Layering necklaces - The 5 tips to follow
1. The alluring aesthetic of the rule of three
A viewer is more instinctively drawn to the enduring aesthetic of the rule of thirds or threes. When layered necklaces are paired together in staggered threes, they are generally more apt to attract the eye, look less cluttered, more evenly arranged, and allow the individual necklaces to stand apart. This is especially important for “statement” necklaces. In groups of three, you can showcase every detail of your necklaces and allow them to complement one another. Viewers want to see and appreciate seeing the bright gemstones, unique charms, and shimmering gleam of your necklaces and admire their intricate work and craftmanship. Therefore, when layering necklaces, it is often wise to pair them in threes. Always remember that thrice is visually nicer than most layering arrangements.
2. Cascade to “evade” the annoyance tangling
Imagine waking up in the morning and your hair is twisted and tangled around your neck in interwoven clumps. That look is precisely what you will experience if necklaces are not cascaded correctly and evenly. To cascade necklaces is to arrange them in such a way so that they gradually increase in length to avoid jumbling. Different chain lengths typically come in these specific sizes:
12” Collar
15”-17” Choker
18” Princess
20”-24” Matinee
30”-35” Opera
40”+ inches Rope or Lauriat
These specific necklace sizes cascade down from the smallest to the longest. Keep in mind that different lengths will fall at different points on the body whether or not you are more on the petite or plus size. A 16” necklace on a petite woman would typically fall around the collar bones, but the same necklace for a plus size woman would be up around the throat like a choker. Needless to say, that would likely be very uncomfortable! One way or the other, how you choose to cascade your own pieces, know that there are endless creative mix-and-match scenarios that are sure to please.
3. Contour to your outfit’s neckline 
Have you ever started cascading some of your favorite necklaces and wondered, “Hm. Why doesn’t that look right? I’ve worn that combination before!” If so, it is likely because of your outfit. Here’s a tip: choose necklaces to layer that are the same shape as the neck of the top of your shirt. V-neck tops traditionally look better with layered V-shaped necklaces. The same goes for U-shaped tops. It is also possible to place a necklace of the opposite shape between necklaces that are similar to the outfit. The real test of how appealing the arrangement is comes down to the final neckline and how well the necklace fits the shape. This becomes especially fun when you have funky, nontraditional, and otherwise unique necklaces that wouldn’t seem to pair together but actually do! That’s the creative and appealing aspect of layering; you never know what combinations will highlight and complete your favorite outfits old and new.
4. Balance is your ally!
We’ve all seen a layering combination that seemed, well, awkward. Some make the mistake of layering too many different necklaces of what appear to be a thousand varying shapes and colors that result in something that is aesthetically off-putting and “busy” (to say the least). Choose to layer necklaces that have a consistent motif, theme, style, shape, balance and gemstone color in compatible combinations. For example, try layering necklaces that have maybe a boho chic aesthetic, traditional fifties look, modern/futuristic vibe, understated elegance, etc. Choose color schemes, gemstones, charms, and appropriate lengths of necklaces that cascade appropriately and truly make your beautiful pieces have that “wow!” effect. Don’t be afraid of mixing different alloys, such as silver and copper if the theme matches the aesthetic. Note the shape of the gemstones (if there are any), their color, size, and general patterning. You want to vary these to balance larger gemstones, charms, beads with smaller ones to avoid looking too “heavy” unless that is the specific look you are hoping to achieve.
5. Layer necklaces with gemstones, beads, and stones that define you. 
We’ve all had that experience while walking down the street or shopping seeing someone wearing a necklace that deserved that second look and query: “Oh my, where did you buy that?” This reaction is exactly the effect one should hope to achieve in layered necklaces. The tip is to select necklaces that blend with carefully chosen and gorgeous gemstones or beads that complement one another and better yet, complement your personality. For example, if you are attempting to have a modern “Victorian” look, find necklaces that have gorgeous ruby or garnet stones, luscious amethysts or tanzanite gemstones and mix them together. The result with certain silver, copper, or gold alloyed necklaces is simply breathtaking. Seeking something more understated? Layer necklaces that have more classic and dainty chains with unique accents. Generally, your choice to mix and match chosen necklaces with the same theme should also make sense with the color palette that most obviously displays the chosen aesthetic and style that suits you. Yet, don’t be afraid to be creative in your choices; you never know what combination will become the most striking in your layered necklace collection!