Layering is not a random pile. In the studio we follow a simple order: one short layer, one long layer, five centimeters (2 in) of chain length in between, which means two to three centimeters (about 1 in) of space at the neck. Everything else follows from stone, cultured pearl and metal.
Our necklaces come in two lengths: 40 cm (15.7 in) and 45 cm (17.7 in). That is no coincidence: it is the distance at which two pendants hang freely one above the other without touching. The 40 cm chain sits close to the collarbone, the 45 cm chain two to three centimeters lower. In between is exactly the space a stone of 8 to 10 mm needs.
Because all our chains have the same fine, square links, they go together no matter which stone they carry. A Pearl Moon Necklace at 40 cm above a Raw Amethyst Necklace at 45 cm: two materials, one look. If you would rather stay with stones, layer a rock crystal necklace above a labradorite necklace and get clarity above a play of color.
The two lengths in the studio
Both lengths are available for every necklace. If you already own a chain, choose “Pendant only” and put the stone on it. Five centimeters of difference in length is the quiet rule behind every layered look that works.
“Two necklaces are a conversation. Three are a choir. From four on, nobody is talking anymore.”
I. Combining necklaces: two layers or three.
Two layers are the form that works best in everyday life: something small and light on top, the stone below. The Pearl Heart Necklace or the Pearl Star Necklace at 40 cm is ideal on top, because the pearl is light and sits still. Below it, a 45 cm necklace with a stone, for example an aquamarine or rose quartz necklace. The color of the stone becomes the point the eye goes to.
Three layers need a third length. You bring that one yourself: a chain of your own, 50 cm (19.7 in) or longer, on which you put one of our pendants. The rule stays the same: the heaviest or largest pendant goes all the way down, the moonstone at 12 to 14 mm for example, and the pearl goes on top.
II. Stone with stone, pearl with stone.
Colors are easiest to combine within one family: cool with cool, warm with warm. Aquamarine, rock crystal, labradorite and moonstone are cool and go well with silver. Citrine, carnelian, garnet and smoky quartz are warm and like gold. If you want to mix both, put a clear necklace in between: rock crystal calms every combination.
Pearls are the easiest addition, because white goes with everything. A cultured freshwater pearl moon above a deep red ruby, a star above a green peridot: the contrast works without being loud. Pearls belong on top, because they are light and should stay dry, while the stone necklace can go into the water now and then.
One rule is enough: one eye-catcher per neck. Everything else holds back.
Two layers at the neck
The short layer carries the pearl, the long one the stone. Both chains have the same links and the same thickness; only the length is different. This keeps the look calm, even when the materials differ.
III. Wearing silver and gold together.
What goes together
40 + 45
Pearl Moon · Raw Amethyst
White above violet, gold above gold: the calmest combination
40 + 45
Rock crystal · Labradorite
Clear above play of color, both in silver
40 + 45
Pearl Star · Teardrop Peridot
Gold above silver, white above green
Three combinations that often come together in the studio. The short layer is always the lighter one; the long one carries the stone.
Yes, you can. 925 sterling silver and 14K gold-filled can be mixed if the chains are equally fine, and ours are. A gold 40 cm necklace with a pearl above a silver 45 cm necklace with labradorite looks intentional, not accidental. What easily looks undecided is a thick chain next to a delicate one. Our necklaces do not have that problem.
You prevent tangles when you put the necklaces on, not while wearing them: close the short necklace first, then lay the long one over it and turn the clasps to the back. If you store the necklaces separately, each in its own compartment, you will not find any knots in the morning. Which length suits which neckline is explained in the article on chain length. Taking them off at night is easier on stones and clasp.
And in summer the combination follows the same rule as every single necklace: the chain is water-resistant, so rinse it after the sea or the pool, and keep the pearl dry.
IV. Lengths and distances in numbers.
Lengths compared
Prices per necklace
from 136 USD
Silver · 40 cm
Short layer in 925 sterling silver
from 136 USD
Silver · 45 cm
Long layer in 925 sterling silver
from 170 USD
Gold · 45 cm
Long layer in 14K gold-filled
Applies to the Signature necklaces.
Why it matters in the studio
Four things that make layering easy with us.
01
One necklace, two lengths.
Every necklace comes in 40 cm and 45 cm. Same links, same thickness, five centimeters of difference in length.
02
Every pendant also sold on its own.
With “Pendant only” you put a stone or pearl on a chain you already have. That is how the third layer comes about.
03
Silver and gold equally fine.
Our 925 sterling silver and 14K gold-filled chains have the same thickness. Mixing is allowed.
04
Light pendants.
Stones of 8 to 10 mm and pearls weigh very little. Two or three layers do not pull at the back of your neck.
Layering looks best when nobody notices it. Two necklaces that look as if they have always belonged together, a pearl that makes the stone below it glow. That is all it takes.
One short layer, one long layer, five centimeters of difference.
Carola
All necklaces are available in 40 cm and 45 cm, in silver and gold.
View Signature
