A necklace and earring set is a pendant and a pair of earrings made in the same colour and style, so they match without effort. Wear the whole set with a simple neckline, or split it and wear one piece at a time.
RingDesire's sets are made by hand to order and sent in a gift box. Each listing says what the set includes and gives the sizes. This guide covers how to wear a set, how to choose one and how to give one.
What a set includes
Each set is a single product made up of a pendant necklace and a pair of earrings. Some sets also carry a small pearl accent or a pearl drop, and the style name in the title tells you the look to expect: Victorian, Edwardian, vintage, or Roman and Greek. Because each piece is made by hand, the pendant and the earrings may differ slightly in the carving. That is normal, and it is part of what handmade means.
Whole set or one piece
A set gives you three possible looks.
- The whole set. Pendant and earrings together, for an occasion. Keep the neckline and the rest of the outfit simple.
- Earrings only. For a high neck or a collar, where a pendant would be hidden.
- Pendant only. For days when you want one quiet piece of colour.
Splitting the set is not a compromise. It is how most people get the most from it.
Matching to a neckline
| Neckline | Set or split |
|---|---|
| Scoop or round | The whole set. The pendant sits in the curve. |
| V-neck | The whole set. The pendant follows the V. |
| High neck or collar | Earrings only |
| Square neckline | The pendant sits well inside the square. Keep the earrings small. |
| Off the shoulder | Pendant and earrings together, with the hair up |
Sets in the collection
These sets are all in the intaglio necklaces collection, which includes the sets alongside the single pendants.
- Intaglio necklace and earrings set, vintage style with pearls
- Blue intaglio necklace and earrings set, Victorian bridal
- Blue laurel intaglio necklace and earrings set with pearl drops
- Green intaglio necklace and earrings set, Roman Greek style
- Red intaglio necklace and earrings set in a Victorian style
- Clear laurel wreath intaglio pendant and earrings set in a chandelier style
- Blue glass intaglio necklace set in an Edwardian style with pearl
Wearing a set without looking overdone
The risk with a set is that everything matches and nothing is left to notice. A few habits help.
- Keep the rest plain. A set is already a statement. Skip other necklaces, bracelets and large rings.
- Let the colour lead. Choose one stone colour and wear neutral clothes around it. The guide to choosing the colour of intaglio jewellery has more.
- Check the scale. If the pendant is large, choose a set with smaller earrings, or the reverse. Each listing gives the sizes.
- Leave a gap. Let the pendant sit below the earrings so that the eye moves down in one line.
- Wear the set loosely. It looks best when it appears effortless, not carefully arranged.
Adding other pieces
A set works best on its own. If you want to add something, choose a ring in the same colour from the intaglio rings and keep it simple. Stacking a second pendant on top of a set pendant crowds the carving and hides the detail. The set is already balanced, and a single plain bracelet or watch is all the outfit needs.
Choosing a style
The sets follow the same styles as the rest of the collection: Victorian, Edwardian, vintage, and Roman and Greek. A Victorian bridal set suits a wedding. A Roman Greek set suits anyone who likes classical shapes. A chandelier style set with a laurel wreath suits a long, graceful look. If you are not sure which era you prefer, Victorian, Edwardian or Art Deco? A Quick Guide to Jewellery Styles explains them.
Giving a set as a gift
A set is a gift with no sizing risk. There is no ring size to guess, and each piece arrives together in its gift box. It is a good choice for a wedding, a milestone birthday or a graduation.
- Choose the colour she wears most, or choose blue or clear if you are not sure.
- Think about the neckline. If she wears high collars, remember that the earrings will do most of the work.
- Order in good time. Every set is made by hand to order. It is dispatched within 2 to 5 business days and arrives 15 to 20 days after you place it, dispatch included.
For weddings in particular, read Something Blue: Choosing Intaglio Jewellery for Your Wedding.
Looking after a set
Keep the pieces together in their box when you are not wearing them, with the necklace laid flat so the chain does not knot. Put them on last, after perfume and hairspray, and take them off first.
Frequently asked questions
What comes in a necklace and earring set?
A pendant necklace and a pair of earrings in the same colour and style. Each listing says what the set includes and gives the sizes.
Can I wear the pieces separately?
Yes. Many people wear the earrings alone with a high neckline, or the pendant alone on a quiet day.
Is a set a good gift?
Yes. There is no ring size to guess, and the set arrives in a gift box. It suits weddings, birthdays and graduations.
Does a set suit everyday wear?
A set with smaller stones is the easiest to wear every day. Sets with long drops or large pendants are better for occasions.
How long does a set take to arrive?
Each set is made to order. It is dispatched within 2 to 5 business days and arrives 15 to 20 days after you place the order, dispatch included.