18-Inch So You Five Stars Cowboy Boot Necklace

Necklace Lengths

An 18-inch chain hits right at the collarbone and works with almost anything. If you're petite, 16 inches might suit you better. Taller or prefer a lower hang? Go for 20-24 inches. It really depends on your build and what you usually wear.

• 16": Sits at the base of your neck
• 18": The most versatile length
• 20-24": Falls below the collarbone
• 28-34": Hits around the bust line
• 36"+: Long enough to double up

Layering Necklaces

The trick is varying the lengths—keep at least 2 inches between each piece so they don't bunch up. Start with a choker or short chain, then add longer ones. Different chain styles actually help prevent tangling more than matching chains do.

• Space lengths 2-4 inches apart
• Mix chain styles for less tangling
• Include one piece with a pendant
• Three pieces usually looks right
• Same metal or mixed—both work

Matching Necklines

V-necks look great with a pendant that follows the V shape. Crew necks work with chokers or longer chains that drop below the fabric. Strapless tops call for something that fills the space—a collar necklace or statement piece. High necks? Skip the necklace or go long.

• V-neck: Pendant or Y-necklace
• Crew neck: Choker or long chain
• Scoop neck: Short chain or choker
• Strapless: Collar or statement piece
• High neck: Long chain or none

Avoiding Tangles

Hang them separately—that's the simplest fix. A jewelry tree or wall hooks work well. If you're traveling, thread each chain through a straw or store them in individual pouches. Always clasp them closed before putting them away.

• Hang each necklace on its own hook
• Use a jewelry tree or organizer
• Store in separate pouches
• Thread through straws for travel
• Always close the clasp first

Necklace Care

Put your necklace on last, after perfume and makeup—those products can dull the metal over time. Clean gently with a soft cloth when it looks dull. Store properly so it doesn't tangle, and get the clasp checked once a year if you wear it often.

• Put on after perfume and makeup
• Wipe with a soft cloth regularly
• Store hanging or flat, separately
• Check clasps yearly for wear
• Professional cleaning restores shine

Chains: The foundation of necklace jewelry. Worn alone or with pendants.

Pendants: Ornamental piece hanging from a chain. Focal point jewelry.

Chokers: Sit close to the neck. 14-16 inches. Dramatic framing.

Station: Decorative elements spaced along the chain. Subtle elegance.

Lariat: Y-shaped, open-ended. Contemporary styling.

Collar: Sits on collarbone. Often structured, statement-making.

Multi-strand: Multiple chains worn as one piece. Layered look, single clasp.

14-16" (Choker): Sits at base of neck. Works with open necklines.

17-19" (Princess): Most versatile. Falls at or just below collarbone.

20-24" (Matinee): Falls between collarbone and bust. Shows well with high necklines.

28-34" (Opera): Falls at or below bust. Can be doubled for layered look.

36"+ (Rope): Very long. Wrap multiple times or wear single.

Your neck length and typical necklines should guide your choice. 18" works for most people in most situations.

Cable: Classic interlocking oval links. Works with everything.

Box: Square links, modern and strong. Great for pendants.

Rope: Twisted links for textured look. Elegant standalone.

Snake: Smooth, flexible, sleek. Handle carefully—can kink.

Wheat: Woven oval links. Flexible and comfortable.

Figaro: Pattern of small and large links. Italian classic.

Curb/Cuban: Flattened interlocking links. Bold look.

14K gold: Best balance of durability and value for everyday chains.

18K gold: Richer color, good for special pieces.

Platinum: Strongest, never tarnishes. Premium price.

White gold: Versatile, modern. Requires periodic rhodium plating.

Rose gold: Warm, romantic. Growing trend.

For chains you'll wear daily, durability matters. For occasional pieces, prioritize the look you love.

Vary lengths: Create visual interest with different chain lengths.

Mix textures: Different chain styles prevent tangling and add dimension.

Include a focal point: One pendant or statement piece anchors the look.

Odd numbers: Three or five pieces usually look more balanced than even numbers.

Match metals or don't: Coordinated metals look polished. Mixed metals look intentional and trendy.

Anti-tangle tips: Different textures help. Necklace detanglers exist. Store hanging.

Prevent tangles: Hang necklaces or store flat separately. Never toss in a jewelry box together.

Cleaning: Warm soapy water for gold. Dry thoroughly.

Clasp care: Clean clasps regularly—they can get gummed up and fail.

Travel: Thread through straws or use a travel jewelry organizer.

Professional maintenance: Have valuable necklaces inspected annually for weak points.