Treat Your Valentine (or Yourself) to Our Favorite Budget-Friendly Necklaces
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From sparkly Amazon favorites to quality Mejuri pieces, most of our finds land under $100
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.
“If you are looking to simply grow your everyday collection, a necklace designed for layering is a great choice,” celebrity jeweler Kendra Scott tells PEOPLE. “These are often long, thin, and delicate necklaces, and may feature smaller gemstones or pendants.” She suggests finding necklaces of different lengths so you can layer them in fun arrangements.
Regardless of what style, metal, or length you choose, a necklace can add a level of whimsy and sophistication to your look. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to find the best stackable or trendy necklaces — we’ve organized our list by price, so you can find what you need at a price you like. Read on to see our picks for the best necklaces for women (or anyone who wants a bit of bling).
Best Necklaces Under $25
Tewiky Dainty 14k Gold Plated Long Lariat Necklaces
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 gem, 14 karat gold plate | Length: 14 and 16 inches respectively, with 2-inch extension | Style: Chain, pendant
Pavoi 14K Gold Plated Cross Necklace for Women
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 diamond gems are made from a 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 plate or 18 karat gold vermeil.
Material: Cubic zirconia gem, 14 karat gold plate or 18 karat gold vermeil | Length: 18 inches with 2-inch extension | Style: Pendant
Kate Spade Infinity And Beyond Knot Mini Pendant Necklace
Kate Spade
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. As it’s currently almost 70 percent off, now is really the perfect time to add this necklace to your cart.
Material: Gold-plated metal, glass gem | Length: 17 inches and a 3-inch extension | Style: Pendant
Ellena Rose Sterling Silver Opal Necklace
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 La La Land Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Chain Necklace
Fossil
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
Foxgirl Gold Initial Necklace
Amazon
Initial jewelry is everywhere right now — just ask Selena Gomez. 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 with the chic gold-plated brass look. 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: 14 karat gold-plated brass | Length: 15.74 inches with a 2-inch extension | Style: Pendant
Klenai Gold Pearl 14K Gold Plated Necklaces
Amazon
If you like the traditional look of pearls but with a contemporary design, may 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, pearl | Length: 14 and 16 inches, respectively, with a 2-inch extension | Style: Cable chain, pendant
Turandoss Dainty Layered Choker Necklace
Turandoss
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, a steal.
Material: 14 karat gold-plated brass | Length: 16, 18, and 23 inches, respectively with 2-inch extensions | Style: Choker, pendant, and bar
Best Stackable Necklaces Under $50
Frasier Sterling Positano Choker
Frasier Sterling
Maybe it’s the fact that ‘Positano’ is in the name, but we can envision Portia from The White Lotus rocking this choker with her flowy skirts and bucket hat. It’s 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 14k gold-plated brass which allows for the low price, and can last for many years with proper care (i.e. don’t fall overboard on any boats).
Material: 14k gold plated brass | Length: 11.5 inches | Style: Choker
BaubleBar Gia Necklace
Baublebar
Worn by Jennifer Lopez and Katie Holmes, this popular snake chain necklace is a showstopper. The key to a snake chain is it can’t be bent or the metal will get kinks in it. Worn around the collar of your neck, this jewelry is simple but elegant — sitting at 14 inches in length (but can be extended up to 20 inches). While thinner necklaces are generally easier to layer in a stack, the snake chain can also be layered with the right accompanying pieces.
Material: Gold plated, brass casted, stainless steel | Length: 14 inches | Style: Collar
Banter 090 Gauge Box Chain Necklace in Solid Sterling Silver
Banter
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 everyday. 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: 16–24 inches | Style: Chain
Uncommon James Personalized Touch Necklace
Uncommon James
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 or sterling silver to ensure the most curated design for your preferences.
Material: 14 karat gold-plated brass, gold, sterling silver | Length: 16.5 inches with 2-inch extension | Style: Chain
J.Crew Factory Three-Layer Necklace
J.Crew Factory
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. And it’s currently discounted to just $30.
Best Pendant Necklaces Under $75
Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace
Bloomingdale's
Speaking of necklaces that know their worth, the Elisa Pendant Necklace from Kendra Scott is a beloved piece of jewelry worn by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Lucy Hale, and Simone Biles. It’s available with 21 different colors and gems including Ivory Mother of Pearl, Amethyst, and Lilac Abalone. With this necklace, you can choose between two length ranges. So, if you’re looking for a shorter necklace, we would recommend the 15–17 inch chain, and for a longer fit, the 17–20 inch chain. Each of the pendants also has a beautiful metal frame around the edge that matches the gold chain.
Material: 14k gold plated over brass | Length: Choice of 15–17 inches, or 17–20 inches | Style: Pendant
Related: This $50 Celeb-Loved Necklace Is So Popular, One Sells Every Minute
Pandora Triple Stone Heart Collier Necklace
Pandora
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 gems, sterling silver | Length: 17.7 inches | Style: Pendant
Ellena Rose Sterling Silver Opal Necklace
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 Harlow Linear Texture Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Chain Necklace
Fossil
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.
Material: Gold stainless steel | Length: 16 inches | Style: Pendant
Ana Luisa Letter Necklace
Ana Luisa
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: 14 karat gold on sterling silver, and sterling silver | Length: 16 inches with a 2-inch extension | Style: Pendant
Best Gold Necklaces Under $100
Baublebar Lane 18k Gold Necklace
Baublebar
Simple, unique, and timeless — this necklace is an ideal everyday piece of jewelry. Made with 18k gold-plated sterling silver, it doesn’t cost as much as pure gold, but it has its signature look. At 19 inches, the chain sits right at your collarbone as an accent to your face. The cubic zirconia accent gems mimic diamonds for a little sparkle to catch the eye when you walk in a room. It’s understated compared to a thicker or larger necklace, but holds its own as a piece of standalone jewelry. Though should you choose to layer several pieces, this one would fit nicely in a stack — like this one Katie Holmes was spotted wearing.
Material: 18k gold plated sterling silver, cubic zirconia | Length: 19 inches | Style: Collar
Mejuri Floating Sapphire Necklace
Mejuri
This delicate necklace creates a constellation across your collarbone in an array of white sapphires offset by a thin gold chain. As a collar necklace, this is a shorter piece of jewelry, but it has a two-inch extender so you can wear it as a 16-inch length or 18-inch length. The sapphires add a little sparkle while the chain subtly catches the light for a chic and sophisticated look.
Material: Gold vermeil, 18k solid gold overlaid on sterling silver, white sapphires | Length: 16–18 inches | Style: Collar
BaubleBar Dulce 18K Gold Necklace
Baublebar
This 18k gold-plated necklace offers a stylish glimmer to go with that low cut dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion. The negligee style hangs from your collarbone down to your mid-chest and adds just a hint of a sparkle with two cubic zirconia stones on either end of the vertical section. It’s a delicate thin chain, so it won’t overpower your neckline and blends in seamlessly if you want to pair it with a few other necklaces as a stack.
Material: 18k Gold plated sterling silver, cubic zirconia stones | Length: 17 inches | Style: Negligee
Made by Mary Skinny Vertical Bar Necklace
Made By Mary
This vertical bar necklace looks great with a lower-neckline blouse or top. With options for a gold, silver, or rose gold 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, or 14k rose gold filled | Length: 16–18 or 20–22 inches | Style: Lavaliere
Oak and Luna Mon Petit Name Necklace
Oak and Luna
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 — which range 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: 14–18 + two-inch extender | Style: Chain
Best Chain Necklaces Under $150
Mejuri 14k gold Chain Necklace
Mejuri
While you can always wear a chain necklace by itself, this one is screaming to be stacked. The delicate chain comes in both 14 karat yellow gold and white gold and can be adjusted in length to fit most necks or to fit in between stacks. There are lots of ways to wear this necklace whether layered or alone, but regardless, it’s a high quality piece that should last for a long time.
Material: 14 karat yellow gold and white gold | Length: 16 to 18 inches | Style: Chain
Bonheur Jewelry Dalila Gold Chain Link Necklace
Bonheur Jewelry
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 or 17 inches | Style: Chain
Kendra Scott Ashton Gold Half Chain Necklace in White Pearl
Kendra Scott
For those who love a bold but tailored look, Kendra Scott has come through for you with this gorgeous necklace. Half chain, half pearl strand, this necklace is so playful, yet really classy and versatile. It could be worn to the office, on a date, to a wedding, or just to brunch with your best friends. It sits just below your collarbone at 17.5 inches in length, and is made with 14k gold plating over brass for the chain and white pearls. Whether you want the necklace to be a standalone statement or accompanied by thinner pieces for a layered stack, all eyes will be on your neckline with this jewelry.
Material: 14k Gold plated over brass, white pearl | Length: 17.5 inches | Style: Chain/pearl
Pandora Infinity Chain Necklace
Pandora
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: 14 karat gold plate, sterling silver | Length: 19.7 inches | Style: Chain
Mejuri Bold Herringbone Chain Necklace
Mejuri
If you love the flatter look of a snake chain, we have to stand by Mejuri’s Bold Herringbone Chain Necklace. It’s available in sterling silver or gold vermeil (but they vary in price) and with two lengths — 16 or 18 inches.
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 and gold vermeil | Length: 16 to 18 inches | Style: Snake chain
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How to Pick the Right Necklace
Metal Material
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-plated BaubleBar Dulce 18K Gold Necklace. Whereas, real gold will last longer, but cost a little more, such as solid 14k gold. 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.
Chain Length and Extenders
The length of your necklace will determine where it sits across your neck line. “The more length options you have with a piece, the more versatile it is,” says Scott. She adds that you can use the “extender chain on a necklace” to adjust the length, or buy several lengths to create a layered look. For instance, it can spark visual interest to pair a collar-length and a longer necklace like the Mejuri Floating Sapphire Necklace and the Made by Mary Skinny Vertical Bar Necklace.
Style
There are so many styles of necklaces, 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 the Ashton 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.
Your Budget
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 the Foxgirl Gold Initial Necklace which comes in at $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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do certain metals last longer than others?
Yes, they do. “Due to the materials used, fine and demi-fine jewelry will last longer than fashion jewelry,” Scott explains. “However, you can keep a fashion piece for many years if you care for it properly.” She says you should always remove plated jewelry when you’re dealing with water — washing hands, swimming, showering, exercising — or cleaning, applying lotion, or dealing with other ingredients or chemicals.
Most jewelry will come with a pouch of some sort, and these are great to store your necklace in, as well as using a polishing cloth “to keep it looking bright and shiny,” Scott adds. However, if you’re talking about fine jewelry, you can wear it the majority of the time without concern.
How should someone choose a necklace length?
Scott says there’s no real method to finding the right length, it just depends on preference. “Your jewelry box should be filled with a variety of sizes — both in length and scale to create a textural and eclectic feel,” she says. Scott suggests having a mix of chain and pendant necklaces to mix and match on different occasions.
Are thicker or thinner chains better?
Scott says choosing between thick and thin chains “is like asking me to pick a favorite child.” In short, both styles can be versatile additions to your jewelry box. She says thicker chains are trending for their versatility right now because they’re “not as bold as a statement necklace” but can be worn on their own. “The thicker chain also adds variety to your everyday jewelry,” Scott adds. “You can style it with your everyday pieces for a new and fresh look.”
Take Our Word for It
Madison Yauger is a senior shopping writer at PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. 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.
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