How to Choose a Necklace: A Guide to Lengths, Stones and Occasions

Q: How do I choose a necklace by neckline?

High or crew neckline goes with a long necklace or sautoir; a V-neck with a pendant that follows the line; a wide or boat neckline with a choker or short necklace.

по автору: L'Officiel Roma 25 август 2026 г.

Quick answer: to choose a necklace, start from three things — the length (princess 42-48 cm for maximum versatility, sautoir over 70 cm for a statement look), the neckline of the outfit you'll wear it with, and the material (natural stones, pearls, gold or rhodium plating). For a safe gift, a princess necklace with natural stones or pearls between €68 and €102 is the most appreciated choice.

Necklace lengths

Length completely changes the effect of a necklace. Here are the classic formats and who they suit:

Choker / Princess (42-48 cm) — the most versatile. It falls just below the base of the neck, perfect day and evening with almost any neckline.
Matinée (50-60 cm) — sits on the chest, ideal over knitwear and high necklines; elongates the figure.
Sautoir / Opera (70 cm and over) — the statement format of vintage costume jewelry. Worn long, doubled or knotted: it gives presence to the neckline and lights up an all-black look.
Multi-strand — several layered strands (agates, pearls, crystals) for a rich, dramatic look, for ceremonies or evening.

Choosing by neckline

High or crew neckline → a long necklace or sautoir that breaks the vertical line.
V-neck → a necklace with a pendant that follows its line.
Wide, boat or off-shoulder neckline → a choker or short necklace that stays in view.
Classic shirt → a double-strand sautoir or a chain with medallions.

Stones and materials

The material defines the style and the occasion. In Italian vintage costume jewelry the most loved are:

Natural stones — agate (multicolor, for statement pieces), amethyst (elegant purple), rose quartz (romantic), onyx (refined black), tiger's eye (warm, autumnal). Every stone is unique. See our jewelry care guide.
Pearls — single, multi-strand or chain-linked, for timeless classic elegance.
Gold plating — warm and classic, ideal on warm complexions and warm-toned looks.
Rhodium plating (silver tone) — cool and bright, pairs with silver, white and bridal gowns.

All L'Officiel Roma bijoux are hypoallergenic and nickel-free, with 18-carat gold plating: a safe choice even for sensitive skin.

Which necklace for which occasion

Office / day — an essential choker or a chain with a discreet pendant.
Ceremony / wedding — a fine rhodium-plated necklace with cubic zirconia or pearls for the bride; a multi-strand or statement stone necklace for the guest. See the Wedding & Ceremony collection.
Evening — a long sautoir or a multi-strand necklace that lights up a monochrome dress.
Gift — a princess necklace with natural stones or pearls is an elegant, safe idea, from everyday to statement.

How much a beautiful necklace costs

In high-quality Made in Italy costume jewelry, prices range roughly from €63 for a choker up to €280 for a five-strand pearl necklace: the same visual impact as fine jewelry, at a fraction of the price, with authentic natural stones.

Recommended necklaces

Rhodium-plated necklace with red zircons — €63, the choker with character.
Hand-knotted rose agate and opal necklace — €82, delicate and romantic.
Long double-strand gold-plated sautoir — €78, the statement piece.
Five-strand pearl necklace — €280, the important ceremony piece.

Browse the full L'Officiel Roma necklace collection — vintage costume jewelry Made in Italy since 1969.

Necklace care

To make stones, pearls and plating last: put the necklace on after perfume and cream, avoid contact with water, and store it flat or in a separate box. Read the jewelry care guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most versatile necklace length? The choker/princess (42-48 cm) is the most versatile: it suits almost every neckline, day and evening.

How do I choose a necklace by neckline? High or crew neckline → long necklace or sautoir; V-neck → a pendant that follows the line; wide or boat neckline → choker or short necklace.

Gold or rhodium plating for a necklace? Gold is warm and classic; rhodium (silver tone) is cool and bright and pairs better with silver and white. Both L'Officiel Roma platings are nickel-free.

Which necklace makes the best gift? For a safe gift, a princess necklace with natural stones or pearls (€68-102); for a statement piece, a multi-strand or five-strand pearl necklace.

Are natural-stone necklaces all different? Yes: every natural stone has unique veining, so no two necklaces are alike.