These necklace styles are practically perfect: dainty, durable, and ready to wear every single day. Yes please!

Gold chain necklace on Etsy
Photo by Lace and Pearls Jewelry

Delicate and understated, an everyday necklace is the epitome of classic glam. There’s no one necklace that qualifies as the ultimate everyday necklace. Rather, jewelry shops on Etsy embrace a fuss-free approach to necklace design that focuses on simple details, incredible craftsmanship, and out-of-this-world quality metals.

Everyday necklaces are meant to mix and match with a variety of outfits and occasions. Your everyday necklace can be the star of your necklace stack or a minimalist chain with a meaningful pendant like a birthstone or initial charm that’s secure enough to wear non-stop.

We’ve rounded up a stellar sampling of our favorite everyday necklaces: They’re unique yet affordable and handcrafted especially for you. Read on to discover how to choose the ultimate everyday necklace—from the best materials and common lengths to a few only-on-Etsy styles to kick off your shopping.

How do you choose an everyday necklace?

Whether you’re looking for a funky everyday necklace to add a playful element to your day-to-day wardrobe, a sentimental piece to keep memories of your loved ones close, or a reliable, go-to necklace you know will look good with any outfit, you’ll find it from necklace shops on Etsy. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the perfect everyday necklace for your jewelry collection.

Get inspired by the classics

Gold herringbone chain
SHOP: Herringbone chain from Saharas Essentials, $46

There’s a reason why timeless designs like pearl necklaces and simple gold chains have earned a reputation for being classic pieces: They truly never go out of style. An everyday necklace is designed to have serious staying power, so starting with a basic is always a stylish move.

Classic most definitely doesn’t mean boring when it comes to everyday necklaces on Etsy. Delicate gold or silver chain necklaces with intricate link patterns catch the light without the need for any extra adornment. A tennis necklace gets a modern makeover with multi-hued beads and gems. Focus on a wearable length and neutral tones for maximum pairing potential in your wardrobe.

Pick a practical length

Everyday pearl necklace from Etsy
SHOP: Pearl beaded necklace from Simply Wire Co., from $19

When in doubt, go shorter rather than longer when it comes to choosing an everyday necklace. Short and medium chains, like an 18-inch “princess-length” necklace, can be worn with a variety of necklines and transition easily from day to night. If you truly plan to wear your necklace most days, a long style could get in the way.

Know your metals

Personalized bar necklace
SHOP: Personalized bar necklace from Luv Lace Jewels, $27

Since you’ll be wearing your everyday necklaces, well, every day, you’ll want to choose a necklace made from materials that are both durable and stylish. Precious metals such as gold, sterling silver, and platinum will hold up against daily wear and tear, sweat, perfume, and body oils. They are also ideal for necklace wearers with sensitive skin, as are other hypoallergenic materials such as titanium, nickel-free stainless steel, and surgical-grade stainless steel.

The beauty of buying jewelry on Etsy is that you’re purchasing directly from the maker. Sellers provide majorly detailed descriptions with their listings full of all the jewelry terms you need to know in order to make a smart purchase. If in doubt, you can always message the seller directly, too, because you’re buying from a real person.

Love the idea of an everyday necklace but want something that pops? Add one of these fresh jewelry trends to your neckline.

Everyday necklace styles

Everyday necklaces can (and should!) be full of personality. The best necklaces say something about you, whether it’s expressing your love of color, your willingness to take fashion risks, or simply highlights your love of well crafted jewelry. An everyday necklace doesn’t have to check off every tip we’re sharing here, but use these ideas to start shopping for an everyday necklace you adore.

Make it fun

Beaded necklace
SHOP: Beaded friendship necklace from Jill Makes, $48

Styles that make you smile are more likely to be worn everyday. Charm necklaces are super easy to customize with pendants that showcase what makes you special: a monogram, birthstone charm, or something you just can’t get enough of like a favorite animal or activity.

Want an everyday necklace that holds a secret meaning just for you? A locket is one of the top necklace styles on Etsy. These everyday necklaces are designed to hold a photo of your loved one and some styles feature an inscription, too.

Make it personal

Astrology necklaces
SHOP: Astrology necklace from EVREN, from $89

The surefire way to make your everyday necklace one of a kind? Personalize it! Your name, birthdate, birthstone, birth flower, zodiac sign, favorite state … small shops on Etsy design simple necklaces with creative customizations that are all about you.

Name necklaces are a great addition to your collection and can be layered easily with other designs if it’s a necklace stack kind of day. Opt for the initials of a loved one or a monogram representing both of you together.

Make it versatile

Gold lariat necklace
SHOP: The Cowrie infinity necklace from Omi Woods, from $128

Get the most bang for your buck when you opt for an everyday necklace design that pulls double duty. Convertible styles like lariat necklaces or extra-long infinity you can loop and double up give you twice the style in a single piece. Many jewelry designers on Etsy incorporate adjustable closures, too, that allow you to adjust the length of your necklace. Multi-strand necklaces look like many necklaces layered together but use a single closure which helps prevent tangles.