Chiara Perera wears Heavenly London's Diamond Collar with a bandeau maxi dress by Dissh.
I’ll admit, I'm a self-confessed magpie. Anyone who knows me will know that I’m rarely without pearl drop earrings—sometimes I even pop them on before my morning walk. They've become part of my uniform; a piece I feel incomplete without.
I rarely wear necklaces, but for years I’ve been searching for the perfect chain to complete my jewellery capsule. Now, I think I’ve sussed the brief, and what I'm after is a demure piece that skims the clavicle and complements all ensembles. That's not to say there isn't a place for showstopping jewels, too—you are speaking to a fan of Harry Winston's designs, after all—but my favourite pieces of jewellery are those you can wear daily that become something you're seldom seen without, like a wedding ring.
Having become part of the welded-bracelet crew, I’m slowly adding to my permanent jewellery stack with pieces that speak to me. Jewellery lends a charming intentionality. I adore the allure of jewels and the ambient glisten of a snaking chain that subtly catches the light.
Minimalist jewellery usually refers to finer pieces, but the common thread across price points is a slimmer or smaller chain. The appeal of a simple necklace is the ability to wear it for a myriad occasions and layer it with others for your desired effect, so there’s fun to be had.
The notion of simplicity is personal, of course, and I believe in dressing for individual tastes and desires. The characteristics of tennis chains, for example, may not represent simplicity for some, but there’s something timeless and undeniably delicate about this style, especially when paired with classic apparel like a crisp poplin shirt and jeans. The same goes for dewdrop chains when styled with a scoop-neck T-shirt and straight-leg jeans. The styling opportunities are endless and entirely personal.
Keep reading for 22 minimalist yet impactful necklaces, and see how some of our favourite fashion people are styling necklaces this season.
A barely-there chain with an alphabet pendant is one for your everyday uniform.
Danielle Jinadu stacks dainty silver chains aplenty (and matching arm candy) for a subtle nod to the silver accessories trend.
Make like Sylvie Mus and complement a form-fitting slip dress with gold accents.
Rachael Clifton shows that drop pendants never go out of style.
Shop My Necklaces Edit:
Pearl Necklaces
High-street retailers may not be your first thought for elegant necklaces, but they provide great options if you're looking for cost-effective jewellery. I own a pair of pearl earrings from & Other Stories and I'm still impressed by the quality five years on.
Long gone are the days of uniformly shaped freshwater pearls. This is where a nostalgic style takes a modern direction.
Jaunty imitation pearls in a flash of oyster white—there's something joyous about this style. Plus, it bears reference to the celebrated styles of the noughties.
Bruna the Label expertly crafts unique iterations of the pearl necklace. The Geneva features a delicate gold chain with a compressed pearl feature. It has a 45cm drop that sits below the collar.
Fine Chains
There's an undeniably vintage feel to twisted chains, especially finer ones. At 1mm, this style is just enough to ensure a slight (but impactful) sheen. Click the link to see how this can be styled as a double-chain.
Crafted from 9-karat solid gold, Otiumberg has created a piece that will become a second skin. Add your pendant of choice for a customisable element.
As the owner of a few of Cinco's pieces, I can't recommend the quality enough. The Tessa Choker features an intertwined design on a shrunken chain and it's feather-light. It reminds me of the necklaces my mother wore in the '80s.
This piece is so delicate, it's barely visible. It has just the right amount of sheen for everyday wear, and as per Mejuri's standard, it's crafted with 14-karat gold that's made to last.
Choker Necklaces
Anuka's rigid collar is synonymous with the typical choker. The hammered necklace wraps around the neck and will best suit bardot necklines.
Don Daphine's exceptional chain with anything from a poplin shirt and tailored trousers to a black-tie outfit.
If you want to embrace 2023's mermaid phenomenon in a subdued way, look no further than this option from Astrid & Miyu.
A diamond-imitation collar is a guaranteed way to elevate an ensemble, and Heavenly London has created one of my favourites on the market. The collar is fully encrusted so the sheen can't be missed. My preferred way of styling this is high on the clavicle with a bandeau neckline.
Pendant Necklaces
With a whimsical name like Peas in a Pod, you may assume this piece alludes to romance, but it's actually an ode to nature and the brand's stance against the effects of climate change. Read more about the origin of this necklace here.
Playful adornments have swept over the fashion world and heart pendants are dominating. Placed on a finely wired chain, this is a contemporary piece that boasts a hint of simplicity.
Engrave this faceted disk spinner with a message and wear it close to your heart. It gets extra kudos for the bobbled detailing—it's these subtleties that make jewellery all the more special.
You can always rely on Monica Vinader for high-quality, consciously created jewels. This polished gold chain with a pop of green onyx is the perfect marriage of tones.
Snake Chain Necklaces
For a pared-back but bolder style, opt for a fluid snake chain.
If you're leaning towards silver jewellery, this is a piece to keep on your radar.
If you appreciate the aesthetic of snake chains but find the regular styles too chunky, opt for a sleeker chain like this.
Droplet Necklaces
Daniella Draper has crafted a tiered length with bursts of rich citrine. You needn't layer this piece, as the hard work is already done for you.
A paper-thin, diamond-clad chain with a drop tier. This one is sure way to appease the magpies amongst us.
This has been highly sought-after since its initial release in 2017, proving its timeless appeal. The fang droplets can be highlighted or tucked beneath other layered necklaces.
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