Have you ever found a necklace you love, put it on with your favourite top, and wondered why it doesn't look quite as you imagined?
Sometimes, the jewellery isn't the problem. It is simply a question of how the necklace sits with your neckline.
The right combination can bring balance to an outfit, highlight a beautiful pearl or natural stone, and make even a simple top feel more considered.
The good news is that there are no strict rules. Understanding a few simple styling principles can help you find combinations that feel natural and suit your personal style.
V-neck
A V-neck naturally draws the eye downward, making it a great match for a pendant or necklace in a similar shape.
What to try:
- A pendant necklace that sits within the V.
- A medium-length necklace with a single pearl or natural stone.
- Two delicate necklaces at different lengths for a layered look.
A simple pearl pendant can feel elegant, while turquoise or labradorite can add a stronger splash of colour.
If the V-neck is particularly deep, consider a longer necklace or a pendant that sits comfortably above the lowest point.
Crew neck
A round crew neckline provides a simple background for jewellery. A shorter necklace can sit just above the neckline or over the fabric, depending on the cut.
What to try:
- A short pearl necklace.
- A statement necklace with distinctive baroque pearls.
- A longer pendant that creates a vertical line against the top.
A plain crew-neck jumper is particularly useful for showing off a natural stone necklace. The fabric gives the jewellery space to stand out without competing with patterns or extra details.
Scoop neck
The scoop neck gives a soft and rounded appearance.
What to try:
- A necklace made of pearls that follows the curve of the neckline.
- A delicate chain with a pendant made of a natural stone.
- Necklaces of different lengths worn one over the other.
With a top that has a broad and open scoop, you might try wearing slightly fuller necklaces; but for a smaller scoop a shorter and more delicate one would seem more balanced.
Boat neck
A boat neck extends horizontally across the upper body and usually brings out the shoulders and collarbone.
A necklace which forms a vertical line can be used to balance this shape, whereas a shorter one will keep the appearance subtle.
What to try:
- A long pearl or natural stone necklace.
- A simple chain with a special pendant.
- If you prefer a clear neckline, choose small earrings instead.
It is a good neckline for displaying a statement necklace without the need for a lot of additional jewellery.
Square neck
Since a square neckline has distinct lines, jewellery with a definite shape will suit it especially well.
What to try:
- A short necklace positioned above the neckline.
- A pendant with a geometric or simple form.
- A pearl necklace with a slightly structured design.
You can create contrast by combining the neat lines of a square neck with the natural shape of a baroque pearl, and this combination has a modern look without being unnecessarily complicated.
Roll neck and high neckline
Jumpsuits with high necklines and roll-neck designs have more material, which makes them suitable for longer necklaces.
What to try:
- A long pendant necklace.
- A strand of pearls placed on top of the fabric.
- A natural stone necklace featuring colours that contrast with the fabric.
A beautiful contrast can be achieved by pairing a smoky quartz pendant with a light jumper or creamy pearls with black.
If you prefer something minimalist, leave the necklace aside and let your earrings take over instead.
Open collar shirt
The open collar gives you a great deal of flexibility. You can wear a necklace inside the collar, position it just above the opening, or go for a longer necklace that goes over the shirt.
What to try:
- A delicate single-pearl chain.
- A short necklace positioned just within the open collar.
- Chains of various lengths placed in layers.
To achieve a relaxed appearance, leave a few buttons fastened and add one special necklace; a natural stone can add some colour to a traditional white shirt without making the overall look too formal.
Off-shoulder
Since your shoulders and collarbone are on show, select jewellery that attracts attention to this area or creates contrast through a longer pendant.
What to try:
- A short pearl necklace.
- A delicate chain positioned near the collarbone.
- For a cleaner appearance, choose statement earrings without a necklace.
A single beautiful pearl is sufficient by itself; there is no need to fill up all the open spaces with jewellery.
A few simple styling tips
Whatever neckline you wear, these principles can help:
- With chunky knit fabrics a more substantial necklace can be worn, whereas with finer fabrics lighter necklaces would be more appropriate.
- Turquoise has the effect of giving a neutral outfit a brighter appearance, while creamy pearls can soften the effect of dark colours.
- A bolder necklace could be balanced by simpler earrings so that the entire appearance remains harmonious.
- Necklace lengths and proportions are merely guidelines, not rules.
Try the same necklace with several tops before deciding which combination you like best.
Browse the pearl jewellery collection to find pieces that work with your wardrobe. You might also enjoy reading about how to match jewellery to your face shape and figure or how to layer necklaces without it looking cluttered.