How to choose a women's necklace that perfectly complements your style

The gold neck chain is a timeless piece of jewellery that can transform any outfit. From classic designs to modern designer pieces, get inspired with tips on how to choose the right necklace.

The necklace is one of mankind's oldest ornaments. Its beauty lies in its perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. In the luxury segment, you'll encounter masterpieces made from the finest metals that represent an investment in the beauty of an enduring generation.

Chain material

When choosing a gold chain, the material is a major factor affecting not only the look, but also the value and durability of the jewellery.

• Yellow gold is a classic and timeless choice. Its warm hue in 14 or 18 carat fineness flatters all skin types and creates a beautiful contrast, especially with dark garments. Yellow gold stands out on evening occasions and adds a luxurious accent to an outfit that will never go out of style.
• White gold will appeal to lovers of modern aesthetics. It is an alloy of gold with white metals. It is electroplated with rhodium to achieve the characteristic white shine. White gold is an ideal choice for diamond chains because it emphasizes their purity and sparkle.
• Rose gold brings a romantic touch to the world of necklaces and has enjoyed a strong renaissance in recent years. Its soft pink hue is created by adding copper to the gold alloy. It is the perfect choice for women who appreciate sophisticated tenderness and are not afraid to be a little different.

Chain patterns

Each chain pattern has its own unique personality and suits different dress styles and occasions.

Anchor

From its earliest days, it has been linked by perpendicularly arranged eyelets - a basic element that remains to this day. The Anker pattern is characterised by elongated oval links arranged so that each is rotated 90 degrees to the previous one. The Anker is strong, durable and easy to adjust to the desired length. Ladies appreciate the thinner design ideal for pendants, while gentlemen prefer the more substantial type that looks great on its own.

Curb

The curb is made up of flat, regular eyelets that fit together precisely to create a smooth, shiny whole. This design excels in mechanical strength as well as surprising lightness, making it a perfect choice for a pendant chain. It's versatile and stylish - suitable for everyday wear and formal occasions.

Figaro

The Figaro chain features a rhythmic alternation of shorter and longer flat loops. Rooted in the Italian jewellery tradition, this style creates a visually appealing rhythm. This pattern is applied to both women's and men's chains. Men's chains are wider, women's chains are finer.

Valis

A distinctive chain with a twisting effect created by the specific intertwining of the loops. One of the most distinctive chain designs is Valis, which is particularly popular among ladies for its elegance. Chains with the Valis pattern stand out thanks to their spiral design reminiscent of braids, which creates a fascinating play of light with every movement.

TIP: Read the article about the patterns, types and styles of chains.

Chain length

The length of the chain fundamentally affects the look and the way a piece of jewellery complements your outfit:

• 35-40 cm (choker) - The chain sits tightly around the neck and creates a dramatic effect. It fits off-shoulder, strapless, boat-neck and low-cut dresses. Ideal for evening occasions and slim necks.
• 45-50 cm (princess) - This length is the most versatile and suits all women. It usually reaches roughly to the collarbone. It suits most types of necklines and occasions.
• 50-55 cm (matinee) - The right length if you want to draw attention to your cleavage. The chain rests at bust level, practical for layering with other jewellery.
• Longer than 60 cm - Creates a dramatic effect suitable for evening events. Can be worn alone or doubled for a richer look.

How to combine a chain with a pendant

When combining a chain with a pendant, harmonisation of materials and styles is key. Ideally, both components should be made of the same type and purity of gold. A chain with a cross or other symbolic pendant requires a careful choice of design to support the symbolism of the pendant.

Subtle pendants will stand out on simple chain designs, while more distinctive design pieces can carry more complex chain designs.

How to layer gold chains

The trend in recent years has been to layer different lengths and widths of chains. Thick and delicate chains create unusual compositions at first glance. There are a few rules to follow when layering:

• Combine different lengths, but stick to one material.
• Make sure the chains do not overlap each other.
• Less is sometimes more - one bold piece can look better than several subtle ones,

Practical tips for choosing a ladies chain

1. A longer chain or necklace visually lengthens the neck. Women with shorter necks should opt for longer chains (50+ cm), while slim necks can handle shorter options.
2. If the chain is intended to be worn with a pendant, ensure that the weight of the chain is equal to or greater than the weight of the pendant. A heavier pendant may cause damage to the chain loops.
3. Also consider your style of dress when making your selection. If you primarily wear turtlenecks and closed necklines, shorter chains will be lost. Conversely, for plunging necklines and strapless dresses, short lengths are ideal.
4. Invest in chains with a strong, reliable clasp - carabiner or rings. Cheap clasps can cause the entire piece of jewelry to be lost.
5. The chain should not strangle. Ideally, you should insert at least one finger between the chain and your neck. Too tight a chain is uncomfortable and can restrict movement.

See the luxury chain collection for yourself

Choosing the perfect chain often requires personal testing and a sense of proportion. In the exclusive BENY boutiques in the centre of Prague, we offer you the opportunity to see fascinating collections of chains from prestigious international brands and our own Beny Jewellery collection. Our jewellers will help you find the necklace that will become the wearer's favourite piece of jewellery.