STYLE & JEWELRY GUIDE
Medallion necklace: lengths (45/70 cm), layering & look ideas
Timeless, bright and highly customizable, the medallion necklace is one
of the essentials of a modern wardrobe. Whether worn alone, layered or paired with
a set (buckles/bracelet), it will flatter all silhouettes if it is chosen at the same time.
The right length and diameter. In this guide, Ylume gives
you all the keys to succeed in your layering, harmonize your necklace with your morphology and necklines
, and compose looks that live on a daily basis.
champagne shade, nickel, lead and cadmium-free. The creations are designed in
Aix-en-Provence, with particular attention to comfort, elegance and durability.
Why choose a medallion necklace ?
The medallion concentrates the essence of a successful piece of jewellery: a simple shape that captivates
light, a discrete symbol (star, sun, organic patterns), and a
Chain that balances neckline and bust. Its versatility explains its success:
short, it dresses up a white T-shirt; long, it accompanies a knitted sweater; as a duo, it becomes
a signature.
- Versatility : can be worn alone or as a layer.
- Soft light : the matte champagne finish Ylume photographs beautifully.
- Symbolic : the collections tell the story of a landscape, an ode to light, a haiku.
- Durability : 3 μ gilding for everyday wear (excluding water/perfume).
Choose the right length (38–40–45–60 cm)
The length determines the visual impact of your necklace. Here is a practical table to help you find your way around.
| Length | Position on the chest* | Effect & style | To be preferred with |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38–40 cm (crewneck) | Base of neck / collarbone | Minimal, refined, perfect for layering as a 1st level | Round necks, open shirts, basic T-shirt |
| 45 cm (classic) | neckline | Versatile, ideal balance for medallion 16–22 mm | All: office/everyday, 2–3 row overlays |
| 50–55cm | Between chest and sternum | Soft presence, elongates the silhouette | Fine knits on sweaters, light blouses |
| 60 cm (short necklace) | Upper chest | Effortless look, perfect solo or over knit | Straight dresses, sweaters, turtlenecks |
*The position may vary depending on your morphology and the thickness of the chain.
versatility on a daily basis, 60 cm for a silhouette effect on knits and straight dresses.
Choose the diameter of the medal (and its thickness)
The diameter impacts the perception of the necklace as much as the length: a small medallion (14–18 mm)
is delicate and ideal for accumulation; a medium medallion (20–24 mm) is versatile; a large
medallion (25–30 mm) creates an elegant focal point—especially at 60 cm.
| Diameter | Effect | Recommended lengths | Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14–18 mm | Thin, discreet, ideal for layering (row 1 or 2) | 38–45cm | Daily, Office, Shirt/Blouse |
| 20–24 mm | Balanced, versatile | 45–55cm | From day to night |
| 25–30 mm | Focal point, chic | 50–60cm | Evening, sleek dress, sweaters |
The thickness of the medallion (and the texture: smooth, hammered, engraved) makes the light vary.
The Ylume matte champagne finish naturally softens the reflections and elegantly combines with fine stones (mother-of-pearl
, onyx, quartz, labradorite).
Layering: Layering Necklaces Successfully
A successful layering is based on three principles: the graduation of the lengths,
the balance of the volumes (small/medium/large medal), and the harmony of the textures
(smooth/hammered/stone).
The “3” rule
- Row 1 : 38–40 cm — thin chain or small medallion 14–18 mm.
- Row 2 : 45 cm — medium medal 20–22 mm or discreet pendant.
- Row 3 : 50–60 cm — medal 24–28 mm (focal point).
Harmonize textures
To hang the light without overloading, combine a smooth chain with a hammered medallion,
or a smooth medallion with a link chain. Add a gemstone to
one of the rows as a colorful note— mother-of-pearl for softness, onyx for contrast, quartz for sparkle.
Proportions & necklines
- Round neck : 38–45–50 cm (small → medium → medium medallion).
- V-neckline : 40–45–60 cm (small → medium → large).
- Turtleneck : 45–50–60 cm (medium medal → large → large).
- Shirt (open 1–2 buttons): 38–45 cm, leave 60 cm solo if the fabric is textured.
“One star per look”: In your layering, only one row should be the “star”.
The others support and structure.
Morphology & Medal Necklace
All silhouettes can wear medals, but some lengths will emphasize your lines more.
- Short bust : choose 38–40–45 cm to elongate the base of the neck.
- Long bust : 50–60 cm create an elegant vertical.
- Small stature : diameters 14–22 mm; Avoid very wide medals of 60 cm if the top is loaded.
- Large silhouette : 24–30 mm in 50–60 cm structure the outfit.
Colors & skin tones
The Ylume champagne shade flatters all skin tones: on fair skin, it warms the complexion;
On dark to dark skin, it brings a soft light. Gemstones help to personalize:
mother-of-pearl with cream linen; onyx on black dresses; quartz with light denim;
Labradorite for a mysterious reflection under natural light.
Combine your medal with other jewellery
A medallion necklace lives very well on its own, but it sublimates itself in a soft adornment:
hoops, small curls,
textured bangles and rings.
With hoop earrings
If the medal is large (24–28 mm) or present (engraving/texture), smooth hoop earrings 20–26 mm are preferred.
If the medal is small, hammered or twisted hoop earrings wake up the whole.
With bracelets
Play with the accumulation of thin bangles on the wrist side and let the neck breathe if the medal is strong.
For a slender look, coordinate a stone (mother-of-pearl/onyx) between the necklace and the bracelet.
With rings
A gemstone ring recalls the motif of the medallion without stealing the show. Smooth textures at the neck,
hammered with hands, or the other way around.
“STARS” set
Pair the STARS medal with hoop earrings
champagne and a
minimal rush : a solar signature, day or night.
20 Ideas for Looks (Monday to Sunday)
- White T-shirt + jeans : 20 mm medallion in 45 cm (solo).
- Oversized shirt (1 open button): 40 cm + 45 cm (small + medium).
- Beige blazer : 38–45–60cm (light graduation, smooth/hammered textures).
- Round neck sweater : 50 cm medallion 22–24 mm (solo) + hoop earrings 24–26 mm.
- Black turtleneck : 60 cm medallion 26–28 mm (focal point).
- Wrap coat : 40–45–60 cm (small → medium → large, mother-of-pearl stone).
- Combination : 45 cm 22 mm medallion + hammered bangle.
- Evening satin dress : 50–60 cm (solo) + fine buckles.
- Knitted cardigan : 45 cm + 55 cm, mixed finishes.
- Printed blouse : 40–45 cm (avoid 60 cm if strong pattern).
- Black suit : 45 cm smooth 20 mm medallion + mini hoop earrings.
- Shirt dress : 50 cm hammered medallion 24 mm + minimalist sandals.
- Natural linen (summer): 45–60 cm + mother-of-pearl.
- Raw denim : 45 cm + onyx.
- Black dress (cocktail): 60 cm medallion 28–30 mm + bare cuffs.
- Weekend : 38–45 cm (duo), round neck + light jacket.
- Winter evening : 50–60cm, layered over cable.
- Brunch : 45 cm (solo) + 26–28 mm twisted hoops.
- Civil wedding : 40–45 cm (mother-of-pearl), fine curls & bangle.
- Feasts : 38–45–60 cm (stone + hammered + smooth) in ivory/black/gold shades.
7 Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Lengths too close : leave 5–7cm between rows to avoid knots.
- Any “statement” : a single star row is enough, the others accompany.
- Large medallion with a strong pattern : if your top is very printed, prefer 45 cm small/medium.
- Ignore the neckline : a turtleneck calls for 50–60 cm, a V likes 40–45–60 cm.
- Tangle layering : Vary the links and use a chain divider.
- Neglect maintenance : avoid water/perfume and store separately.
- Forget about consistency : coordinate the stone (mother-of-pearl/onyx) with the accessories and palette of the outfit.
Care & Durability
The Ylume necklaces are made of 18 k 3 μ gold-plated brass (champagne), designed for
careful daily use. To preserve radiance:
- Avoid showers, swimming pools, sea. Remove the collar before swimming.
- Apply perfumes and care before putting it on.
- Store in a dry, separate pouch , away from rubbing.
- Clean with a soft chamois , without abrasives.
More tips on our Gold Plated Jewelry Care page.
Ylume Quality & Selection
Our medal necklaces are designed in Aix-en-Provence and manufactured in France and Spain depending on the collections.
We favor responsible sourcing, high-quality gemstones and reusable packaging
. Discover the selection:
medal necklaces,
all our chains & pendants,
Creoles and
rushes to make up your adornment.
FAQ — Medal necklace
- How long should a medallion necklace be worn on a daily basis?
- The 45 cm is the most versatile length, with a 20–22 mm medallion.
- How do you layer 3 necklaces without them getting tangled?
- Stick to a graduation (40–45–60 cm), vary the links and use a chain divider.
- What diameter of medallion should I choose in 60 cm?
- A 24–28 mm medallion creates an elegant focal point on a sleek knit or dress.
- Can you wear a medal necklace in the shower?
- We do not recommend it to preserve the 3 μ gilding. Remove the jewelry before the water, the sea and the pool.
- Are Ylume necklaces suitable for sensitive skin?
- Yes, our jewelry is nickel, lead and cadmium free for optimal comfort.
Ready to compose your signature?
Explore our medal necklaces, pair them with
Creole and our
bangles for a sunny, durable and easy-to-wear set.
