Chain layering: How to combine chains of different lengths
It's hard to imagine the world of jewellery without it: chain layering. The combination of several necklaces, worn on top of each other, creates a great look and enhances any outfit in an instant. Whether in gold or silver, a layering look with several chains is always an eye-catcher.
What does layering mean?
Chain layering involves "layering" several chains, i.e. wearing them on top of each other to create a great look. It is important that the chains are of different lengths so that each chain is shown off to its best advantage. Unlike the neck measurement trend, where many necklaces are worn wildly and messily on top of each other, a layering look is more orderly. So if you can't make up your mind about jewellery and want to wear several necklaces together, you can simply create a great layering look. This way, many favourite necklaces can be combined with each other.
View this post on Instagram
How chain layering works with ICRUSH
It looks easy, but combining several necklaces can be a challenge for some. There are just a few things to consider to create the perfect layering look.
The most important rule for chain layering: the chains must have different lengths or be adjustable to different lengths. This way, each individual chain is shown off to its best advantage and nothing is covered up. It is best to limit the number of chains for layering to a maximum of five so that the jewellery combination does not look too cluttered.
A chain of 30-40 cm length is suitable as the top chain. This can be worn as a choker or at collarbone length and forms the basis for all chains below. Chains without pendants are particularly suitable here, for example link chains, pearl chains or chains with small plates.
A chain with a length of 45-55 cm fits well underneath. A pendant chain is a great choice here, but another chain without a pendant is also a good option.
To complete the layering look, you can add another chain of 55-65 cm in length. Y-chains or long pendant chains are great for this. If this is not enough, you can keep layering until the chain layering is perfect.
The tips at a glance:
- Choose a maximum of five chains of different lengths.
- The top chain should be between 30-40 cm long.
- This is followed by a chain between 45-55 cm with or without a pendant.
- For the third chain you can choose a chain between 55-65 cm.
- Work your way down from the top chain and just see how many chains you like in your layering look.
Frequently asked questions about layering:
Which necklaces are suitable for layering?
Finding suitable necklaces for layering is quite easy. Almost any chain can be used in a layering look. Chains without pendants or chains with many small pendants, such as small plates or beads, are particularly suitable as upper chains. Link chains, whether coarse or fine, can also be combined.
Pendant necklaces are particularly suitable as a middle or bottom chain in layering. It is also possible to combine several pendant chains, this layering is particularly beautiful when the size of the pendant increases towards the bottom.
Y-necklaces add a special touch to jewellery layering. These can be worn as the bottom chain in layering and make a great finishing touch.
How can I prevent the chains from getting tangled when layering?
The finer the chains, the easier they can get tangled when layering. It is therefore advisable to use chains with different structures for necklace layering. A fine chain and a link chain rarely get tangled together, several coarser chains hardly ever do. However, if you prefer discreet jewellery, you don't have to do without fine chains. Organising the chains on your neck at regular intervals prevents them from getting knotted and tangled and ensures that the look lies perfectly.
For chain layering without tangling, there is another simple trick: the Layering Helper. The small tool, to which up to three chains can be attached, has only one fastener so that the chains do not twist, tangle or knot.
Another possibility: all the chains included in the Layering Look can be fastened together. The same eyelet can be used to close two or three chains. This way, the chains hang tightly together and do not get tangled.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Can I combine gold and silver in a layring look?
The combination of gold and silver is still very popular. A pure chain layering in gold or a chain layering in silver is very beautiful, but gold and silver can also be combined in a layering look. If you like the bicolour trend, you can mix the colours in necklace layering to suit your mood. A special trick: combining the same necklace twice - once in gold and once in silver - makes the look particularly cool. This is especially effective with link chains and snake chains.
Find more tips for the perfect jewellery combination in our jewellery combination guide - from chain layering to ring stacking!