Collection: Necklaces

Choker (36-40 cm): tight around the neck, highlights the collarbone. On a short neck: may seem cumbersome. On a long neck: elegant and structuring. Preferable on low necklines (no layering) or on a round collar (enhances the upper neck). Princess (43-50 cm): the most universal length: falls at the beginning of the neckline on most morphologies. Adapts to almost all types of necklines. Matinee (55-65 cm): falls in the middle of the chest: creates a vertical line that elongates. On a plunging neckline: continues the V line. On a round collar: creates an interesting length contrast. Opera (70-90 cm): can be worn long (falls at the navel level) or doubled (short, two strands). Rope (more than 90 cm): multiple ways to wear it: triple, knotted, as a pendant.

Round collar: all lengths work. The choker is the most flattering as it highlights the roundness of the collar. A long necklace (matinee or opera) creates a vertical line/round collar contrast. V-neck: a princess or matinee length necklace follows and amplifies the V: the necklace line should be in the V or just below. A choker on a V-neck closes the V: against the neckline design. Bust or plunging neckline: long necklace that falls into the neckline: maxi jewelry effect. Or short collar/lavalier that ends the neckline rather than extending it. High collar or turtleneck: no visible necklace: except very thin choker on a light turtleneck. Shirt or blouse collar: short pendant or discreet choker: long necklaces get caught in the buttons.

Necklaces have more surface in contact with the skin than bracelets: allergies are therefore more pronounced. 18-carat yellow gold (75% pure gold) is the least allergenic of the golds: the remaining 25% is copper and silver, not nickel. 18-carat white gold generally contains palladium or rhodium (hypoallergenic). 9-carat gold (37.5% gold) contains more alloy: may contain nickel. Sterling silver 925: 92.5% pure silver, hypoallergenic. Gold-plated brass: allergenic when the layer wears off (6-18 months depending on quality). Surgical steel 316L: the best price/hypoallergenic ratio. If a red area or itch around the neck: switch to one of the listed hypoallergenic metals.

A heavy pendant (more than 15-20 g) can be uncomfortable over a long day: it pulls on the neck and leaves marks on the nape. A flat geometric pendant (medallion, circle) is more stable than a pendant with relief or asymmetry: it turns less. The drop point of the pendant is determined by the length of the chain and the weight of the pendant: a heavy pendant on a thin chain descends lower than expected. A pendant with a stop (pearl or knot in the middle of the chain) stays centered. For necklines: a pendant that falls precisely in the V or center of the neckline is the most flattering: too short it rises out of the neckline, too long it exits the visible area.

For coordinating bracelets: bracelets. For belts (silhouette accessories): belts. For scarves (alternative to necklaces on the neck): scarves and shawls. Metal consistency rule: do not wear gold and silver at the same time unless the mix is intentional and controlled. A gold necklace with silver earrings creates a visual dissonance.