Necklaces Gift Guide

WHY GIVE A NECKLACE?

Necklaces add style to any wardrobe. The right necklace can dress up even the most casual outfit. There are simpler necklaces that make great everyday accessories, and more elegant, elaborate necklaces that are perfect for evening wear and special occasions. Necklaces also are a very romantic gift; giving a woman a necklace offers you the opportunity to put it gently around her neck.

STANDARD NECKLACE LENGTHS

• Choker – 16 inches
• 17 to 18 inches – will reach the collarbone
• 20 inches – a few inches below the collarbone
• 22 inches – at or above the neckline
• 24 inches – a little below the neckline
• 30 inches – below the chest

View Necklace Lengths

BUYING TIPS FOR NECKLACES

• As with other jewelry items, consider the recipient's age, height, weight and gender; what they already wear; what styles, designs and gemstones they prefer; their lifestyle, etc.
• Consider whether this will be a casual/everyday necklace or a formal/special occasion necklace. Causal or everyday wear necklaces are typically shorter, more basic and less elaborate, while formal/special occasion necklaces are often longer, more gem intense, and more ornate.
• Accent a V-neck with a drop pearl necklace or solitaire pendant. This same piece also complements boat-neck and crewneck tops. Accessorize strapless and off-the-shoulder necklines with shorter necklace styles that are close to the neck. Pair an open-collar blouse with a thicker, chunkier necklace. Interlock chains that lie flat on the collarbone to accent a dressy casual outfit or business suit. Enhance a jewel-neck or turtleneck sweater with a long string of colorful beads. Precious gemstones work well with a thicker day look, while crystals bring a little glamour to an evening ensemble. Pair a square-neck top with a pendant that dangles from a long chain.

BODY TYPE CONSIDERATIONS

• Older women should wear longer necklaces to draw attention away from any necklines or imperfections. They can also get away with bigger and wider chains.
• Chokers and shorter necklace styles are appropriate for younger women due to their youthful skin.
• If she has a wider neck, it's best to buy longer chains or graduated necklaces, which are very thin around the neck and larger below the collarbone.
• For long, thin necks, try multiple strand necklaces, with the shortest strand hugging the base of the throat. Shorter, rounder necklaces also work well. Avoid V-shaped chains as well as long, thin necklaces that accentuate the thinness of the neck.

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