Jewellery has long been a shortcut to elevating your look, and contemporary and demi-fine pieces that work as well for daytime looks as they do for evening are growing in popularity. 

For many of us, the ultimate piece of jewellery is timeless, classic yet modern and can be worn day or night – ideally something that will add elegance and polish to everything from tailoring to a T-shirt and jeans. And the torque necklace trend that’s gaining momentum on and off the catwalks looks like a strong contender for our new favourite jewellery item.

Delicate and elegant, torque jewellery refers to rigid, solid or twisted metal necklaces and armbands that are open at the front, often with decorative terminals. The style dates back centuries but was very popular in the 70s.

The spring/summer 2025 catwalks were awash with 70s references, and torque jewellery appeared at Saint Laurent and Gucci in necklace, armband and bracelet form. British jeweller Laura Vann recently launched a capsule collection of vermeil torque necklaces, featuring white topaz, which are subtly retro yet feel very contemporary.

Vann says: “We always embrace trends that are rooted in history and apply our signature modern deco touch. In the case of our torques, this comes in the form of channel-set baguette-cut stones. I love how clean they are and how chic they look when resting on a bare collarbone. They have an air of nostalgia that could nod to the 90s but also feels hard to pinpoint as they date back thousands of years. The torque style is bold and simple. With its clean and elegant structure, it aligns with the modern desire for minimalist yet statement-making accessories. Additionally, jewellery trends are increasingly embracing longevity and timelessness, and the torque, as a classic design, fits this narrative.”

At the Gucci spring/summer show in Milan, models wore structured chokers and armbands; silver styles accessorised glamorous sequinned eveningwear looks while gold versions were worn with shift dresses and casualwear looks that included vests, jeans and oversized trenches.

Gucci relaunched its signature Horsebit fine jewellery collection this season to mark its 20th anniversary, featuring the iconic equestrian-inspired hardware that has long symbolized the house. As part of the collection, there is a bracelet with a beautifully incorporated Horsebit motif, which could be worn as a bangle or an armband.

A number of other jewellery brands are currently featuring torque jewellery, including Cartier’s Juste Un Clou necklace and Jessica McCormack’s show-stopping creations. Tilly Sveaas and Alexis Bittar offer plated versions too, collectively offering a range of price points and styles for every occasion.

Sveaas says: “Our torque styles are our most popular unisex design. Fantastic on men and women of all ages and looks elegant and simple worn on its own or holds its own in a wrist stack full of heavy chain bracelets. It’s an enduring style I don’t think will ever go out of fashion.”

Images: courtesy of brands