How to Choose the Perfect Necklace: The Complete Guide by Eredi Jovon

Jewelry is not meant to give women an aura of wealth, but to make them beautiful. (Coco Chanel)

Eredi Jovon and the Art of the Perfect Necklace

Among jewelry, necklaces have a unique charm: they speak of style, personality and refinement. They complete an outfit and reveal something about the wearer, illuminating the face and décolleté with natural grace.

Since the earliest days of humanity, people have decorated their bodies with objects meant to communicate identity, belonging and protection. An extraordinary discovery in the Bizmoune cave in Morocco revealed 33 perforated shells dated up to 150,000 years ago: the oldest known symbolic ornaments. A reminder that jewelry has always been a language of meaning.

Across centuries and cultures, necklaces evolved with civilizations. Ancient Egypt celebrated gold and lapis lazuli. Rome and the Mediterranean crafted cameos, corals and stones filled with myths and daily life. In Italy, and especially in Venice, this tradition survives through the artisanal work of Eredi Jovon, who create necklaces with elegance, authenticity and mastery.

Even the word “necklace” hides much more than adornment. Each piece tells a story. This guide explores types, lengths and styles, and offers tips for choosing the perfect necklace for any occasion.

Discovering the World of Necklaces

Every necklace has its own identity. Its length, form and style change how it illuminates the wearer. In this guide you will find:

• The main necklace lengths and what defines them.
• The most common styles, from chains to pendants.
• How to choose the right necklace based on neckline and outfit.

Necklace Lengths and Their Definitions

• Choker (30–38 cm): modern, fitted to the neck, ideal with open necklines.
• Short Collier (35–40 cm): structured elegance at the base of the neck.
• Collar (40–45 cm): soft, refined, perfect for round and boat necklines.
• Princess (45–50 cm): the most versatile length.
• Matinée (50–55 cm): ideal for daytime and office looks.
• Long / Sautoir (65–90 cm): refined, often worn double.
• Opéra (70–90 cm): elegant for special evenings.
• Rope / Extra Long (over 90 cm): versatile, perfect for knots and layering.

Choker

Short, modern and close to the neck. Perfect with open shoulders or round necklines. Historically linked to symbolism and elegance.

Short Collier

A precious statement piece often enriched with stones or diamonds. It sits at the base of the décolleté and is ideal for elegant outfits.

Collar Necklace

A soft, classic shape that enhances the neck. Born in Victorian times, it remains a timeless symbol of refinement.

Princess Necklace

The most universal length, resting below the collarbone. Suitable for nearly every neckline.

Matinée Necklace

Elegant and versatile, perfect for daytime looks or office outfits. Its length flatters both shirts and dresses.

Long Necklace

Dramatic and adaptable. It elongates the silhouette and adds movement. Can be worn long or doubled.

Opéra Necklace

A classic for special occasions. Long, harmonious and refined. Beautiful with formal dresses.

Rope Necklace

Extra long and playful. Can be knotted, doubled or layered. Ideal for creative styling.

The Different Types and Styles of Necklaces

Link Necklace

A sequence of metal links, from delicate to bold styles. A timeless essential.

Pendant Necklace

A slender chain featuring a symbolic center element. Perfect for adding meaning to a look.

Charm Necklace

A chain enriched with multiple pendants, each telling a story. Expressive and playful.

Multi-Strand Necklace

Several strands combined for volume and movement. Elegant or casual depending on materials.

Rigid Necklace

A sculptural, contemporary piece. Defines the outfit with clean geometry.

Plastron Necklace

Bold, dramatic and eye-catching. Ideal as the focal point of a simple look.

Pearl Necklace

A timeless symbol of elegance. Perfect for formal or modern outfits alike.

Teardrop / Lariat Necklace

Long and sensual, creating a vertical line that enhances the décolleté.

Rosary Necklace

A piece with spiritual roots, now also worn as a symbolic and fashionable accessory.

Torchon Necklace

Twisted strands that create texture and brilliance. Refined and distinctive.

Medallion Necklace

A bold central pendant that becomes the heart of the look.

Tie Necklace

A modern Y shape that elongates and highlights the neckline.

Lavalier Necklace

Romantic and feminine, with a pendant that ends in a second dangling element.

Layered Necklaces

Two or more chains combined into a harmonious and trendy composition.

Initial Necklace

A letter or symbol that carries identity and sentiment. A meaningful gift.

Necklines and the Right Necklace

V-neck

Choose chokers or princess lengths that follow the shape of the neckline.

Square Neckline

Princess length with geometric pendants enhances symmetry.

Sweetheart Neckline

Short, luminous necklaces that complement the natural curve.

High Neckline

Princess, matinée or opera necklaces add definition and light.

Round Neckline

Longer lengths add contrast and movement.

Cowl Neckline

Short, delicate necklaces that do not interfere with the drape.

Asymmetrical Neckline

Soft, discreet pieces or no necklace for a balanced look.

Boat Neckline

A small pendant placed just below the collarbone is ideal.

Bardot Neckline

Chokers or short statement pieces enhance the exposed shoulders.

Halter Neckline

Princess or matinée lengths depending on how open the neckline is.

Straight Neckline

Princess or matinée necklaces complement the linear shape.

A Final Touch of Elegance

Necklaces are small architectures of light and style. Choosing the right one is a gesture of self-care and a way to express personality and harmony. At Eredi Jovon, every necklace reflects craftsmanship, passion and a long tradition of Venetian artistry.