Name necklaces became popular in the ’80s but have stuck around. Celebrities and fashionistas still model them. They come in all sorts of fonts and finishes as well, so it’s easy to find one that represents your unique personality. Here are some customizable necklace options that we recommend.
Buying Guide for Name Necklaces
Why buy a name necklace?
Name necklaces aren’t tacky. Don’t listen to those who say otherwise! They’re a great way for you to express yourself in a personalized way. And they don’t even have to display your “real” name. It can be a nickname, your preferred name, or perhaps a new name that you’ve grown accustomed to, like “Mom” or “Auntie.” If you want a personalized piece of jewelry for yourself or to gift to a loved one, you can’t go wrong with a name necklace.
What should you look for in a name necklace?
- Chain Length: The length of the chain should be comfortable. Choker necklaces will obviously sit higher up your neck and usually measure 14 to 16 inches. Longer necklaces will typically be 18 to 24 inches. Think about the shirts that you like to wear and where the pendant will fall in relation to the necklines on your tops.
- Color: The color or finish of the necklace should be one that you love, whether it’s gold, silver, rose gold, or even black. However, it might be wise to spend a little more on a necklace with a quality finish that you can easily maintain with a quality jewelry cleaner versus a finish that could rub off or turn your skin green.
- Customization: Since this necklace should proudly display who you are, making sure that there are customizable options that suit you makes sense. Is there a font that you like? Does this necklace have the option to add rhinestones or charm embellishments? Can you pick a specific length?
Are there any drawbacks to owning a name necklace?
One thing to think about when wearing your name necklace is that everybody around you will know your name, whether you want them to or not. But if that doesn’t bother you, then you have nothing to worry about! If you don’t like any old stranger knowing your name, then a name necklace probably isn’t a good choice for you. Or, you can just wait to wear it only where you’re comfortable with everyone knowing your name.
Our Picks for the Best Name Necklaces
Pros: This name necklace not only has multiple colors, fonts, and sizes to choose from, but it also has the option to add a birthstone accent as well. There’s a maximum of 15 letters and a minimum of one if you only want an initial displayed. The fonts and style mean that this necklace can easily pair with almost many outfits. You can even use numbers instead of letters—your lucky number, a birthday, an anniversary, an age, or even a jersey number.
Cons: If your name is longer than 15 letters, you won’t be able to fit it on this necklace. You also can’t use punctuation marks or symbols. The material is a little thinner than, and not as durable as, other necklaces.
Bottom Line: This necklace offers great customization with lots of options, and even allows for numbers instead of letters. The size is customizable, and the design allows it to be easily paired with almost any outfit.
Pros: This necklace is a great way to display a significant other’s name along with yours. You can connect the names with a heart or with two chains for a layered look. There are multiple colors, fonts, and lengths to choose from to customize it. Plus, you can add multiple shapes and stones. What a nice gift this necklace would make!
Cons: This necklace can’t be cleaned with jewelry cleaners or worn in water, like in the shower or in the pool. Depending on the letters, there might also be sharper edges that could be uncomfortable for sleeping.
Bottom Line: This necklace is great for displaying your and your loved one’s names with cute features such as a heart, birthstones, or even a butterfly. There are multiple customizations, and it’s a great alternative to a painful and more permanent couple’s tattoo.
Pros: The necklace is plated in 18K gold and made of stainless steel, so it’s more durable than other necklaces out there. The gold plating also means that the necklace won’t turn colors, nor will the coating flake or rub off, which also makes this necklace hypoallergenic. It comes in multiple fonts with an extendable chain, and it makes a great gift.
Cons: The necklace can only contain up to eight characters, so longer names won’t fit. While there are multiple font styles, there aren’t multiple colors to choose from. The chain, while extendable up to 2 inches, is only 14 inches long, and there’s no option for a longer chain.
Bottom Line: The necklace is hypoallergenic, so it’s great for people with sensitive skin. There aren’t many customization options, but the durability and overall quality are better than most.
Pros: There are multiple ways to customize this necklace, which is great for making a layered look that’s all your own. From adding hearts, flowers, and rhinestones to a second name on the top chain, you can make it just the way you like it. It’s plated with 18K gold for additional durability. It’s designed to be both delicate and simple, so it won’t appear to be too flashy for everyday wear.
Cons: The chains on this necklace are set lengths (14 and 16 inches), although you can extend them by 2 inches. The chains can tangle while being worn, and they’re not as comfortable for people with thicker necks. The nameplate also has a tendency to spin and distort the view.
Bottom Line: This necklace is dainty and pretty with a range of customizations. The layered look gives it an added bit of class and style, although it’s not a great fit for everyone and might cause some discomfort because of the set size.
Pros: There are multiple fonts and accents available for this necklace. It’s made of highly polished stainless steel for a durable and shiny surface. The multiple fonts can make this necklace good for each age, and you can choose the length.
Cons: Some names might be difficult to read in certain fonts. It might be heavier or thicker than other options.
Bottom Line: This necklace is great for those who love customization and want a variety of fonts and styles to choose from. It’s a thicker necklace, so it won’t feel poky or break easily, either.
Final Thoughts
Name necklaces are a great way to express yourself. While there’s a wide range to choose from on the market today, not all of them will display your name exactly how you want it. It’s important to choose a name necklace that gives you the customization that you want, will be able to fit the characters of your name, and will be clearly legible to others (although, only if you want them to be able to read it!). A good name necklace should have some quality to it, so opting for one that’s real metal or coated with real gold is a wise investment. Overall, name necklaces are a great purchase for yourself or a loved one!
