Layering 101
Create the perfect combination!

Charms and pendants are good jewelry pieces to complete your look. They help you to express yourself and your style. Also, we easily connect with a pendant or charm because they are usually representative and meaningful. Whether they remind you of a memory, a person, or a place, add one to your jewelry lineup with ease by having pairing ready to go. In this article, we'll guide you in selecting the best pairings for pendants and chains.
If you prefer to match your metals, the simple styling rule is pairing a gold pendant with a gold chain and a silver pendant with a silver chain. Aligning your metals throughout your jewelry is cohesive and classic.
However, if you are open to shaking things up a little, go with mixed metals! Wearing gold and silver together has become increasingly popular over the years, so you no longer need to pick favorites!
Matching a silver pendant with a gold chain is chic and stylish. Our advice would be to complete the outfit with more jewelry made from both metals. If you are interested in learning more on how to mix metals, check out our blog!
Starting with a two-tone pendant is also a simple way to be able to pick either a gold or silver chain. This way, you can switch it up based on whichever chain you prefer for the day!
Picking the right necklace length is largely dependent on preference and style. However, the size of your charm or pendant can have an effect on the length of the chain. When wearing a larger pendant, we recommend pairing it with a chain around 18” or longer. This way, you do not have a large pendant too close to your neckline and rather it is dangling lower for people to see.
When wearing a smaller charm or pendant, we recommend wearing a chain 20” or shorter. This way, the chain does not overpower the charm or pendant and instead it allows it to be the star of the show. However, these tips are not set in stone and styling to your own comfortability is always the way to go!
Another option is to choose an adjustable chain. This allows you to change the length to preference easily! Vibe Jewelry has a few adjustable chains in both 14K gold and sterling silver!
From the box chain, rope, paper clip, popcorn, and many more! Chains are available in multiple designs, textures, and sizes. Choosing the best one for you and for a specific pendant is all based on your personal preference. When picking between a thick or thin chain, we recommend pairing heavier pendants with thicker chains and smaller pendants with a lighter, dainty chain.
An important thing to keep in mind is that the bail, or the loop at the top of your pendant, fits properly around the width of the chain. Ideally, make sure that it is not tugging on the chain as this can compromise the strength and cause it to snag or break.
Also, remember is to make sure the style of the pendant compliments the chain. For example, if a pendant is very detailed and bold, picking a subtle chain will allow the pendant to stand out and not be overpowered. If the pendant is a bit more simple, a fun and bold chain can add a fun touch.
If you have a collection of chains and stranded pendants that you would normally wear one at a time, update your look by layering! I mean, why wear one when you can wear multiple right? While this seems effortless and simple, there is some thought that goes behind which chains compliment others.
The foundation should be your shortest necklace. This is where you want the layering to start, so pick the length that you find most flattering. Once you have the base, you can begin to layer! Here are some top tips to keep in mind:
For Everyday:
Go Bold: