Dainty Necklace

What Makes a Necklace Dainty?

Dainty is about scale. A fine cable chain, a focal point under about half an inch and a weight of a few grams add up to a necklace you feel only when you look for it. Stones in the 2mm to 5mm range read as small sparks of color, a quarter inch solitaire reads as a single point of light, and slim bars and open circles keep metal to a minimum while still drawing a line.

• Fine chain. Thin links that lie flat on skin.
• Small focal point. Stones of a few millimeters or a slim bar.
• Light weight. A few grams, comfortable all day.

Choosing a Dainty Necklace Length

Length decides where a small necklace lands, so it matters more than the pendant. Around 15 to 16 inches a necklace sits high, close to the throat, and shows above crew necks and shirt collars. Around 18 inches it reaches the collarbone, the most flattering spot for a small stone. From 20 to 24 inches it drops lower on the chest and suits scoop and V necklines, and a lariat adds its own vertical drop below the chain.

• 15 to 16 inches. High, above collars and crew necks.
• About 18 inches. On the collarbone, the classic spot.
• 20 inches and longer. Lower, for open necklines.

Layering Fine Chains Without Tangles

Fine chains are made for stacking, and the trick is spacing. Keep about two inches between lengths so pendants do not collide, put the heaviest or longest piece at the bottom, and mix shapes rather than repeating them, a dot of color above a bar or a solitaire above a Y. The layered necklaces collect the pieces made for building a stack, and the pendant necklaces give the focal point for the lowest layer.

Dainty Necklaces as Gifts

A dainty necklace is one of the safest jewelry gifts, because it suits almost any style and needs no ring size. When you are unsure of the wearer's taste, an adjustable chain covers both the high and the collarbone positions in one piece, and a single stone or simple shape beats a busy design. A small necklace that gets worn every day is a better present than a bold one saved for occasions.

Caring for Delicate Jewelry

Small links and small settings ask for small habits. Fasten the clasp before putting a necklace away so the chain cannot knot, keep each piece in its own pouch or compartment, and take fine chains off before sleeping, swimming or pulling a sweater over your head. A soft cloth after wearing removes the skin oil that dulls stones and plating, and that quick wipe does more for a dainty necklace than any polish.