Chiara 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 pop them on before my morning walk! It’s become part of my uniform — a piece I feel incomplete without. I rarely wear necklaces but for years I’ve been searching for the chain equivalent to complete my jewellery capsule and I’ve sussed the brief — a demure piece that skims the clavicle and compliments all ensembles. Although, there’s a place for showstopping jewels too. You are speaking to a fan of Harry Winston’s designs, after all.
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 ever-so-slightly catches the light.
Minimalist jewellery usually refers to finer pieces but the common thread is a slimmer or shrunken chain. My favourite types of jewellery are the pieces you can don daily and like a wedding ring, becomes a piece you’re seldom seen without. The appeal of a simple necklace is the ability to re-wear it on myriad occasions and layer it for the 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 indeed delicate about this style of jewel, especially when paired with pared-back apparel like a crisp poplin shirt and jeans. Or a dewdrop chain, styled with a scoop neck t-shirt and straight-leg jeans. The styling opportunities are endless and entirely personal.
Keep on reading for the 22 simple necklaces with minimalist yet impactful designs and see how some of our favourite fashion people are styling necklaces this season.
A barely-there chain with an alphabet pendant — one for your everyday uniform.
Danielle stacks dainty silver chains aplenty (and matching arm candy) for a subtle nod to the silver accessories trend.
Make like Sylvie and couple a form-fitting slip with gold accents.
Rachael shows that drop pendants never go out of style.
High street retailers may not be your first thought 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 impressed by the quality 5 years on!
Long gone are the days of uniformly shaped freshwater pearls. This is where a nostalgic style meets 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 necklace features a delicate gold chain with a compressed pearl feature. It has a 45cm drop that sits below the collar.
There’s an undeniable vintage feel to a twisted chain, especially ones of the finer variety. At 1mm, this style is just enough to ensure a slight (but impactful) sheen. Refer to e-com, for a demonstration on how to layer lengths.
Crafted from 9-karat solid gold, Otiumberg 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 jewels, 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 but it has just the right amount of sheen for everyday wear. As per Mejuri’s standard, it’s crafted with 14-karat gold that’s made to be worn every day.
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 Yara chain with anything from a poplin shirt and tailored trousers, to a black tie outfit.
If you want to embrace 2023s mermaid phenomenon in a subdued way, look no further than Astrid & Miyu’s latest offering.
A diamond-imitation collar is a guaranteed way to elevate an ensemble and Heavenly London creates 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.
With a whimsical name like ‘Peas in a Pod’, you may assume this piece alludes to romance, when in fact it’s an ode to nature and a stance against the effects of climate change. Read more about the origin of this piece here.
Playful adornments have swept over the fashion world and heart pendants are dominating. Adhered 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 the heart. An extra kudos for the bobbled detailing — it’s the subtleties that make jewellery all the more special.
You can always rely on Monica Vinader for high-quality, consciously created jewels. The polished gold chain with the pop of green onyx is the perfect marrying of tones.
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 snake chain aesthetic but find the regular styles too chunky, opt for a sleeker chain like this.
Daniella Draper crafted a tiered length with bursts of rich citrine. You needn’t layer as the hard work is already done for you.
A paper-thin diamond-clad chain with a drop tier. A sure way to appease the magpies among us.
The Lucy Williams x Missoma mini fang necklace has been a highly sought-after piece since its initial release in 2017, proving its timeless appeal. The fang droplet can be highlighted or tucked beneath layers.
