Give every customer what they need to curate a necklace stack that’s personal, wearable, and easy to add to over time.
If you’ve followed the jewelry trend cycle over the last few seasons, you know that stacking is huge. Whether it’s rings, bracelets, or necklaces, today’s shoppers are looking at the bigger picture more than ever when it comes to their collection. After all, our methods of self-expression are personal, and jewelry is no exception. Looking back, many of you may remember when #NeckMess took over social media, becoming one of the most pervasive forerunners of the “more is more” mentality.
The trend has only evolved since then, and now, stacking isn’t just about piling on more pieces –– it’s about storytelling, intention, and complementing personal style. Today’s customers are implementing parts of their story by choosing styles that reflect who they are for a complete look that’s as dynamic and multifaceted as they are. How can you guide them there as the professional while setting yourself and your business apart?
Let’s jump into a foolproof strategy for promoting, styling, and selling necklace stacks your customers are sure to love.
1. Start With the Basics
Just like rings and bracelets, a well-styled necklace stack begins with a strong base. Encourage your customers to start with one or two everyday staples such as a few chain styles in various sizes or styles –– ones they can reach for again and again.
Talk through the importance of balance –– metal colors, weight, and texture are all important starting points for finding what they need in a stack. Stocking go-to lengths, such as 16″, 18″, 20″, and 24″, helps your customer achieve natural separation and depth without having to guess what will layer well when building their collection.
Sales Tip
Having a few base-layer options on hand in different styles, lengths, and price points ensures that every customer in your store can find something that works for them –– even if they didn’t come in with a necklace stack in mind.
Try building a versatile selection of gold and gold-filled options that feel effortless and wearable on their own but still open the door for layering later. That way, they walk away with something they love now and feel confident adding to over time — keeping your business top of mind for future additions.
These pieces should feel effortless and wearable on their own but still open the door for layering later. That way, they walk away with something they love now and feel confident adding to over time — keeping your business top of mind for later additions.
2. Add Contrast With Accents
Once the base is set, it’s time to build upward — this is where you can encourage your customers to bring in elements that speak to their story and have fun! A pendant that holds meaning, a charm that sparks a memory, or a trend-forward piece that helps them feel current are all really special additions that add personality and depth without needing to overwhelm their stack. The key here is to make it feel approachable. You’re not just helping them follow a trend, you’re also showing them how to build something that reflects who they are.
With so many on-trend options circulating, offering suggestions that fit their lifestyle and aesthetic helps cut through the noise. Plus, it positions you as the expert on more than just the stacking trend. A customer who prefers minimalism might reach for one small accent, such as a bezel-set station or diamond line necklace. Others might want to go bold with mixed textures, eye-catching symbols or motifs, or just layers that create a statement. Let them speak more to what they want and find options that get them there.
Sales Tip
Most customers often need help visualizing to get started, so try making the shopping experience interactive. Use chain guides to help them see different lengths or have try-on stations and displays showing off a few starter stacks — base layer bundles that make a great first step for customers who are just beginning their stack or even shopping for a gift. These not only simplify the decision process but open the door for future add-ons.
Need an easy setup? Our necklace displays are perfect for showing off styled stacks and sparking inspiration right at the case.
3. Make It Personal
Once your customer’s base stack is set, it’s time to make it uniquely theirs. Adding personal touches allows your customers to tell their story, whether through initials, charms, or more prominent accents that reflect what matters most to them.
Consider reimagined ways of personalization that speak for themselves, such as new bubble initials and diamond letters, or explore different ways to add in birthstones, zodiac signs, or spiritual symbols. Custom add-ons are another great way to create something one of a kind and offering these as a service gives your customer an unforgettable in-store experience.
As their guide, it’s important to ask thoughtful questions about what’s meaningful to every customer. Help them choose pieces to build a cohesive stack that not only matches their style but also keeps their milestones, memories, and passions close.
Checklist: Tips for Success
☐ Build a Smart Assortment
☐ Cover the basics and keep 16″, 18″, 20″, and 24″ lengths on hand — they’re the foundation of a good stack and make layering easy for any customer.
☐ Offer a range of go-to, versatile styles that serve as the base for most stacks and work across customer preferences.
☐ Mix in staple pieces for minimalists and bold textures for customers who want more impact — having both options can increase your upsell potential.
Pro Tip
Our website’s search filters make it easier to round out your offering based on what’s moving by allowing you to sort by chain type, length, metal color and more –– see more on Stuller.com/Chain.
☐ Inspire With In-Store Tools
☐ Set up necklace displays that show off well-styled stacks — these will enhance the shopping experience and spark creativity.
☐ Let customers get interactive with lengths, textures, and layering complementary styles.
☐ Starter stacks, such as a base chain and a simple accent, can help customers visualize the possibilities and make great gift options.
☐ Make Meaning Part of the Sale
☐ Keep personalization top of mind with easy accents, such as initials, birthstones, zodiac signs, or motifs.
☐ Think beyond product — communicate and educate on parts of their stack that can symbolize more.
☐ Remember, when you guide your customer to a stack that feels personal, they’re more likely to come back to build on it.
Guide the Stack, Grow the Sale
Like any jewelry trend, how you position it to your customers can make all the difference. With necklace stacking, you can go beyond the product and help any shopper build something meaningful, layer by layer. When you stock with intention, style with purpose, and personalize with meaning, you give your customers a reason to come back, add on, and keep their story growing.
Ready to build your assortment? Explore our vast selection of on-trend and bestselling chain styles, layering-ready necklaces, meaningful accents, and more.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Claire Lyon
Staff Writer
Claire is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in Journalism. Her advanced writing background combined with her love of staying on top of the latest trends helps her find the perfect content to bring to the jewelry industry.