How to Layer Gemstone Necklaces: Colour, Chains & Charms

Colourful gemstone necklaces layered with chains and pendants at Lemonberry

How to Layer Gemstone Necklaces

Colourful gemstone necklaces have a completely different feel from a regular chain or pendant. There’s colour, texture and usually a mix of stones that aren’t trying too hard to match. That’s really what I like about them.

You can wear one by itself, but they’re also really fun mixed with pieces you already own.

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Start Here

Let the gemstones be the star

Start with your gemstone necklace.

It already has colour and texture, so you really don’t need to do much else. Put it on by itself first and see how it looks.

If that’s enough, you’re done. If you want to layer it, start adding quieter pieces around it rather than another necklace that’s trying to do the same thing.

Colourful gemstone bead necklace worn as the main jewellery piece
Add a Layer

Try a simple chain

A plain chain is probably the easiest thing to add.

The gemstones give you the colour and the chain gives you a different texture without competing with them.

Try different lengths. Sometimes moving one necklace up or down even an inch is enough to make the whole thing look better.

Colourful gemstone necklace layered with a simple chain
Try Something Different

Add pearls

This is one of my favourite combinations.

Gemstones and pearls aren’t an obvious match, which is probably why I like them together. You get the colour and irregularity of the stones beside something softer and more classic.

Don’t worry about making it perfect. Put them on together and see what happens.

Gemstone bead necklace layered with pearls and a simple necklace
Make It Yours

Add a pendant or charm

If you want a third piece, try something personal.

A small pendant or charm sitting below the gemstone strand gives the necklaces some space and makes the combination feel more like yours.

I’d stop when it looks good. You don’t get extra points for fitting another necklace in.

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Layered gemstone necklace look with chain and pendant details
About All That Colour

Do the gemstones have to match?

No. That’s part of the fun of these necklaces.

You might have pink, green, amber, blue and clear stones all sitting beside each other. You don’t need to find a pink shirt or matching earrings to justify wearing them.

I actually like them with simple clothes because then you notice the necklace.

If you’re layering, you don’t need another colourful necklace beside it either. Let one piece bring most of the colour and use the other pieces for shape and texture.

Colourful gemstone necklace showing mixed bead colours and textures

One gemstone necklace, lots of possibilities

Wear it alone. Add a chain. Try your pearls. Put a favourite pendant underneath it. Some combinations will work and some won’t. You’ll know pretty quickly when you look in the mirror.

If you want help with necklace lengths, spacing, necklines or keeping your layers from tangling, read our How to Layer Necklaces Like a Pro guide.

Or come into Lemonberry in Aurora and we’ll play with them with you.

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