Necklaces have been worn for centuries as symbols of beauty, status, and personal meaning. From simple chains to diamond-encrusted designs, they continue to be among the most versatile and expressive jewellery pieces.
Understanding the different types of necklaces can help you choose styles that flatter your neckline, fit the occasion, and reflect your personality.
This guide covers 10 of the most popular necklace styles—explaining what makes each unique and how to wear them with confidence.
At DiamondNet in Vancouver, we specialize in diamond jewellery and custom designs, offering clients the opportunity to create necklaces that combine timeless craftsmanship with modern elegance.
Here is the Quick Answer:
Necklaces come in many forms, each with its own character. From classic pendants and solitaires to bold bib and tennis styles, the right choice depends on your taste, outfit, and occasion. For those seeking something more personal, custom diamond necklaces crafted in Vancouver offer timeless elegance with a unique touch.
1. Pendant Necklaces
A pendant necklace features a decorative charm or gemstone that hangs from a chain. The pendant may be fixed in place or slide freely, allowing endless variation in style.
Pendant necklaces are among the most versatile types, ranging from simple solitaire drops to more elaborate designs with symbolic motifs or halo-style frames. They are suitable for both everyday wear and formal occasions, making them a timeless choice in any jewellery collection.
➤ Styling Tip: Pair a delicate pendant with a V-neck dress or blouse to highlight the neckline, or wear it over a high-neck sweater for a chic contrast.
2. Solitaire Necklaces
A solitaire necklace showcases a single diamond or gemstone, allowing its natural beauty to take centre stage. The design is minimal yet elegant, highlighting the stone without distraction.
This type of necklace is often chosen for meaningful occasions such as anniversaries, graduations, or milestone celebrations. When paired with quality settings in gold or platinum, a well-cut diamond solitaire creates a striking and timeless impression.
➤ Styling Tip: Wear a solitaire necklace with diamond stud earrings for a balanced, polished look that works for both daily wear and formal events.
3. Station Necklaces
A station necklace features gemstones or diamonds placed at regular intervals along a chain. This design adds sparkle without overwhelming the overall look, making it one of the most versatile necklace styles.
The spaced placement creates balance and elegance, whether the necklace is worn alone or layered with shorter or longer chains. Station necklaces can also be customized with different diamond shapes or coloured gemstones for a more personal touch.
➤ Styling Tip: Combine a station necklace with a shorter choker or a longer chain to add depth and visual interest to your look.
4. Choker Necklaces
Choker necklaces sit closely around the neck, resting just above the collarbone. Their history spans centuries, from velvet ribbons worn in the 19th century to sleek metal or diamond-accented designs today.
Chokers can range from delicate and understated to bold statement pieces. They are especially effective for highlighting the neckline and drawing attention to the shoulders and collarbone.
➤ Styling Tip: For a sophisticated effect, wear a diamond or gemstone choker with an off-the-shoulder dress or strapless top.
5. Chain Necklaces
Chain necklaces come in a wide variety of styles, from delicate cable and box chains to bold rope, curb, and Figaro designs. They can be worn on their own for a clean, minimal look or serve as the base for pendants and charms.
The thickness of the chain plays a key role in its appearance—thin chains are subtle and versatile, while thicker chains create a stronger visual statement. Because of this, chain necklaces are often chosen as foundational pieces in a jewellery collection.
➤ Styling Tip: Layer two or three chains of different styles or lengths to create a modern, textured look.
For more inspiration on how to combine different chains and lengths, see our ultimate necklace layering guide.
6. Lariat Necklaces
A lariat necklace is known for its distinctive Y-shape. Unlike most necklaces, it typically has no clasp and is looped or tied into place, giving it a versatile and adjustable drop length.
This style often features decorative tips—sometimes accented with gemstones or diamonds—at the ends of the chain. The design works equally well with casual outfits and formal attire, offering both subtle elegance and dramatic effect depending on how it’s worn.
➤ Styling Tip: Adjust the drop length to suit your outfit—shorter for plunging necklines, longer for high-neck tops or dresses.
7. Collar Necklaces
Collar necklaces fit snugly around the base of the neck, sitting just above the collarbone. Typically wider than chokers, they are designed to make a statement and often feature intricate metalwork or rows of gemstones.
Because of their bold appearance, collar necklaces are most often chosen for formal occasions, where they can highlight the neckline and shoulders. They are particularly striking when paired with strapless or off-the-shoulder gowns.
➤ Styling Tip: Keep other jewellery minimal when wearing a collar necklace so the piece remains the focal point of your look.
8. Bib Necklaces
Bib necklaces are bold, eye-catching designs that cover a portion of the chest with multiple layers or panels. They can include rows of chains, gemstones, or intricate detailing, making them one of the most dramatic necklace styles.
Because of their size and visual impact, bib necklaces are often chosen as statement pieces for formal events. They work best with simple, solid-colour clothing that allows the jewellery to take centre stage.
➤ Styling Tip: Pair a bib necklace with a minimalist dress or top to create balance and keep the attention on the jewellery.
9. Tennis Necklaces
A tennis necklace is modelled after the iconic tennis bracelet, featuring a continuous line of diamonds or gemstones. Known for their symmetry and brilliance, tennis necklaces balance durability with elegance, making them a lasting investment piece.
They can be styled as a standalone statement or layered with shorter or longer necklaces for added depth. Their versatility makes them suitable for both formal occasions and refined everyday wear.
➤ Styling Tip: A tennis necklace pairs beautifully with evening attire but can also add polish to a crisp blouse or tailored look.
10. Multi-Strand Necklaces
Multi-strand necklaces feature two or more layers of chains, pearls, or gemstones arranged together to create depth and texture. Depending on the materials used, they can appear subtle and elegant or bold and dramatic.
This style is often chosen for its versatility—delicate strands can complement everyday outfits, while layered diamond or gemstone designs make a striking choice for special occasions.
➤ Styling Tip: Wear a multi-strand necklace with a simple neckline to avoid visual clutter and let the layers shine.
Choosing the Right Necklace for You
Selecting the right necklace often comes down to matching the style with your wardrobe, the occasion, and your personal preferences.
- Necklines: V-neck tops pair well with pendants or lariat necklaces, while strapless dresses highlight chokers or collar styles. High necklines work best with long chains or multi-strand pieces.
- Occasions: Tennis and solitaire necklaces bring timeless elegance to formal events, while station or pendant necklaces are ideal for everyday wear.
- Personal Style: Minimalists often gravitate toward solitaires or chokers, while those who love statement jewellery may prefer bib or multi-strand designs.
A necklace should not only complement your outfit but also reflect your personality. For some, that means choosing a subtle daily piece; for others, it means investing in a custom design that feels truly unique.
Custom Diamond Necklaces at DiamondNet
While many necklace styles are widely available, a custom diamond necklace offers something truly personal. At DiamondNet’s Vancouver showroom, clients can work directly with experienced jewellers to design bespoke pieces that reflect their story and style.
From classic pendants to dramatic multi-strand designs, every detail can be tailored—from the choice of diamond cut and setting to the chain style and metal. Using CAD previews and in-house craftsmanship, you’ll see your ideas take shape before the final piece is created.
Every necklace is crafted with ethically sourced diamonds and premium metals, ensuring timeless beauty and lasting quality.
Conclusion
The right necklace does more than complete an outfit—it tells a story about who you are and the milestones you celebrate. From timeless solitaires and tennis necklaces to bold statement styles, each type brings its own elegance and meaning.
For Vancouver clients seeking diamond jewellery that balances artistry with ethics, DiamondNet offers both expertise and personalization. Whether you’re adding to your collection or creating a custom piece, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Book a consultation to start designing a necklace that’s as unique as you are.
