. Lovely on their own, or layered with a fine gold-tone chain.

7. Natural stone & symbol necklaces — with a meaning

Sometimes you want a necklace to say more. A natural stone pendant — think tiger's eye or a green stone — is unique, because no two stones are identical. And a symbol necklace (a little sun, a four-leaf clover) carries a wish or a memory with it. Much-loved choices for a personal, meaningful gift.

8. Pregnancy necklace (bola) — a soft sound for two

The pregnancy necklace, also known as a bola necklace, is a long necklace with a hollow pendant that makes a soft, soothing chime with every movement. During pregnancy that sound calms the baby; after the birth your little one recognizes it again. A meaningful gift for an expectant mother, and a favorite at a baby shower or gender reveal. Looking for a gift after the birth? Read our guides to new-baby gift jewelry and baargoud, the Dutch tradition of giving gold jewelry when a baby is born.

Which necklace length suits you?

The length decides where your necklace sits — and that changes the whole look. These are the four most common lengths, with the names you will come across in online stores. Most women choose between 40 and 50 cm (15.7 and 19.7 inches); 45 cm (17.7 inches) is the happy medium and the most chosen size.

Length	Name	Where it sits	At Lundholm
35–40 cm (13.8–15.7 in)	Choker	Close around the neck — draws the eye to your face	Short chain necklaces
40–45 cm (15.7–17.7 in)	Princess	In the hollow between the collarbones — the classic	Most pendant necklaces (Lovez, Livia, Maja)
50–60 cm (19.7–23.6 in)	Matinee	On the chest, close to the heart	Mera (50 cm)
70–90 cm (27.6–35.4 in)	Statement / opera	Long and eye-catching, lovely worn doubled	Deni (85 cm), bola necklaces

Many Lundholm necklaces have an extender chain, so you can vary between, say, 40 and 45 cm (15.7 and 17.7 inches) yourself. Not sure? Measure a necklace you already like and compare it with the length in the product description.

Why stainless steel (and not gold-plated brass)?

All Lundholm necklaces are made of premium stainless steel with a 2.5 micron PVD gold plating. That sounds technical, but you notice the difference every day — and it is exactly why a good necklace does not discolor:

Gold-tone or silver-tone — which suits you better?

A simple rule of thumb: match your necklace to the jewelry you already wear. If you have a gold wedding ring or watch, a gold-tone necklace will look calmer. If you mostly wear silver, choose silver-tone. A warm skin tone often looks lovely with gold, a cooler tone with silver — but taste always beats rules. Want to wear both together? Read how to combine gold and silver. Not sure for a gift? Gold is the safest choice and the one most often picked. Prefer silver? Then look at Monica, Deni, Suvi or Elsie.

Caring for your necklace

Stainless steel is low-maintenance, but a few habits will keep your necklace looking good for years. Put your necklace on last (after perfume and body lotion) and take it off first. Wipe it clean now and then with a soft, dry cloth. Store necklaces separately — in the gift box it comes in, for example — so they do not tangle or scratch.

Frequently asked questions about women's necklaces