Choosing necklaces as a gift: start with how they dress
The best necklace gift fits into a life that already exists. Look at what the person wears now:
- Fine chains and small pendants suit someone who keeps jewellery on all day, layers pieces, or works in a formal setting.
- Statement pieces, such as bold collars, chunky links or larger motifs, suit someone who dresses for evenings and enjoys being noticed.
- Pearls work for both, depending on size and length.
Note their metal too. If they wear yellow gold rings or a rose gold watch, matching that tone is a safe choice. A necklace also pairs well with existing pieces, so a pendant that echoes a favourite pair of earrings can feel considered rather than random. For more ideas by recipient, see our guide to gifts for her.
Necklace lengths and how they sit
Length changes the whole effect of a necklace, and it is the detail gift buyers most often guess wrong. These are approximate guides for an adult:
- Choker, around 35 to 40 cm: sits at the base of the neck and suits open necklines.
- Princess, around 42 to 48 cm: the most versatile length, resting on or just below the collarbone. Most pendants are designed for it.
- Matinee, around 50 to 60 cm: falls onto the upper chest and works over high necklines and knitwear.
- Opera and longer, 70 cm and more: can be worn long or doubled.
If you are unsure, a chain in the princess range with an adjustable ring or extension is the safest choice. Remember that the same length sits higher on a broader neck, so if they own a necklace they wear often, measuring it is the best guide.
Metals, stones, pearls and caring for a necklace
Solid gold in 18 carat is the standard at most fine jewellery houses, valued for durability and colour. Sterling silver costs less but tarnishes and needs polishing. Plated or vermeil pieces have a thin layer of gold over another metal; they look the part but the surface can wear with daily use.
Stones and organic materials add character and cost. Diamonds are hard and practical for everyday wear; softer materials such as pearl, mother-of-pearl, malachite and onyx need more care.
A few habits keep any necklace looking its best:
- Put it on last, after perfume and lotion, and take it off first.
- Remove it before swimming, especially in chlorinated pools or the sea.
- Store it flat or hanging, fastened, so fine chains do not knot.
- Wipe pearls with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
Signature necklaces from the leading houses
Some necklaces are recognised at a glance, which is part of their appeal as a gift.
- Cartier necklaces carry motifs from the Paris house's best-known lines, including the panther, the screw detail of the Love collection and the bent nail of Juste un Clou.
- Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces are synonymous with Alhambra, the four-leaf clover outlined in gold beads and set with stones such as mother-of-pearl, onyx or malachite.
- Vivienne Westwood necklaces bring a playful British edge, with the orb motif and pearl chokers that suit someone with a more individual style.
If you have a particular house, motif or length in mind, tell us what you are looking for and we will come back with options.