10 Tips for Stacking Name Necklaces Like a Pro

Name necklaces are a staple in modern fashion, but did you know that they go way back to ancient Egypt? Surely, names written on jewellery were very aesthetic, but they also signalled many other things. People believed, and still do, that they signalled identity, power, and spiritual protection.

Name necklaces really took off in the late 20th century. Back in the '80s and '90s, hip-hop artists made bold, chunky gold nameplates seriously cool.

Then along came Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City with her dainty little gold "Carrie" necklace, and suddenly, everyone wanted one. Since then, name necklaces have never really gone out of style.

It’s easy to see why name necklaces are still trending in 2025. And now that layering’s taken over the fashion scene, stacking name necklaces has become a proper fashion statement. Here are 10 tips that can help you create the perfect name necklace stack.

Also Read: Name Necklace Trends: What’s Hot This Year

1. Start with a Simple Base 

The key to a perfect layering is a solid foundation. Take it easy, and start with a clean, minimalist name necklace. Wear thin chains, delicate lettering, and a design that feels timeless. This is your blank canvas!

Easy to wear and easy to love, a personalised name necklace suits any outfit. Pop on your name, someone special’s, or a word close to your heart.

This foundational piece sets the vibe of your whole stack, so you need to pick it carefully. Something that matches your style and wardrobe, so you can add others to it without a fuss.

Also Read: Top Picks for Name Necklaces Inspired by Sex in the City

2. Mix Up the Lengths

A mistake that most people make when they are stacking necklaces is that either they make it too flat or all tangled up.

You can easily avoid it by mixing up the lengths. It helps keep things neat, but interesting. We suggest starting with a choker, then a mid-length necklace, and finishing with a longer chain.

Here’s an example.

Maybe your personalised name necklace has a short chain and sits right on your collarbone. Then layer it with a mid-length chain necklace, which can have a charm or perhaps another name. Lastly, wear something longer, maybe a personalised dog tag pendant.

There you go! Adjustable chain lengths are particularly great for layering, as you can easily find the perfect fit for each layer.

For more tips, don’t miss out on: Layering Your Necklaces is The Vibe

3. Choose Complementary Materials and Finishes

Materials truly decide if your overall ensemble is polished or just mindlessly thrown in together. So, really put thought into the materials you are using. Nowadays, it has been a trend to mix and match materials, but the conventional way is to stick to one type.

If you're starting with a gold necklace with a name, stick to warm tones, but remember, it doesn’t have to be just yellow gold. Rose gold or even brass can add a lovely twist.

Now, if your outfit’s calling for something cooler or a bit more modern, silver or white gold might suit better.

Mixing metals can be great fun, too, just be a bit intentional with it. Choose one metal as your base and then decide whether you want to complement it or create contrast.

Just remember not to combine something super shiny with a heavy matte finish.

Also Read: Which is Better for Name Necklaces: Gold or Silver?

4. Try Different Fonts and Sizes

Name necklaces aren’t just limited to the script font anymore (even though that’s still reigning in 2025, being iconic). Nowadays, there are many more options from cursive to block lettering to handwritten alphabets.

If you mix fonts, it can help your name necklaces pop. You can also play with the sizes. Suppose one of your necklaces is big and bold. Another could be smaller, more delicate. Just make sure you don’t go overboard with big nameplates, as it can end up looking messy.

Your goal is to keep everything clear and easy to read. For more style inspiration related to a necklace with a name on it, read: How to Choose the Right Font for Your Diamond Initial Necklace.

5. Add Personal Touches to Make it Yours

The beauty of a name necklace is that it doesn’t just have to be your own. You can consider a nickname, your partner’s name, or even consider a kid’s name necklace if you have one.

The charm of name necklaces lies in their meaning. When you incorporate elements that are personal to you, you add meaning to the stack and tell your story to others.

Another way to add personalisation is through tiny birthstones or charms like dainty stars or hearts. People also use initials or even engraved symbols. These small details help bring your stack together.

Also Read: 5 Heartwarming Reasons to Get a Necklace with Your Child's Name

6. Pick Complementary Jewellery Pieces

Your stack needs to look intentional. Not something thrown together without a second thought. Therefore, the jewellery pieces must be complementary.

Try different styles and see what pairs with your name necklace and how. Simple chokers, delicate pendants, and minimal chains will also add the little breaks in length we recommended earlier, adding the right contrast.

Texture is important here, too. For example, a fine link chain contrasts nicely with a flat herringbone chain. 

Also Read: 7 Different Styles of Gold Chains and How to Wear Them

7. Avoid Overcrowding the Neckline

Sometimes, less is more. We don’t need tangles, visual chaos, and discomfort, so do not overstack! Two to four necklaces are enough to create a perfect name necklace stack.

You need visible space between each piece so that they don’t fight with each other, no overlapping, and only a lovely layered look where each piece is getting attention!

If you're layering several multiple-name necklaces, choose designs with lighter chains or smaller plates to prevent overload. Remember, the key is effortless layering, not cluttered chaos.

8. Mix Casual and Bold Pieces

When it comes to stacking, contrast is great. Imagine a sleek, simple personalised name necklace with a chunky, bold chain. When you add understated pieces to dramatic ones, it helps enhance the look without much effort.

Contrast also draws the eye. When your minimalist nameplate is juxtaposed with a bold rope chain or an encrusted Cuban link, it becomes the star of the show. This blend of styles keeps your layering unique and fashion-forward.

9. Pay Attention to the Occasion

Your stack should match your setting. For casual days, keep it light: one custom name necklace and a dainty chain or charm. For work, go with elegant, thin layers that don’t distract.

If you are looking for subtle ideas, take a look at our article: 5 Minimalist Necklaces That Pair Perfectly with Office Attire

When you're dressing up, feel free to add a bold chain or engraved pendant. Formal events can handle more shine or volume, just keep the arrangement tidy.

Styling should always reflect the occasion, just like choosing the right shoes or handbag.

10. Experiment and See What Looks Good

You don’t have to go full-stack from day one. Build your collection over time. Try new combinations, test different lengths, play with fonts, or swap in new metals.

Gradual layering lets you figure out what works with your style and wardrobe. Maybe you find that mixing in a child's name on a necklace adds the right sentimental touch. Or you discover that a third chain was one too many.

Trial and error is part of the fun. The perfect stack is the one that feels right for you.

More Tips and Insights

Size matters a lot for stacking. Medium-sized nameplates are ideal as they are large enough to read but small enough to layer. Typically, we recommend lengths between 25-40mm. Avoid oversized plates if you're layering more than two necklaces. They can dominate the neckline and limit your options. When it comes to layering, delicate chains usually do the trick!

As for your outfits, layering can work with both casual and formal attire. Stick to very subtle pendants and necklaces for a day out in a t-shirt, button-up, or blazer. For evenings out, you can be a bit bolder with statement pieces and gemstone chains.

FAQs

What necklace is Colleen Rooney wearing?

She’s been seen wearing gold name necklaces featuring her kids’ names. If you love that look, try combining several dainty gold pieces with different fonts.

Can I wear multiple name necklaces?

Of course, it’s such a vibe right now! Just make sure you follow our tips, and you are good to go!

How to make the perfect necklace stack with name necklaces?

Balance is everything, just enough to look styled, not messy. 

How tight should a name necklace be?

Nothing too tight. It should feel comfy and secure.

Will my girlfriend like a name necklace?

It’s difficult to go wrong with personalised name necklaces cause it is such a sweet gift. Just be mindful that giving your name might seem a bit all-about-you, so maybe go with hers, or pick a word that means something to the two of you.

Conclusion

When you are stacking name necklaces, it’s important you experiment to find the sweet spot. A perfect stack will be balanced and cater to your personal style.

Our biggest tip is that you must have fun! Only then can you build your look thoughtfully and personally, mixing fonts, materials, and lengths.

If you are ready to get started on your necklace, take a look at Argent & Asher’s necklace collection, where you will find beautiful custom name necklaces that last a lifetime and are handcrafted by expert artisans.