3 Stylish Ways to Master Layering Necklaces with Diamonds
We’ve curated three different looks in which the piece seriously shines.
Curated by Will Kahn
|
One of the joys of layering necklaces is that it allows you to wear styles you might otherwise save for special occasions. All too often, our finest, most glittering jewels spend more time in their boxes than around our necks. Enter the diamond rivière necklace—a classic style featuring a continuous line of natural diamonds, either uniform in size or delicately graduated.
Meet the Expert
- Shelley Brown has over 15 years of editorial experience and has covered engagement ring and diamond jewelry trends for over a decade
- She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from New York University
- She was previously the Senior Fashion Editor at The Knot
Closely related to the tennis necklace, the diamond rivière is a truly classic piece of jewelry that you’ll have no problem wearing on repeat. With its stunning sparkle and timeless simplicity, the diamond rivière captures our hearts for countless reasons—but its versatility may be the most compelling. While magnificent on its own, this natural diamond necklace also pairs beautifully with a wide variety of styles, making it a true layering essential.
Read on to see our curation of three very different necklace layering looks, each featuring De Beers’ diamond rivière necklace—plus layering necklaces you can shop now.
6 Tips for Layering Necklaces Like a Pro
Not sure where to begin when it comes to layering necklaces? These foolproof tips will help you flawlessly curate the #neckmess of your dreams.
1. Vary the Lengths
Start with your shortest piece and build downward. Aim for at least a one-inch difference between layers to let each necklace shine on its own.
2. Mix Textures & Weights
Pair the clean brilliance of a tennis necklace with a delicate chain or a chunkier link for contrast. It keeps the look fresh and dimensional.
3. Stick to a Theme—or Intentionally Break It
Want a cohesive feel? Stay within one metal tone or diamond color. Feeling bold? Mix yellow gold with platinum or throw in colored diamonds.
4. Mind Your Neckline
Layering necklaces works best with open or simple necklines. V-neck, scoop, or button-down shirts are ideal canvases for showing off your diamond stacks.
5. Let One Piece Be the Hero
Every great stack needs a standout. Let your diamond rivière or tennis necklace take center stage, while supporting pieces play a more subtle, complementary role.
6. Avoid Over-Layering
While layering can be fun, avoid piling on too many pieces, as it can look cluttered. Typically, 2-4 layering necklaces are a good starting point.
3 Dynamic Diamond Looks for Layering Necklaces
There are countless chic ways to style layering necklaces, but we’ve curated three standout looks for everyday wear, the office, and a night on the town. Which one is your favorite?
Look 1: Everyday Cool
Style Muse: Hailey Beiber
This effortless, casual look will take you from Starbucks runs to jetset runways.
Layer the De Beers rivière with Dezso by Sara Beltran shell necklaces to bring the diamonds down to earth in a beachy, textural fashion. Then, for length variation and a “just threw it on” Cali-girl vibe, add Anita Ko‘s diamond and gold zodiac medallion, a super hot trend right now in itself.
Look 2: Professional Polish
Style Muse: Rosie Huntington Whitely
This unexpected yet cohesive look is our secret for shining on Zoom calls or chilling in a t-shirt alike.
Start with the De Beers diamond rivière, and layer it with two necklaces of similar length, a grounding gold Anita Ko cable and whimsical Jenna Blake fringe piece. Keep the three necklaces relatively close together for a polished, undistracting style that’s easy to wear with jackets and blouses.
For a little more fun—perhaps for a meeting to a cocktail hour—add on Harwell Godfrey’s diamond knife edge hoops.
Diamond Riviere Layering Look 3: Modern Glamour
Style Muse: Gwyneth Paltrow & Beyoncé
Casual yet special enough to be worn with lower necklines and flirty dresses for a night out, this look features the De Beers rivière—a focal point—layered with multi-tiered Foundrae medallion chains for a fun, sexy energy and modern bohemian feel.
Pair with Stephen Russell’s mega watt old mine diamond drops and major ring. After all, any night out these days demands going big.
Shop Layering Necklaces
Get inspired by layering necklaces from some of our favorite designers.
London Collection Yellow Gold 4 Prong Diamond Tennis Necklace, $4680, londonjewelers.com
Harwell Godfrey Tiny Moon Pendant Necklace, $1,250, harwellgodfrey.com
Shay DIAMOND PAVE DECO LINK NECKLACE, $51,250, shayjewelry.com
Ondyn Zen Riviere Necklace, $22,500, ondyn.com
Foundrae Resilience Mini Stationary Necklace, from $1,950, foundrae.com
Gabriel & Co 14K White Gold Diamond Necklace, $4,600, gabrielny.com
David Yurman DY Madison® Pavé Bead Chain Necklace, from $19,500, davidyurman.com
Anita Ko TRIPLE DIAMOND INITIAL NECKLACE, $5,350, anitako.com
Shy Creation DIAMOND PAPER CLIP LINK PAVE HEART NECKLACE, $2,890, shycreation.com
