Long, luminous and easy to wear, the long mariner chain necklace is one of those pieces that turns a simple outfit into a polished look in seconds. Over a turtleneck in winter or a light dress in summer, it lengthens your silhouette and draws the eye without ever being too much. Whether you're looking for your first long necklace for women or hesitating between a long necklace and an extra-long one, here's everything you need to know to choose and wear it well.
What is a long necklace (sautoir)?
The French call it a sautoir: a long necklace that hangs noticeably lower than a classic necklace — generally from 70 to 80 cm (28 to 31 in) in length. It falls below the bust and is most often worn over clothing.
The mariner chain, for its part, is recognizable by its oval links, each crossed in the center by a small bar. The design is inspired by the anchor chains used on ships, hence its name. To learn more about its history, read our article on the mariner chain necklace, a timeless classic.
The long mariner chain necklace brings the two together: the length of a sautoir and the graphic character of the mariner chain. The result is a piece that's both chic and relaxed, and that never goes unnoticed.
Long necklace vs. extra-long necklace: what's the difference?
The two terms are often confused. A long necklace measures roughly 55 to 70 cm (22 to 28 in): it falls on the upper chest. Beyond 70 cm (28 in), it's a sautoir or extra-long necklace: it falls below the bust, is almost always worn over clothing, and can be wrapped around twice. To see where each length falls on you, check out our necklace length chart.
The different styles of long necklaces
- The long chain: a long chain, fine or chunky (mariner chain, cable chain, oval links). The most versatile.
- The long pendant necklace: a medallion, coin or tassel at the end of a long chain, for a boho effect.
- The long pearl necklace: the great chic classic, now worn over a sweater or a T-shirt.
- The multi-strand long necklace: several chains of different lengths joined together, for a layered effect.
They all share the same strength: a vertical line that lengthens the silhouette.
Why is the long mariner chain necklace so on-trend?
The mariner chain has made a strong comeback in jewelry in recent seasons, driven by the return of gold jewelry and "signature" pieces you wear all year round. The long necklace is its easiest-to-wear version:
- it lengthens the silhouette thanks to its vertical line, flattering on every body type;
- it dresses up a basic outfit (solid sweater, white T-shirt, little black dress) with no other accessory;
- it can be worn all year, over a turtleneck in winter or on bare skin in summer;
- it's versatile: understated at the office, bolder in the evening.
Our long gold mariner chain necklace
At S&F Bijoux, we designed a long gold mariner chain necklace that features all the hallmarks of this iconic chain: large gold mariner links spaced at regular intervals along a fine chain, for an airy, elegant look.
- 316L stainless steel: water- and oxidation-resistant, it keeps its shine day after day;
- 87 cm (34.3 in) long + 5 cm (2 in) extender, to adjust the drop to your outfit;
- Bright gold finish, which pairs as well with neutral tones as with black;
- Light and comfortable, you'll forget you're wearing it.
Our Favorite
Long Gold Mariner Chain Necklace for Women – 34" Waterproof 316L Stainless Steel Layering Necklace
5,0/5 · 1 reviewElevate every outfit with this long mariner chain necklace, a timeless and refined design. Its gold oval links add a chic, modern touch that naturally draws the eye. Craf…
$29.90
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How to wear a long mariner chain necklace
Over a turtleneck or a fine-knit sweater
This is the most elegant pairing: the gold chain stands out perfectly against a solid knit in cream, camel or black. It structures the outfit and can replace a scarf all on its own.
With a shirt or a blazer
At the office, wear it over a slightly open shirt or under an open blazer: the vertical line of the necklace extends the line of the lapels for a very chic, understated look.
With a dress or a strappy top
In summer or for an evening out, the long mariner chain necklace lights up a square neckline or a sheath dress. Let it hang freely: its length is what makes the impact.
Doubled up
Thanks to its generous length, the long necklace can also be wrapped twice around the neck. You get the look of layered necklaces with just one piece.
Layered
For a more fashion-forward look, pair it with a shorter necklace, like our mariner chain Y necklace, to play with lengths. Our tips for mastering layering are in our article how to layer jewelry like a pro.
Long necklace, Y necklace, choker: which length to choose?
The sautoir isn't the only long necklace: the Y necklace, for example, drops to a point at the neckline while staying closer to the neck. If you're torn between several styles, our guide how to choose a women's necklace compares lengths and silhouettes to help you find the right one. Just remember that the long necklace is the easiest to wear over clothing, while a short necklace is usually worn on bare skin. And to find the exact length that suits you, follow our necklace length guide.
Gold or silver long necklace?
The gold long necklace is the most popular: it stands out against cream, camel and black knits, and warms up your complexion. Silver is better suited to cool skin undertones and gray, blue or white wardrobes. To find out what suits you, try our tests in gold or silver jewelry: how to choose.
Matching your long mariner chain necklace
For a cohesive look, repeat the mariner chain on another piece, sticking to the same gold tone:
- on your wrist, with our leopard mariner chain bangle, which adds a touch of personality;
- on your ears, with mariner chain stud earrings, understated and coordinated.
Avoid piling on several long necklaces, though: a single one is enough to set the tone.
Caring for your long necklace
316L stainless steel is one of the most durable materials in fashion jewelry: it handles water and doesn't rust. To keep its shine intact as long as possible, a few simple habits are all you need:
- apply perfume and lotion before putting on your jewelry;
- wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing it;
- store it flat or hanging to keep the chain from tangling.
To learn all about materials, read our article sterling silver, gold-plated, solid gold: what's the difference? and our guide to caring for your jewelry every day.
Frequently asked questions about long necklaces
How long is a sautoir necklace?
A sautoir usually measures between 70 and 100 cm (28 and 39 in). Our mariner chain long necklace is 87 cm (34.3 in), with a 5 cm (2 in) extender to adjust the drop.
Can you shower with a stainless steel long necklace?
316L stainless steel is water-resistant and doesn't rust. To best preserve the gold finish, however, it's still a good idea to take it off before the pool or the beach.
How do you keep a long necklace from tangling?
Store it hanging or flat, with the clasp closed, and separate from your other jewelry. If you wear it with another necklace, keep at least 5 cm (2 in) between the two lengths.
Can you wear a long mariner chain necklace every day?
Yes, that's actually the whole point: light and easy to pair, it works as well with jeans and a sweater as with a dressy outfit.
Ready to treat yourself? Shop our long gold mariner chain necklace and our full selection of women's necklaces. We're based in Aix-en-Provence, France, and offer free shipping to the USA.
