Layering necklaces is one of the easiest ways to elevate your everyday look. The right combination can instantly make an outfit feel styled and effortless - but getting the balance right takes a little know-how. Follow these five simple rules to layer like a stylist and create a timeless stack you’ll love wearing every day.
1. Start with a Focal Piece
Every great necklace stack begins with one hero piece - the necklace that anchors your look. This might be a pendant with meaning, a personalised charm, or a simple chain you wear every day. Once you’ve chosen your focal piece, build around it with shorter and longer layers that complement, not compete.
A Muru Letter Necklace or Engraved Pendant is the perfect starting point - meaningful, versatile, and made to layer beautifully.
2. Vary Your Lengths
Spacing is key when layering. Aim for around 4–8 cm between each chain so every necklace can shine on its own. This creates that effortless “stepped” effect and prevents tangling.
Try layering a 35 cm choker with a 45 cm pendant and a 55 cm longer chain. The result feels balanced and intentionally styled — not overcrowded.
3. Mix Textures and Styles
The secret to a stylish necklace stack is contrast. Mixing chain styles adds depth and interest - think a delicate link chain paired with a rope or beaded style, or a fine chain layered with a bolder pendant.
This variety gives your layering a more polished, editorial look without feeling too coordinated. Muru’s collection includes a mix of textures that make experimenting easy and fun.
4. Keep Metals Consistent (or Mix with Intention)
For a sleek, cohesive finish, stick to one metal tone - all sterling silver or all 18ct gold vermeil. Muru’s pieces are designed to sit beautifully together, so you can mix and match within one metal family for an effortlessly elevated look.
If you love mixing metals, go for it - just do it with purpose. Let one tone lead and the other accent, for example gold as your base with a subtle silver charm for contrast.
5. Balance Your Layers
To keep your stack looking refined, make sure your necklaces feel balanced in weight and proportion. Your boldest or heaviest chain should sit at the bottom, with lighter pieces layered above.
Using adjustable chains or extenders is a stylist’s secret weapon - they help fine-tune lengths so every layer falls perfectly in place.
Muru’s Layering Favourites
We’ve done the hard work for you! Discover our curated layering stacks here - perfectly balanced combinations designed by our in-house stylists to take the guesswork out of layering. Each stack pairs our most-loved chains and pendants to create an effortless, cohesive look that works for any neckline or occasion.
