How to choose a necklace?

Necklace lengths and their effect

The choice of length is the first decision to make when buying a necklace. Each length creates a different visual effect and suits specific occasions. Understanding these nuances will allow you to make the best choice for your body shape and style.

• Short / Choker (35-40 cm): Also called a "choker", this style fits snugly around the neck. It beautifully highlights the collarbone and creates a highly appreciated sensual effect. Ideal for long, slim necks, it is worn with wide necklines or boat necks.
• Princess (42-48 cm): This is the queen length — versatile and classic. It falls just below the collarbone, suits almost all body shapes and works as well at the office as at an evening event. It is the best-selling length in our store.
• Matinee (50-60 cm): This length falls on the chest and creates an effortless elegance. It pairs particularly well with casual or office wear and adds movement to your silhouette.
• Opera (70-85 cm): Sophisticated and dramatic, this long necklace adds a glamorous touch to evening outfits. It can be worn single or double-wrapped around the neck to vary styles.
• Rope / Sautoir (>90 cm): The most avant-garde length. The sautoir can be worn single (very long), double or triple-wrapped. Bohemian or rock trend depending on the chain, it completely transforms an outfit.

Choosing according to neck shape and neckline

Body shape plays an essential role in choosing a necklace. The right length can visually elongate the figure, slim the neck or balance the bust proportions. Here are our jewellers' recommendations for each profile:

• Long and slim neck: You are lucky — all styles suit you! You can wear chokers, thick chokers, princess necklaces or sautoirs. Short necklaces particularly enhance the natural elegance of your neck.
• Short neck: Opt for fine chains and princess or longer lengths. Avoid chokers and very thick necklaces that visually shorten the neck. A fine pendant will naturally elongate the silhouette.
• V-neck: A drop, Y-shape or teardrop pendant naturally follows the neckline and creates perfect harmony. Princess length is ideal for this neckline.
• Round neckline: A choker or short chain pairs perfectly with a round neckline. Avoid necklaces of the same length as the neckline, which would create an unflattering horizontal line.
• Broad shoulders: Medium to long lengths (matinee, opera) create vertical lines that slim the figure and balance the proportions.

Choosing according to material

The material of a necklace influences both its aesthetic appearance and its durability and compatibility with your skin tone. Each precious metal has its own characteristics:

• 18-carat yellow gold: Warm and timeless, yellow gold enhances olive and golden skin tones. Its warm hue adds brilliance and never goes out of style. It is the classic choice of high jewellery.
• 18-carat white gold: Modern and refined, white gold particularly suits fair skin tones. It enhances precious stones, especially diamonds, with contemporary elegance.
• 18-carat rose gold: Romantic and feminine, rose gold is the trend of recent years. Its rosy hue suits all skin tones and adds a soft, contemporary touch.
• 925 silver: Accessible and versatile, silver is perfect for everyday wear or for starting a collection. It requires regular care to prevent oxidation.
• With diamonds or precious stones: Reserved for special occasions or exceptional gifts, these necklaces combine the beauty of the metal with the brilliance of the stones. Diamonds for eternity, emeralds for summer, rubies for passion.

Choosing according to the occasion

The context of wear is a determining factor in the choice of your necklace. A jewel worn every day does not have the same requirements as an evening necklace:

• Everyday wear: Opt for a fine gold or silver chain, lightweight (2-4 grams) and discreet. A small solitaire pendant or a simple chain will be perfect for accompanying all your outfits without constraint.
• At the office: Princess length is the go-to choice — neither too short nor too long, it suits professional outfits. A discreet pendant or an elegant chain is recommended.
• For an evening: This is the occasion to bring out exceptional pieces. A necklace with diamonds, an opera length or a pendant with a precious stone will transform your evening outfit.
• As a gift: Without knowing the exact preferences, opt for a princess length (45 cm) with a discreet pendant — it is the safest and most appreciated choice.