Culture & Style
How to Expertly Wear Layered Necklaces With Tips from the Pros
By Jill Newman, May 16, 2025
Top stylists offer advice on how to master the natural diamond layered necklaces trend.
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
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Anito Ko Thin Diamond Zoe Choker, $25,475, anitako.com.
Jade Trau Small Penelope Necklace, $5,100, jadetrau.com
Jenna Blake Blackened Diamond Box Fringe Necklace, $31,000, jennablake.com
Tiffany & Co Medium Smile Pendant, $7,800, tiffany.com
Jennifer Meyer Mini Bezel Tennis Necklace with Illusion Set Diamond, $7,250, jennifermeyer.com
Marco Bicego Beaded Necklace with Diamonds, $5,450, marcobicego.com
Messika Baby Move Pavé, $3,820, messika.com
SHAY Jewelry Diamond Radian Octagon Pendant Necklace, $15,850 shayjewelry.com
Zoe Chicco Pave Diamond Evil Eye Curb Chain Necklace, $1,150, zoechicco.com
