How to Expertly Wear Layered Necklaces With Tips from the Pros

Top stylists offer advice on how to master the natural diamond layered necklaces trend.

By Jill Newman | May 13, 2025

Marquise cut and pave diamonds set within gold layered necklaces from Sara Weintstock — Sara Weinstock

When it comes to one of the hottest jewelry trends, one is never enough. Layered necklaces (also known as a neckmess) is a stylish way to mix and match natural diamond jewelry, from sleek rivière diamond chokers to playful charms, to create a personal style statement. Whether you’re layering heirlooms with modern pieces or building from scratch, the key is balance, proportion, and a touch of creativity.

Ahead, discover expert styling tips and a curated selection of diamond layered necklaces to help you perfect the look.

Meet the Experts

How to Expertly Wear Layered Necklaces With Tips from the Pros

Cristina Ehrlich is a renowned celebrity stylist celebrated for her timeless red carpet looks and her ability to blend classic elegance with modern flair. Her client roster includes Penélope Cruz, Laura Dern, and Tina Fey.

Jenna Grosfeld, founder of Jenna Blake Jewelry, is a styling expert known for transforming vintage inspirations into modern heirlooms. With over 15 years of experience, her signature aesthetic blends rich color, architectural shapes, and art deco influences.

Why Layered Necklaces Are a Must-Have Jewelry Trend

“Layered necklaces is a hot trend right now because they allow people to tell a story through their jewelry,” says celebrity stylist Cristina Ehrlich, whose high-profile clients include Margot Robbie and Penelope Cruz. “A necklace with charms is a representation of personal items curated over time and it is very unique to your own story.” It’s not just the diamond necklaces you choose, observes Ehrlich, but it’s also how you layer them that defines your individuality—whether your signature style includes dainty layers or a few big, bold statement necklaces.

Multicolored round cut diamonds extended from gold layered necklaces from Jenna Blake — Jenna Blake

Natural diamond layered necklaces worn by California designer Jennifer Meyer in a casually elegant style — California designer Jennifer Meyer wears layers of natural diamond necklaces in a casually elegant style.

Pro Tips for Creating the Perfect Layered Necklace Look

Artfully arranged, stacked or thrown together in a “neckmess,” the layered necklaces trend is a versatile way to wear natural diamond jewelry. If you want a relaxed style, layer a fringe diamond necklace with diamond beads and a big heart pendant necklace over a T-shirt and jeans. If the occasion calls for glamour, a diamond line choker paired with pavé diamond chains of varying lengths makes a statement. The styling possibilities with layered necklaces are limitless.

Start with a Focal Point

Jenna Grosfeld, Los Angeles-based designer of Jenna Blake Jewelry, starts building the layered necklace look by asking her clients to choose a focal point, often the first piece that catches their eyes. It might be a pavé diamond crescent moon pendant or a diamond chain, and from there, they curate a collection. “I’m teaching my clients to appreciate the process of curating and collecting jewelry,” says Grosfeld. Currently, she says, women are seeking necklaces and charms with meaning, such as hearts, moons and stars.

Mix Textures—Or Keep It Minimal

However, the messy look isn’t for everyone, says Los Angeles-based designer Jenna Grosfeld of Jenna Blake Jewelry. “I love mixing textures, patterns, colors and shapes in one look, but some people prefer a more understated style with sleek layered chains and diamond accents.” She first started wearing the layered necklaces look a few years ago because she couldn’t pick just one favorite necklace to put on.

“My philosophy has always been to wear what you love, and the rest will come together.”

Emerald gemstone and pave diamonds set within gold layered necklaces from Anita Ko — Anita Ko

Pave diamonds set within layered gold and silver pendant necklaces featuring western inspired rope ties from Marla Aaron — Marla Aaron

Keep It Balanced

Cristina Ehrlich advises limiting your layered look to just two to four necklaces, and varying the lengths based on your outfit and neckline so that they remain visible and don’t overlap. “Mixing chains with pendant necklaces is a dynamic combination,” she says. Among her favorite designers creating diamond pieces for layered looks are Melinda Maria, Jennifer Zeuner, Zoe Chicco, Jewelry by Olivia K and Jenny Bird.

Round cut diamonds set within gold layered necklaces featuring diamond encrusted pendants from Jade trau — Jade Trau

Marquise cut and pave diamond set within silver layered necklaces from Shay Jewelry — Shay Jewelry

Choose a Theme to Pull It All Together

“Choose a unifying theme,” suggests Rachel Garrahan, British Vogue’s Jewelry and Watch director, “such as all diamond pieces, and you can mix both necklace styles and lengths, and vintage and contemporary pieces.” Popular themes include horse-inspired jewelry, whimsical, coquette-aesthetic jewelry, loud luxury pieces, and more.

The Best Diamond Layered Necklaces to Shop Now

Some of the best style inspiration for the layered necklace trend can be found on Instagram where designers and brands, including Anita Ko, Messika, Jennifer Meyer, Marco Bicego and Tiffany & Co., feature layers of every variety, from sleek paperclip link necklaces with diamond accents to fluid snake chains and thick curb link necklaces covered in diamonds. Many are topped off with long pendant necklaces featuring statement charms and amulets. Whatever your style, the layered necklace look is a perfect way to express your individuality.

See styles from some of our favorite designers below.