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The perfect chain necklace can seem like a mythological creature: something of stories and impossible to find. But with a little digging, you can find some tangible unicorns. Thin to thick, lightweight to hefty, chain necklaces are clean, layerable, and just as casual or sophisticated as they need to be.
“There is truly nothing like a handmade chain in terms of beauty and sturdiness,” says New York jeweler Marla Aaron, who specializes in chains. “For me personally, a perfect chain necklace is one that has different colors of gold—not just one.” To Aaron’s point, the chosen chain doesn’t even have to be a yellow-gold option. There are spectacular choices in two-tones, silver, and with slight embellishment.
Beyond the choice of metal, there’s also the question of length. The answer to that lies as much in personal style as it does how you wear it. Multilayered options from short to long add high impact, while one long chain necklace can give the flash you’re looking for.
Best Short
“I like to wear a bunch of different necklaces at the same length—close to my face,” says Aaron, “I find it the most interesting and flattering for me.”
Best Two-Tone
Mixed metals isn’t just for your watch band. The variation in tone lays the foundation for both colors in the rest of your jewelry.
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Best for Layering
Whether they’re piled up or perfectly spaced, layering with chain necklaces is easy, and a heavier chain keeps them from getting too tangled.
Best Detail
An additional element—be it a smattering of diamonds or an impactful toggle—to the chain necklace can add something unexpected.
