It's true, the best necklaces for women are the ones they will want to wear, and love for a lifetime. And we've found the styles everyone will appreciate— whether they're a gift or a treat to yourself.
A jewelry box can tell many tales, from the vintage rings that have been passed down through generations, to lockets that include pictures of your loved ones—special pieces of jewelry are an important part of any capsule wardrobe. Jewelry is special, and when it comes to necklaces, the best styles are the ones that you'll never want to take off. And this is why we've looked to well-known, small, and sustainable jewelry brands that have created gorgeous iterations that deserve a special place in your collection.
From initial styles loved by the likes of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to personalized engraved pendants and chunky chains, these are the best necklaces for women that can be worn every day—and loved forever. And if you're looking for some more jewelry inspiration, take a look at our guides on how to style rings, the best jewelry making kits, and how to select special jewelry gifts.
Best necklaces for women as chosen by our fashion expert
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Loved by celebrities, Missoma has even been worn by the Duchess of Cambridge. With trend-led pieces that also manage to work every day, the brand's necklaces, earrings, and rings are also so popular with fashion editors and influencers.
Although Missoma has a lot of pearls and embellished pieces, it's the more classic pendant necklace we expect will be treasured as an everyday piece. You can even get this style engraved for free, too.
Switching to using only recycled materials last year, Monica Vinader is one of the jewelry brands aiming towards being more sustainable. Known for its gorgeous chain necklaces, bracelets, and stacking rings, you can customize a lot of the pieces to suit your style.
Just look at this necklace, you buy all the pieces separately so once you have the chain, you can add and remove your chosen charms to transform it for different outfits and occasions.
London-born sustainable jewelry brand Loveness Lee is one to know. With unique, instantly-recognizable jewels made from recycled silver, the special designs are made to be worn and loved for a lifetime.
Initial necklaces have taken pride of place on everyone from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes, and Loveness Lee's handmade style is one to cherish.
A twist on a classic, this heart chain is the perfect update of the traditional T-bar necklace. Chunky enough to be seen, but understated in a way that it can be worn with your everyday uniform, Estella Bartlett has created a winner.
For affordable styles that still look expensive, this is the brand to go to for everything from bangles and rings to jewelry boxes to keep them all in.
If you're in the market for something rather special, Vashi is here. Creating fine jewelry with a difference, you can either shop the carefully curated edit online or work with skilled artisans to design your own piece.
The Lovestrike necklace comes in two different sizes and you can choose between 18k yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold. Each one is guaranteed to be equally as beautiful.
If you haven't heard of Otiumberg, then you need to check out their website. Filled with effortless jewels that'll upgrade your everyday outfits or make the perfect gift, the eco-conscious brand is all about being transparent. Letting customers be in the know about everything from supply chain to packaging, sustainable values make every piece even more special.
Just take a look at this date necklace. Handmade to order, these personalized pendants can signify a special time in your life that you can remember every time you put it on.
If you love your jewelry to be more maximalist than minimal then Thomas Sabo is the answer. With embellishment, stars, hearts, and colored stones to look out for, there's something to suit all tastes.
This star necklace with drop freshwater pearl in sterling silver will look just as good for work as it will for after-dark.
Making jewelry that'll last, Kimïa only uses solid recycled 18k gold instead of plated pieces that'll wear after time. Adding the extra special touch to fine jewels, the brand also makes everything to order to avoid overproduction. All of the diamonds are lab-grown instead of mined diamonds, which is seen to be a more sustainable way of producing diamonds.
This delicate short chain necklace with five-set diamonds is perfect for layering or wearing on its own. No doubt everyone will ask where you got this one from.
Instagram-loved brand Daisy London is one of those brands you've most likely spotted already. Using recycled metals and creating pieces that look like they could be thrift store secret gems, it's a go-to for those who like jewelry with a talking point.
This palm leaf pendant with black detail is one of those necklaces that's just made for layering. Imagine it teamed with a shorter chain choker necklace and maybe even a longer pendant, too.
If you're an animal lover or know someone who is, Alex Monroe is the brand to know. With magical designs focusing on all walks of life from the animal kingdom, expect pendants with everything from frog and bumblebees to whales.
This rose gold pendant is handmade in the UK from plated sterling silver and finished with a small diamond. The 'cheeky crab' necklace will be a forever favorite that'll get everyone talking.
If you love to mix up your jewelry game and experiment with different styles, then Pilgrim is perfect to pick up interchangeable styles. With a whole host of different metals, beads, and pearls, there's something to suit everyone. And this fun split pearl and chain necklace is one that'll liven up any outfit.
On its own or layered with another chain necklace, this is one that'll look just as good with your best jeans and a t-shirt as it will with a fancy midi dress and heels.
Known for its meaningful jewelry, Muru has necklaces that are perfect for personalizing. From friendship necklaces to initials and nameplates, this double charm version is called the 'mother and child' but any initials can be added so it's perfect for everyone.
Pick your chain length, choose your metal and decide what letters you would like to be close to your heart.
Key women’s necklace trends for 2022
When it comes to fashion trends spotted on the spring/summer 2022 runway, there are a few jewelry styles that can be translated into everyday looks:
- Chokers—everyone from Chanel to Saint Laurent went for beaded chokers. Unlike 2021 where we saw colorful, small beaded styles, for 2022 it's all about chunky styles.
- Pearls—a forever trend we love to embrace, pearl necklaces were seen on the Versace catwalk teamed with matching earrings and white shirts. And it's a look we can all copy thanks to brands including Missoma and Monica Vinader.
- Chunky chains—go bold or go hold is the moral of the story when it comes to chains in 2022. Big, statement chain necklaces were spotted at the likes of Valentino and Givenchy and any metal or color goes.
What are the best necklaces to wear with a strapless dress?
If you want to wear a strapless dress for a night out or when the weather is warm enough to, then a necklace can be the perfect finishing touch. While chunkier choker styles look best with a minimal fuss-free dress style, if you're outfit has a lot going on already then it's best to stick to more delicate, pendant styles with a dainty chain.
That's not to say you can't layer, though. Chains with different lengths can be layered to create a focal point on your chest when there are no straps or sleeves to compete with. But the trick is to stick to two or three to make sure they stay in place and look chic instead of OTT.
What are the best necklaces to wear with a chunky knit?
If you're embracing your best cozy knits, then jewelry can pull the whole look together. If you're wearing a chunky, thick, maybe cable knit style jumper then it's best to stick to a delicate pendant. And make sure you don't have too many hanging charms or chain sections that are likely to pluck your favorite knit or best cashmere sweater around the neckline.
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