A layered necklace stack instantly lifts a simple outfit – until the chains twist into a knot. The good news: tangling is mostly about length, weight and chain style, and it's easy to fix.
1. Leave enough space between lengths
The biggest cause of tangling is chains that sit too close together. Leave around 5cm (2 inches) between each layer. A simple three-layer stack might be:
- Short: around 40cm, sitting near the base of the neck
- Middle: around 45cm, just below the collarbone
- Long: around 50cm or more, with a pendant
2. Mix chain weights
Chains of the same thickness tend to roll into each other. Pair a fine chain with a slightly heavier one, so each sits in its own place.
3. Add a pendant to the longest layer
A pendant adds weight that pulls the bottom chain down and keeps it from creeping up. Our charm necklaces work well as the anchor of a stack.
4. Choose flatter chains for the top layer
Snake chains and flat chains move less than thin cable chains, so they're less likely to twist around the others.
5. Try a layering clasp
A layering clasp (sometimes called a necklace spacer) holds several chains apart at the back. It's a cheap, simple fix if your necklaces always end up knotted.
6. Put them on in order
Fasten the shortest necklace first and the longest last, and give each a quick check in the mirror before adding the next.
7. Store them separately
Most tangles happen in the jewellery box, not on your neck. Hang necklaces or keep each in its own small pouch.
Waterproof layers you never have to take off
Because our necklaces are waterproof stainless steel with 18K gold plating, you can leave your stack on in the shower and at the gym – which also means less untangling. For more ideas, see our guide to stacking jewellery.