Whether you’re looking at the pages of Vogue, on your Instagram feed, or at pictures of your favourite celebrity strutting their stuff on the red carpet or sitting in the front row of a major fashion show, you would hard pressed not see one fashion or jewellery item not inspired by the y2k era. An era defined by the introduction of the iPod, Juicy Couture tracksuits and the arrival of reality television, the New Millenium was also the source of many memorable fashion moments. So, it is not at all surprising that many of the jewellery and accessories trends that dominated the airwaves during the early 2000s a making a major comeback in 2023. One of the biggest y2k-inspired trends that we are seeing popping up on red carpets and in the fashion world is statement necklaces.
From gaudy and gothic-looking cross necklaces, playful enamel pendants and other chunky necklaces to the more subdued diamond chains and pearl strands, statement necklaces are all the rage right now. Acting as the perfect outfit centrepiece that will allow you to dress up any ensemble, statement necklaces and pendants offer that perfect finishing touch to any outfit while also helping to bring out the playful side of your personality. A favourite trend for the world’s most fashionable model, Bella Hadid, singer and beauty mogul, Rihanna, as well as everyone’s favourite crush, Harry Styles who have all tried out this early 2000s trend by putting their unique spin on it, read on as we unpack some of the ways you can try the statement necklaces trend for yourself.
These are some of our favourite types of statement necklaces and how you can wear them.
Our Favourite Types Of Statement Necklaces
Heart & Cross Necklaces
One of the most playful styles to emerge from this statement necklace trend is heart pendants. Whether it’s gem-encrusted pieces, diamond set pieces or plain shiny metal pieces, heart necklaces appear to be everywhere at the moment. Often sported with plain camisoles and t-shirts or layered with chains over sleek bustier style tops, it seems like the fashionistas cannot get enough of this bold trend and romantic trend. Another inventive way that people are embracing this trend is by rocking puffy sterling silver heart pendants on a short black velvet or fabric chord. Popularised by the French fashion house, Saint Laurent, this edgy twist on the sweetheart statement necklace played into people’s inner punk.
Speaking of punk, cross necklaces are another y2k trend that has made a comeback on Instagram and TikTok. A favourite from the Kardashian-Jenners, style icon Rihanna and the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, cross necklaces, rosaries and other religious jewellery were once just a moniker for one’s faith, however, more recently they have become a go-to fashion accessory for those looking to highlight their faith. A staple for Italian brands such as Versace and Dolce & Gabanna, two labels known for their use of religious iconography in their couture pieces, jewellery lovers are embracing this trend with large, crystal and gemstone-heavy pieces that are layered with smaller crosses, with dainty diamond cross necklaces worn on their own, or with elegant yellow gold crosses adorned with gold chains.
Luminesce Lab Grown Sterling Silver 0.10 Carat Diamond Heart Pendant with 34 Diamonds
$399.00
A beautiful heart lovingly set with 34 Luminesce Lab Grown Diamonds, this sweet heart is sure to please. A Sterling Silver settting including a 45cm chain. Luminesce Lab Luminesce Lab Grown Diamonds are quickly increasing in popularity as not only… read more
Paperclip Chain Necklaces
Chains and chain-style necklaces have always been a hot commodity for fine jewellery lovers. And while in previous years it may have been more about bold belcher chains, classic curb chains and daintier styles, 2023 is all about the paperclip chain. Currently making waves over everyone’s Instagram feed as well as on the necks of some of the most stylish celebrities, paperclip chain necklaces are a relatively new take on the classic chain featuring elongated links that resemble, you guessed it, paperclips! An excellent way to add some luxe to a plain white t-shirt or help take your look from day to night, paperclip chains are taking the world by storm at the moment. And naturally, so are Figaro chains thanks to their relatively similar appearance to paperclip chains.
One very popular way that people are making this statement necklace trend their own is by pairing paperclip chains with other chains in their collection that are made from the same metals but sit at different lengths such as snake chains, Singapore chains or curb chains. They will then layer them or add a series of pendants to the mix for a more personalised approach to this trend with pieces such as gemstone necklaces, initial pendants, crosses, coin and medallion pendants or even zodiac pieces. Some may even add a little edginess to their look by mixing metals, whether it be by partnering silver chains with gold chains, or by experimenting with the various gold hues.
9ct Yellow Gold Silverfilled Paperclip 45cm Chain
$239.00
Step out in style with this stunning 9ct Yellow Gold Silverfilled Paperclip 45cm Chain. The paperclip design adds a unique and modern touch on the chain and makes it different from regular necklace chains. The chain is often used to… read more
Choker Necklaces
Chokers have always been a popular item among those with a thing for statement necklaces, particularly, Gen Z. However, if the red carpets at this year’s awards season are anything to go by, not only are choker necklaces here to stay, but they are also evolving into more eveningwear. Whether you’re a minimalist, a maximalist, or even a bit of a glamazon, there are so many different interpretations of choker necklaces that fashionistas can try out for themselves. There’s the classic black velvet choker that is often fashioned with a large statement pendant which is perhaps most popular among younger millennials and Gen Z. Then there are the more playful pearl, crystal and gemstone adorned pieces often worn more casually or even with colourful evening dresses.
Seen on an array of stars attending this year’s awards season, dainty diamond chokers often referred to as ‘diamond tennis necklaces’ are also growing tremendously popular with fine jewellery lovers. Adorned with a layer of small brilliant round cut diamonds, these diamond chokers are so fine that you would be forgiven for thinking they had just placed a tennis bracelet around their necks. Another way people have been sporting chokers this year is with a lot of gold. From fine gold chain choker-style necklaces and solid cuff-style chokers to more boho-chic creations adorned with tassels it’s clear the choker trend is not only here to stay, but it is on its way to becoming even more luxe.
Rose Gold Plated Cubic Zirconia Fancy Choker Chain
$249.50
$499.00
Choker is simply a close-fitting necklace and can be a way to highlight beautiful neck or could be like any other piece of jewellery worn to make you look and feel beautiful. This exquisite design in rose gold plated Sterling… read more
Enamel Necklaces
With the re-emergence of maximalist jewellery in 2022, we also saw the return of enamel jewellery. Enamel is the name of a fine coating that has been applied to the metal of a piece of jewellery using extreme temperatures until the two materials fuse, creating vividly colourful jewellery and design detailing. With the quick rise of this trend, it was only a matter of time before it sprinkled into statement necklace territory. Hence, why enamel necklaces are huge right now, particularly among those eager to add a dash of colour to their look without it being overbearing. From adorable flower necklaces to chic crescent pieces and daring evil eye necklaces designed to ward off negative energy, there are so many different approaches to the enamel necklace trend.
Adorn them with a dazzling pair of matching enamel stud earrings or a playful pair of hoop earrings. Try styling your outfit around the necklace and play with some of its prominent features such as its colour or pattern. Sport them with a sleek cuff or bangles for a more contemporary look or layer them with chains for an equally slick look. For a slightly edgier look, try combining this trend with some of the other prominent statement necklace trends at the moment. For example, if your enamel necklace features a removable pendant, try adding it to a choker-style necklace for a more daring look or go a little bit quirky by adding it to a fine paperclip chain. Otherwise, opt for something more subdued like an enamel heart-shaped necklace or cross.
9ct Yellow Gold Enamel 7mm Flower Pendant
$23.99
Gift yourself or someone special a floral look with this 9ct Yellow Gold Enamel 7mm Flower Pendant. Set with bright blue enamel and designed in rich yellow gold, this piece has a stunning colour. Its bright shine and beautiful symbolism… read more
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