Sterling Silver Necklaces
You want a silver necklace you can wear daily, without wondering what sits beneath the shine. Color tells you how a chain looks against your skin; the description tells you what it actually is.
The necklace you forget you have on
The necklace you keep on is rarely the loudest one in your drawer. It is the one you fasten in the morning and only notice again when someone asks about it.
A cool, pale shine sits easily beside denim, a gray knit or a plain white tee. It stays quiet next to a watch and thin rings, so nothing on your wrist or hands has to change.
As a gift, it marks a moment without making a speech: a graduation, a first apartment, a new job. Choose a pendant shape that means something to the person, and the necklace carries a part of their story. For a cross worn close to the heart, see our Silver Cross Necklaces.
How do you choose a silver necklace and know what it is?
Settle the metal first, then pick where the chain rests and whether you want a pendant.
Material and finish: what the description tells you
A good-quality silver necklace tells you plainly what it is made of. 925 sterling silver is 92.5% silver alloyed with other metals. Silver-tone describes a color, not a metal, and says nothing about what lies underneath. Each product page names the metal and any gold plating over it. Stones are named the same way, such as cubic zirconia or moissanite. A mirror polish sends light back in quick flashes, while a matte finish keeps a soft, even glow.
Length: where should it rest?
Match the length to the necklines you wear most.
| Length | Where it rests | Works well with |
|---|---|---|
| 16 inches | At the base of the neck | Crew necks and open collars |
| 18 inches | At the collarbone | Most necklines, one pendant |
| 20 inches | Just below the collarbone | Button-down shirts, a second layer |
| 22 to 24 inches | On the upper chest | V-necks and longer layers |
Plain chain or pendant?
A plain chain puts the attention on its links. Cable and box links lie flat, curb and rope catch more light, and paperclip links look open. A pendant adds one focal point, such as an initial, a circle, a locket or a stone-set shape. Wear a chain alone or under other pieces; pick a pendant when one detail should lead.
- When two pieces look alike but cost differently, compare the plating, the stone named and the pendant detail first.
- A small pendant on a long chain can vanish under a jacket.
- A heavy chain can make a delicate pendant look lost, so keep the two in proportion.
- When you layer, leave about 2 inches between chains so each one stays visible.
- Up close, a plain piece reads clean and quiet, while a stone-set one catches light whenever you turn your head.
- Gifting without knowing the recipient’s usual length? A collarbone length suits the widest range of necklines.
Frequently asked questions
How do you care for a necklace you wear daily?
Daily wear asks for very little. Wipe your metal with a soft, dry cloth after wearing to lift skin oils and residue. Put it on after perfume, lotion and hairspray, and take it off before cleaning with household chemicals. Store it apart from other pieces so chains do not knot and stones do not rub.
Can you wear a silver necklace with gold jewelry?
Yes. Mixed metals look deliberate when one tone leads and the other comes back once or twice, such as a silver necklace with a gold watch or a single gold ring. A two-tone piece that joins both colors can link the rest of your jewelry. If the mix still feels busy, keep the necklace as the only silver piece near your face.
Can I return a silver necklace if it is not right?
Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery. Made-to-order pieces, engraved or printed with a name, initial or date you provide, are final sale unless they arrive damaged or with an engraving error on our part. For any questions about your order, visit our Contact page.
