In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleBest Necklaces Under $25Best Stackable Necklaces Under $50Best Pendant Necklaces Under $75Best Gold Necklaces Under $100Best Chain Necklaces Under $150What to KnowWhy Trust PEOPLE?
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Best Necklaces Under $25
Best Stackable Necklaces Under $50
Best Pendant Necklaces Under $75
Best Gold Necklaces Under $100
Best Chain Necklaces Under $150
What to Know
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Photo:People / Marcus Millan
People / Marcus Millan
A necklace is a simple way to add some personality to your everyday look. If you wear a lot of basics, you might consider a more unique necklace to create some intrigue through texture (like a chain) or a focal point (like a pendant). Alternatively, you can layer necklaces and combine different styles to assemble the perfect neck dressing. Celebrities like Katie Holmes and Meghan Markle wear their favorite necklace stacks on repeat.
Jewelers Say“If you are looking to simply grow your everyday collection, a necklace designed for layering is a great choice. These are often long, thin, and delicate necklaces, and may feature smaller gemstones or pendants.”—Kendra Scott, celebrity jeweler
“If you are looking to simply grow your everyday collection, a necklace designed for layering is a great choice. These are often long, thin, and delicate necklaces, and may feature smaller gemstones or pendants.”—Kendra Scott, celebrity jeweler
Amazon
$20$14 at Amazon
There’s something so classic about a single diamond necklace, and we found a gorgeous version of this style for just $15 on Amazon. Obviously, real diamonds will cost you a pretty penny, but this necklace set highlights a cubic zirconia gem that offers a similar look for a budget-friendly price. The set includes two delicate 14-karat gold-plated chains for a layered look that you can stack with other necklaces.
Material:Cubic zirconia, 14k gold plate |Length:14 and 16 inches with 2-inch extension |Style:Chain, pendant
$13 at Amazon
For those who appreciate minimalist jewelry, this delicate cross necklace has a subtle design that adds a little sparkle to your neck. The small gems are made from sturdy cubic zirconia, while the chains are available in rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold — as well as one set of white and yellow gold chains. Beyond those choices, you can also select your preference of 14-karat gold plated or 18-karat gold vermeil.
Material:Cubic zirconia , 14k gold plate or 18k gold vermeil |Length:18 inches with 2-inch extension |Style:Pendant
$28$22 at Amazon
This delicate piece is another simple but chic addition to your neckline. The silver adds a sparkle to your look, while the opal adds a little texture and color. As you might assume with the price, it’s a white gold-plated chain rather than real gold, but with proper care it can last for years. The length qualifies this as a collar necklace, but you can layer it with other necklaces if you want a more dramatic stack.
Material:White gold-plated sterling silver, created opal|Length:17 inches |Style:Collar
Fossil
$65$14 at Fossil.com
For those who want a subtle message with their jewelry, this “kind” necklace is the perfect inspiration. It’s made with gold stainless steel and is quite durable, and it sits at 16 inches, or right under your collarbone. The necklace is perfect for stacking or wearing as a standalone piece. And keep in mind, it’s part of a limited edition collaboration between Fossil and La La Land Kind Cafe to promote kindness and optimism, so it won’t be around forever.
Material:Gold stainless steel |Length:16 inches |Style:Pendant
$14$13 at Amazon
Initial jewelry is everywhere right now. Whether you want to wear your own initial or someone else’s, we appreciate the simple elegance of this Foxgirl letter necklace. It offers every letter in the alphabet, which all look amazing in chic gold-plated brass. The necklace is designed for long-term wear, so it’s hypoallergenic, lead-free, and nickel-free to prevent any irritation, even for those with sensitive skin.
Material:14k gold-plated brass |Length:15.74 inches with 2-inch extension |Style:Pendant
$14 at Amazon
If you like the traditional look of pearls but with a contemporary design, we suggest the Klenai set of gold pearl necklaces. This combined set is just $14 on Amazon and offers a trendy, minimalist look that you can wear every day. The separate chains allow you to mix and match, should you want to stack with other pieces, and they’re less likely to get tangled than a double-stranded necklace with one clasp.
Material:Brass, pearls |Length:14 and 16 inches with 2-inch extension |Style:Cable chain, pendant
Turandoss
$16 at Amazon
If you can’t decide what necklace silhouette to wear, this set from Turandoss gives you three popular options you can style in a variety of ways. Whether you like the dainty pearl choker, the simple bar chain, or the longer circular pendant, or even a combination of two or all three, this set gives you the flexibility to change your look often — while maintaining a cool, chic style. Not to mention, you’re getting three necklaces for $15, which is, in all senses of the word, asteal.
Material:14k gold-plated brass |Length:16, 18, and 23 inches with 2-inch extensions |Style:Choker, pendant, and bar
Frasier Sterling
$28 at Frasiersterling.com
This choker is slightly thicker than other chain necklaces — a statement piece in its own right — but can certainly be layered with other chains when your desired look calls for it. It’s made from 14-karat gold-plated brass which allows for the low price, and can last for many years with proper care.
Material:14k gold-plated brass |Length:11.5 inches |Style:Choker
Baublebar
$42 at Baublebar
Material:Gold plated, brass casting, stainless steel |Length:14 inches with 3-inch extender |Style:Collar
Banter
$55 at Banter.com
Some people really live in one camp for jewelry, so if you go all in on silver, this necklace is a great staple to wear every day. Its thin chain blends in well with your neckline and makes for a great layering piece. It’s available in lengths ranging from 16 to 24 inches depending on where you want it to sit between your neck and your chest. The loops form a small chain, so it’s quite delicate in appearance, though the sterling silver should fare well for many years with the right care.
Material:Sterling silver |Length:16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 inches |Style:Chain
Uncommon James
$62 at Uncommonjames.com
Maybe you like the idea of some personalization but with a more creative design. Uncommon James answers that call with the Personalized Touch necklace. The letter pendant sits slightly off-center with a gemstone at the front — creating a unique silhouette that stands out from other initial jewelry. Every letter is available, and you can choose from gold-plated brass or rhodium-plated sterling silver to ensure the most curated design for your preferences.
Material:14k gold-plated brass, rhodium-plated sterling silver, cubic zirconia |Length:16.5 inches with 2-inch extension |Style:Chain
J.Crew Factory
$45$20 at J. Crew
If you like statement jewelry pieces, the J.Crew Factory Three-Layer Necklace will definitely catch your eye. This playful necklace has one thick paperclip chain attached to two thinner chains with unique clasps and pendants. It’s only available in one color — gold, but it’s a bright shade and can be dressed up or down. Since this one is already stacked, you don’t really need to layer it with other strands so you’re getting plenty of neck texture for one price.
Material:Steel, brass, zinc, cubic zirconia. |Length:16, 16.5, and 17.25 inches with 2-inch extension |Style:Chain
Bloomingdale’s
Buy on Bloomingdales$55 at Kendrascott.com
Material:14k gold-plated over brass |Length:15 to 17 inches and 17 to 20 inches |Style:Pendant
Pandora
$75 at Pandora.net
If you like the idea of heart-shaped jewelry but don’t want a huge locket, this triple-stone necklace from Pandora is a good alternative. It features a small pendant with three dainty gems of cubic zirconia that give your neckline a little shine. You can get it in either sterling silver or gold plate, but there’s a significant price difference, so we’re recommending the sterling silver necklace for this price category.
Material:Cubic zirconia, sterling silver, 14k gold-plated |Length:17.7 inches |Style:Pendant
Kate Spade
$36 at Walmart
Celebrities have long loved Kate Spade, and so do we! In particular, we love the symbolism of this Kate Spade Infinity necklace. With its knot design, this pendant is the perfect way to tell a special someone that you’re locked in. The chain is gold-plated metal with a glass diamond-looking gem, that’s both minimalist and sophisticated.
Material:Gold-plated metal, glass gem |Length:17 inches with 3-inch extension |Style:Pendant
$65 at Fossil.comBuy on Watchstation.com
The Fossil Harlow Chain Necklace is the ideal circular pendant, with just a hint of texture on the charm. It comes in a light gold stainless steel that meshes well with silver if you like to mix metals. The simple design makes the necklace a great option for layering, but it can also be a standalone piece if you prefer minimalistic jewelry. There are several adjustments at the clasp you can make to change the lengths, but when you have it on the tightest setting the end hangs down like a stylish tail.
Ana Luisa
$65 at Analuisa.com
We’ve shown you a few different letter necklaces, but this is one of the most durable — ergo, why it’s at a higher price. The Ana Luisa Letter Necklace has two options: one made of 14-karat gold on sterling silver and the other, solid sterling silver. The metals are water-resistant and have a two-year warranty to ensure the necklace’s longevity. The chain and the initial itself are both quite small and dainty so it’s a wonderful piece of jewelry for those who believe in the principle of less is more.
Material:14k gold on sterling silver, sterling silver |Length:16 inches with 2-inch extension |Style:Pendant
Mejuri
$98 at Mejuri.com
Material:Gold vermeil, sterling silver, white sapphires|Length:16-inch with 2-inch extender |Style:Collar
Made By Mary
This vertical bar necklace looks great with a lower-neckline blouse or top. With options for a gold or silver look, this necklace can match any aesthetic (especially if you like to mix metals with your jewelry). For a personal touch, you can add a word or name (up to 12 letters) on the lower half of the bar pendant. The necklace works as a standalone piece but also looks trendy when layered with shorter chains.
Material:14k gold-filled, sterling silver |Length:16 to 18 inches |Style:Lavaliere
Oak and Luna
$100 at Oakandluna.com
For those who want to wear their name proudly wherever they go, this name necklace is a chic way to do so. It’s made with an 18k gold-plated chain which connects to the word in a script font. You can choose your length at the time of purchase — from 14 to 18 inches with a two-inch extender. There is a cap of nine letters for the word, so if your name is longer than that, we would recommend doing your initials instead.
Material:18k gold-plating |Length:14 to 18 inches with 2-inch extender |Style:Chain
$148 at Mejuri.com
Material:14k yellow gold, white gold |Length:16 to 18 inches |Style:Chain
Bonheur Jewelry
$110 at Bonheurjewelry.com
Styled with a popular paperclip chain, this necklace is a fun but delicate piece of jewelry. It has a slightly cooler gold tint rather than a warm yellow gold, though it’s actually 18k gold overlaid over sterling silver. You can opt for the 15 or 17 inch length depending on if you want to layer the necklace with others. Paperclip chain necklaces have seen wide popularity in the last two years for their simple but visually interesting design, and now you can add one to your jewelry collection to create a texture moment at your neckline.
Material:18k gold overlay over sterling silver |Length:15 and 17 inches|Style:Chain
Kendra Scott
$120$90 at Kendrascott.com
Material:14k gold-plated over brass, white pearls |Length:17.5 inches|Style:Chain/pearl
$135 at Pandora.net
With a slightly thicker chain, the Pandora Infinity Necklace has just a little more weight to it than the Mejuri one. This makes it ideal jewelry for adding charms — a practice the Pandora brand is known for. You can actually fit up to 10 charms on this necklace, such as a lock, key, heart, and so many more. As with the other Pandora necklace, the gold-plated necklace costs more than the sterling silver, so just keep that in mind when shopping.
Material:14k gold plate, sterling silver |Length:19.7 inches |Style:Chain
$198 at Mejuri.com
Compared to a standard chain necklace, a snake chain like this one is definitely more of a statement piece. It won’t get lost in your clothing, but rather steal the show as a focal point. It’s designed for everyday wear and should last a long time.
Material:Sterling silver, gold vermeil |Length:16 to 18 inches |Style:Snake chain
The material of a necklace can determine how it looks and how long it lasts. “The metal material used is the most important way to determine the quality and wearability of the piece,” says Scott. She explains that standard “fashion jewelry” is usually 14k gold plated which maintains the look of gold but at a more budget-friendly price, like the gold-platedBaubleBar Dulce 18K Gold Necklace. Whereas, real gold, such as solid 14k gold, will last longer, but cost a little more. We opted for more affordable options while keeping quality in mind. “Invest in the pieces you wear daily — the 14K yellow, white or rose gold you choose as your core items will last a lifetime,” she says.
There are so many styles of necklaces that it’s almost impossible to choose just one (and you don’t have to!). For those who want to keep it simple, a thin chain or short collar necklace adds some glimmer to your look without overpowering anything. On the other hand, if you want a bolder necklace, you can rock a statement piece like theAshton Gold Half Chain Necklace in White Pearl. “If shopping for a special occasion, styling your look with a statement piece is a great way to elevate your look and show off your personal style,” says Scott.
She adds that you can personalize a necklace as a custom style. “You can always add charms, or engrave a meaningful message, number or letter to help tell your own story through jewelry,” Scott says.
The last element of necklace shopping to keep in mind is price, but it’s an important one. Necklaces can range the gamut in cost since various materials and gems have different values. Plated pieces will offer the look of real gold or silver, but sell at a lower cost — like theFoxgirl Gold Initial Necklacewhich comes in under $15 — whereas real gold or silver, and especially those with gems will be quite a bit pricier. And if diamonds are involved, you should have your checkbook ready, of course.
Madison Yaugeris a shopping editor at PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. She’s also an avid jewelry wearer, always looking for the next shiny necklace, ring, bracelet, or pair of earrings to add to her collection. For this story, she spoke to celebrity jeweler Kendra Scott, as well as heavily researching the market of necklaces to determine the best picks for different styles and budgets.
Our Expert PanelKendra Scott, celebrity jeweler and founder of Kendra Scott jewelry brand
Kendra Scott, celebrity jeweler and founder of Kendra Scott jewelry brand
source: people.com