Necklaces come in various styles, lengths, and designs, each with its unique features and history. This glossary provides essential terms for understanding necklace craftsmanship, from classic styles like chokers and opera necklaces to intricate components like bails and festoons. Designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, it offers clear definitions that enhance appreciation for necklace design and selection.
Alloy
A blend of metals to improve durability, strength, or colour. Necklaces often use alloys of gold, silver, or platinum.
Bail
The part of a pendant that connects it to a necklace chain, allows the pendant to hang securely.
Bib Necklace
A type of necklace that covers a wide area below the collarbone, often embellished with layers of gemstones, beads, or other decorative elements.
Bezel
The frame or rim that holds a gemstone in place on a necklace, adds both security and a decorative element.
Choker
A close-fitting necklace that sits high on the neck, typically 14–16 inches in length, often made from materials like velvet, metal, or ribbon.
Clasp
The fastener is used to secure a necklace around the neck. Popular types include lobster clasps, spring ring clasps, and toggle clasps.
Collar Necklace
A necklace that rests closely around the neck, usually sitting just above the collarbone, measuring 12–14 inches.
Festoon
An ornamental necklace style featuring draping chains or gemstones, often associated with vintage or Art Nouveau styles.
Graduated Necklace
A necklace where the beads or gemstones gradually decrease in size from the centre outward, creating a balanced and elegant look.
Lariat Necklace
An open-ended necklace, often tied or looped around itself, resembling a rope or Y-shape, with no clasp and lengths that can vary.
Lavaliere
A delicate necklace style with a central pendant and additional dangling elements, popular in vintage and feminine designs.
Length Types
Locket
A pendant that opens to reveal a compartment for a small photograph or memento, adds sentimental value to a necklace.
Multi-Strand Necklace
A necklace made from multiple strands, often featuring pearls or beads, creates a layered and full look.
Necklace Extender
A small chain or clasp is used to adjust the length of a necklace, adding versatility to its wear.
Opera Necklace
A long necklace, typically 30–36 inches, which falls below the bust and can be worn as a single strand or doubled for a layered look.
Pendant
An ornament or charm that hangs from a chain, serving as a focal point for the necklace. Pendants can range from simple shapes to intricate lockets or gemstones.
Pearl Enhancer
A clip-on pendant designed to attach to a string of pearls or other beaded necklaces, adding variety and versatility.
Princess Necklace
A popular necklace length, measuring 16–18 inches, sits just below the collarbone and complements most necklines.
Rivière
A classic necklace style composed of a single row of gemstones or beads often graduated in size and worn as a collar or princess-length necklace.
Rope Necklace
A long necklace style, generally over 36 inches, that can be looped or knotted for varied styling.
Sautoir
A long necklace style featuring a pendant or tassel at the end, often associated with Art Deco designs. Sautoirs are versatile and can be worn as a single strand or doubled.
Spacer Beads
Small beads are placed between larger ones on a necklace to enhance the design and prevent beads from rubbing against each other.
Spring Ring Clasp
A round clasp with an internal spring mechanism, is commonly used in necklace closures.
Toggle Clasp
A clasp style featuring a bar that fits through a loop to secure the necklace. Often seen in statement or vintage-style necklaces.
Y-Necklace
A necklace style that features a drop or extension, forming a Y-shape. This style is particularly flattering with V-neck clothing.
