Necklaces & Pendants

Necklaces are jewellery worn as an adornment around the neck, and have been worn for thousands of years. In ancient cultures, a necklace fashioned from precious metals and gems could signify status, and necklaces containing certain stones and gems were thought to offer protection or bring luck. Necklaces have also long been worn to signify religious beliefs, and cross necklaces are still a popular choice.

Today necklaces are a popular gift for romantic partners who want to choose something meaningful that is not a ring, and are also ideal gifts for family members and friends. Necklaces can make a strong personal statement, with many options such as a heart necklace, personalised necklace, initial necklace or zodiac necklace.

Necklaces are a great choice for gifts as they are one size fits all. Looking to celebrate Mother's day? Consider a mum necklace engraved with a personal sentiment. Or explore a range of birthstone necklaces that can represent the birth of her children.

The right size for a necklace is completely dependent on your personal style and taste. Some people prefer their pendant or chain necklace to sit level with or just below their collar bone, while others might prefer a longer style. Consider the length of a chain before purchasing and make sure it will sit where you want it to by using our necklace length guide. When purchasing necklaces online, it can be helpful to select a favourite necklace from your existing jewellery wardrobe and measure it to find which length to purchase. At Michael Hill, our women’s sterling silver and gold necklaces come in a range of weights and lengths. These can be worn alone or layered by mixing different lengths, weights, and textures to create a bold fashion statement. Men's necklaces are typically shorter in length, sitting around the collarbone, however some men do prefer to wear a long chain.

At Michael Hill, we recommend taking off your necklace before bedtime. While our jewellery is crafted for both beauty and durability, wearing it to bed can increase the risk of damage, tangling, and discomfort. Additionally, sleeping with necklaces can lead to skin irritation, making it a good practice to remove them before resting for a comfortable and uninterrupted night's sleep.

While there are certain styles of necklaces that are more classic or traditional, a timeless style of necklace will ultimately be something that you cherish and never want to take off. A gold necklace is a popular choice as you can go with white, yellow or rose gold with various pendants such as a simple diamond solitaire or a zodiac symbol. A pearl necklace embodies timeless elegance and is something that can be passed down for generations, as is a diamond pendant necklace. A heart necklace is also a style that has been popular for many years. A sterling silver or gold initial necklace is another timeless choice that can be easily paired with other jewellery. A diamond necklace is not just a piece of jewellery; it's a statement of enduring style and sophistication.

Yes, you can wear the same necklace every day. Wearing the same necklace every day is not a faux-pas. On the contrary, when chosen correctly, it can make you look even more polished. It’s true: picking a single high quality necklace to wear day in, day out will solve your styling dilemmas and save you precious time.

Choosing the right necklace involves considering several factors. Here are some tips to help you choose the right necklace:

• Measure your neck: Before purchasing a necklace, measure the circumference of your neck. This is especially important if you’re considering buying a short chain, like a collar or choker.

• Evaluate your neck length and width: Short chains, like collars and chokers, look most flattering on those who have long, slender necks. If you have a short neck, you can make your neck look longer by choosing a chain that measures between 20 and 24 inches (50 and 60 cm) in length.

• Choose according to your neckline: Different necklaces look good with different necklines. Be mindful of the pendant when deciding what necklace to wear. The pendant’s shape can make or break your look.

• Consider your outfit: For a special occasion or a party, try to choose your jewellery after deciding the dress you’re going to wear to ensure that your jewellery doesn’t clash with the neckline or sleeves.

• Personal style: Ultimately, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and that the necklace represents your personal style.

Feel free to experiment and find the best aesthetic for you.