Credit: Courtesy of brands
Stylist Loves
21 of the best statement necklaces from independent jewellery brands
By Kiran Meeda
3 years ago
6 min read
If you’re looking to refresh your jewellery collection this season, turn your attention to these brilliant indie brands with plenty of options for every statement necklace fan.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just an outfit that makes a look. In fact, we’d go as far as to say jewellery adds the finishing touch. It’s the very reason why we love filling our trinket dishes with the stuff – one day you’re wanting thick, heavy accents and on other days a more subtle statement to let the latest check-printed Ganni dress in your life shine. If there’s one specific area that can make all the difference, it’s a necklace.
Whatever the style, our appreciative, wandering fashion eyes go straight to the centre of the outfit (aka the droop of a stunning necklace) and they end up becoming the source of countless compliments.
So, when you’re next looking to expand your bevy of necklaces, we have a place for you to visit that also happens to support small independent British brands in the process. Introducing The Drop by Stylist – our marketplace for over 350 independent brands across accessories, beauty, fashion, homeware and everything in-between.
Whether you favour initial necklaces or a luxe-looking statement piece, we’ve hand-picked a selection to suit the jewellery lover in you, or perhaps for a friend whose penchant for collecting necklaces is never-ending. Simply scroll down to find your favourite…
Hoops and Chains LDN Fuckit Dice Chain
This subversive necklace is a total mood – with one dice pendant engraved with the word ‘fuck’ and the second ‘it’. The tongue-in-cheek design is all about living your best life, making it perfect for that person in your life who never says no to another round of drinks or a last-minute weekend away. And did we mention that it’s 18kt gold-plated, tarnish-free and chip-resistant? Even more reason to wear it, and live by its mantra, every single day.
Lunar James Lydia Freshwater Coin Pearl Pendant Necklace
This freshwater pearl pendant necklace proves that sometimes, simple is best. Designed and handmade in Lunar James’ London studio, the pared-back piece features a sustainably sourced keshi pearl hanging from an 18-inch chain, available in 14ct gold-filled or recycled sterling silver.
With £10 off and the countdown to Christmas on, it’s the perfect present for best friends, sisters and mums. But that doesn’t mean we’re not adding it to our own wish list, too.
Shop Lunar James Lydia Freshwater Coin Pearl Pendant Necklace at The Drop, £40
Rhimani Multi-coloured Beaded Necklace
Summer may be coming to an end, but we’re clinging onto those just-back-from-holiday vibes with Rhimani’s multicoloured glass bead necklace. What sets this handmade piece apart is that it can be lengthened by adding an adjustable sterling silver chain, making it the ideal layering piece for a neck party. Even better, Rhimani donates 10% of profits to African conservation work.
Wear with a white shirt now, then over a slimline black jumper for a sleek trans-seasonal contrast once the weather decides not to play ball anymore.
Shop Rhimani Multi-coloured Beaded Necklace at The Drop, £18
Florence London Personalised Hammered Necklace
While jewellery fads may come and go, there’s always a time and a place for a classic piece that reminds you of a special time, place or someone. With an exclusive £10 off only on The Drop by Stylist, Florence London’s 18ct gold hammered disc necklace is the personalised piece you’ve been looking for, thanks to the option to have it engraved with a special message, date or name (up to 40 characters). Birthdays, anniversaries or a ‘just because’ gift – no matter who’s on the receiving end, they’ll treasure it forever.
Shop Florence London Personalised Hammered Necklace at The Drop, £35
Lunar James Sand Dollar – Shell Necklace Gold, Silver
From the outside, you might not think that a sand dollar – a flat species of sea urchin – is necessarily beautiful, but thanks to jewellery label Lunar James and its sand dollar-inspired necklace, you may want to reconsider (especially with an exclusive saving only available on The Drop).
Available in either a 22ct gold-plated sterling silver or plain sterling silver with a choice of two chain lengths, this dainty pendant necklace makes ‘sea urchin chic’ very much a thing. Wear alongside your other necklaces for a layered look, or keep it simple with a minimalist solo accessory.
Shop Lunar James Sand Dollar – Shell Necklace Gold, Silver at The Drop, £42
Florence London Heart Necklace Inscribed With a Name or Date
As simple statement necklaces go, Florence London’s heart pendant necklace is a no-brainer. Available in gold, rose gold or silver, if you’re looking to show yourself, your best friend or mum some love, this is a failsafe piece.
Better still, make it even more of a personal affair thanks to Florence London’s etching service, with 10 characters available to show off a name or date that means something special. If this doesn’t say ‘You mean a lot to me’, we don’t know what does.
Shop Florence London Heart Necklace Inscribed With a Name or Date at The Drop, £40
Formation Co Beaded Cowrie Shell Necklace
If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok and Instagram recently, you’ll know the appetite for the ‘coastal grandmother/granddaughter’ aesthetic and seaside style is showing no signs of abating. Looking to embrace the trend without overdoing it? Start with Formation Co’s chic beaded cowrie shell necklace.
Made from 18ct gold-plated silver and marble-effect glass beads with a gold shell pendant, this necklace will instantly add interest to your white T-shirt collection, whether worn alone or layered with other pieces in your jewellery collection. It’s a piece you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.
Shop Formation Co Beaded Cowrie Shell Necklace at The Drop, £34
Loveness Lee Alphabet Necklace
You’ve done gift vouchers. Sent flowers. Even baked a cake or two throughout the years – so when ideas for a truly unique present run low, Loveness Lee’s alphabet necklace offers something new and personal to the gift game, with an exclusive 20% saving only available on The Drop.
Made in small batches, every initial necklace from A to Z is available in either recycled sterling silver or 18ct gold-plated recycled sterling silver depending on what your giftee prefers, with an initial pendant featuring a molten texture that creates an abstract letter. It’ll be hard to resist getting one for yourself while you’re at the checkout…
My Doris Orange Bead and Pearl Split Necklace
Who says you have to choose between playful Y2K beads à la the Hadid sisters or elegant pearl styles loved by the likes of Hailey Bieber with your jewellery? My Doris’ orange bead and pearl split necklace melds the two worlds together so you can do both.
Handmade by artisans in India, it’s a versatile piece that goes with pretty much any outfit: swimwear and linen shirts by the beach, a colour boost to your neutral white tank and blue jeans or adding flare to your favourite tiered Ganni midi dress. It’s a match made in necklace heaven.
Shop My Doris Orange Bead and Pearl Split Necklace at The Drop, £32
The Sunshine Club St Tropez Pearl and Bead Necklace
Pearls. Colourful beads. Sparkly personalised charms. When it comes to jewellery trends, the St Tropez necklace by The Sunshine Club is ticking all the boxes.
With a gold-plated chain wrapped in Y2K-style mini beads and freshwater pearls, you can choose between a choker or standard length and add up to eight letter or number charms to make it completely personal. Did someone just say, “The perfect birthday present for all your friends?” Yes, we believe they did.
Shop The Sunshine Club St Tropez Pearl and Bead Necklace at The Drop, £28
Anouska Georgia London Pearl Initial Necklace, 24kt Gold-Plated
From Chloé to Celine, luxury labels are obsessed with initial jewellery. Spoiler: so are we. Want in? Meet Anouska Georgia London’s Paris pearl initial necklace. Inspired by French style, the 24k gold plated pendant is set with delicate cream pearls, then threaded onto a 14k gold 16” fine chain.
“The allure of delicate jewellery never fades and this initial detail necklace from Anouska Georgia is both playful and timeless,” says Stylist’s executive fashion director Kitty McGee.
“It’s the perfect piece to wear every day with a crewneck knit or simple blouse, or layer it with a delicate curb chain and add some statement hoops for evening.”
Shop Anouska Georgia London Pearl Initial Necklace, 24kt gold plated at The Drop, £25
Posh Totty Designs Personalised Name Necklace
The sartorial bread and butter of the 90s, personalised name pendants are well and truly back on our radar. Want a piece of the throwback action? Posh Totty’s personalised necklace is available in sterling silver, gold or rose gold, with your choice of name displayed in a curly handwriting-style font, cut by hand in Brighton – and with a 10% saving only on The Drop.
“Layer it with a curb chain necklace and add some statement hoops for a versatile way to pep up any daytime look this autumn, from a crewneck knit and tailored trousers to a plain midi dress,” suggests Stylist’s executive fashion director Kitty McGee.
Shop Posh Totty Designs Personalised Name Necklace at The Drop, £67.50
Oranda Stone Eris Initial Coin Necklace
Coin necklaces are the evergreen jewellery trend that shows no signs of abating. It’s no wonder given the Roman goddess-slash-Cleopatra vibes combine timeless, museum-worthy designs with contemporary twists for the ultimate never-leave-your-neck accessory.
Oranda Stone’s Eris necklace – available at a special price exclusively on The Drop – has the archaeological feel of textured coins teamed with a modern initial detail that allows you to personalise it for yourself or for your friend/mum/sister’s birthday.
Made from either recycled sterling silver or 18ct gold vermeil, each pendant is hand-forged by Oranda Stone’s founder Denise, a London-based designer/maker.
Shop Oranda Stone Eris Initial Coin Necklace at The Drop, £90
Scream Pretty Zodiac Necklace
“Fashion’s love with all things celestial has gone into overdrive, and I for one couldn’t be happier about it,” says Stylist’s fashion and beauty features director Billie Bhatia. “Whether you’re partaking in some much-deserved self-gifting or picking a present for a friend who’s obsessed with astrology, these coin-style zodiac necklaces are the perfect addition to your existing necklace layers.”
Since 2016, the founders – sisters Lucy Lee and Jessica Pearce – have been crafting jewellery that’s all about self-expression, and these necklaces are no exception. Available in either sterling silver or 18kt gold-plate, the mottled-edged, intricately carved star sign pendants are the perfect addition to cosy jumpers, dresses and the like.
Muru Jewellery Padlock Necklace in Sterling Silver or Gold Vermeil
Counting Jourdan Dunn, Zooey Deschanel and Laura Whitmore among its fans, Muru Jewellery has been designing staple pieces in its north London studio since 2006 and its padlock chain is a favourite of ours.
Available in sterling silver or 18ct gold vermeil with a 16-18 inch belcher chain, both options are available at a special price exclusively on The Drop, together with free padlock initial engraving that will make anyone feel special.
Shop Muru Jewellery Padlock Necklace in Sterling Silver or Gold Vermeil at The Drop, £31.50
Posh Totty Designs Personalised Clam Shell Necklace
Everyone from Gigi Hadid to Alexa Chung is obsessed with shell jewellery – and so are we. Want to get involved? Available in your choice of gold, rose gold or sterling silver, Posh Totty Designs’ clam shell necklace is our pick of the bunch.
There are six styles of chain to choose from, and the inside of the shell can be personalised with up to 12 characters (whether you go for a meaningful name or snappy catchphrase is up to you).
Shop Posh Totty Designs Personalised Clam Shell Necklace at The Drop, £49.50
Originals Studio Colourful Beads and Faux Pearl Necklace
Beaded jewellery may have made a massive comeback in 2021 but thanks to 2022’s Y2K trend, it’s sticking around for at least another year. Happily, Originals Studio necklaces will update your jewellery collection without breaking the bank. Wear alone for a statement or layer with gold or silver chains for more of a boho feel.
“Delicate beaded necklaces are the perfect way to inject some colour and playfulness into your summer wardrobe,” says Stylist’s acting executive fashion director Kitty McGee. “With the power to instantly qualify a black maxi dress as summery and daytime-appropriate, it’s the ultimate item to breathe new life into all of your warm-weather pieces.”
Shop Originals Studio Colourful Beads and Faux Pearl Necklace at The Drop, £14.99
Muru London Personalised Sun Necklace in Silver or 18ct Gold Vermeil
If you, like us, are obsessed with layering necklaces, you’ll know all too well that fans of this trend are never not interested in adding to their collection. Especially when a necklace is personalised and when there’s an exclusive £5 saving on the regular price.
Muru London’s sun-inspired Life & Vitality pendant – available in 18ct gold-plated vermeil or sterling silver – is the latest style on our wishlist. With a modern solar design, it’s a classic yet on-trend piece you’ll want to keep on rotation forever, especially when it’s engraved with your initial or that of a loved one.
Shop Muru London Personalised Sun Necklace in Silver or 18ct Gold Vermeil at The Drop, £40
Kodes Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace
When it comes to genius hybrids, combining aromatherapy with jewellery is up there with the best. London-based lifestyle label Kodes’ clever essential oil diffuser necklace means you can reap the benefits of self-care while elevating your accessories game.
Available in two colours, the handpainted wood and stone beaded necklace helps to alleviate stress and anxiety during social situations and important work meetings by absorbing soothing essential oils into the porous lava stone beads. Thanks to the chic, African-inspired design, nobody will guess that your necklace is actually helping your wellbeing.
Take advantage of the two complimentary dōTERRA essential oils (Balance and Wild Orange) that come with each necklace or use a favourite from your own collection according to your mood.
Carter Gore Solid Sterling Silver Tarot Necklace
“Necklaces have become extensions of our personalities, with pendants acting as our badges of honour,” says Stylist’s fashion and beauty features director Billie Bhatia. “Now those with a penchant for all things psychic can add one of these tarot card necklaces to their jewellery collection as a stylish way to ensure fate is always on their side.”
The pendants – designed to mirror six of the most well-known tarot cards – are available in solid sterling silver in a choice of three sizes. Pick between the sun, moon, high priestess, magician, star and strength for a style that will truly reflect your inner self.
Wear alone for a statement that will make your passion for divination known to the world or layer for a stylish jewellery ensemble.
Shop Carter Gore Solid Sterling Silver Tarot Necklace at The Drop, £45
Yala Jewellery Zero Waste Pendant
This zero waste design that pairs classic simplicity with sustainable credentials might just be The One.
Created using rescued pieces of brass left over from the process of making other jewellery designs, Yala Jewellery transforms off-cuts to make organically shaped bean-like pendants. Hung on a 14k recycled gold chain, it’s a necklace that you can truly feel good about wearing.
“This necklace is simple and stylish, so it would make the perfect addition to your everyday wardrobe,” says Stylist’s style director Polly Knight. “Try layering with your existing jewellery, or clash with colourful beads for a fun, summery feel.”
Images: courtesy of brands
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