Statement necklaces are ubiquitous this season—they’re the go-to piece to add stylistic interest to almost any ensemble. Most statement necklaces are short, drawing attention up to the face. Different styles of necklaces work with different necklines, of course. Reviewing editorial photos and statements, as well as designers’ own ads, provides valuable insight as to how most stylishly to incorporate various statement necklace styles into a wardrobe.
The short chunky pendant necklace is one of the key looks in statement necklaces this season. The October 2012 issue of InStyle showcases a trio of spectacular designs: a necklace of tourmaline, Australian boulder opal, silver, and 18k gold consisting of a chunky heart-shape pendant on a delicate chain from Judy Geib Plus Alpha; a necklace of diamonds, chrysoberyl, turquoise, chrome diopside, sapphires, and 22k gold consisting of a medium-size pendant on a necklace of huge chunky stones from Cathy Waterman; and a necklace of diamonds, labradorite, and 18k rose gold by Irene Neuwirth featuring a pendant that continues the line of diamonds on the chain into a surround of the pear-shape center stone. InStyle provides its take on how to wear these stunning necklaces: “The moody hues of the gems—and the unique gold work—will transform a strapless dress or jewel-neck top from down-to-earth to otherworldly.”
Another example of a huge pendant on a slender chain is this necklace from Alexander McQueen featured in the October 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar.
A design that takes the continuity approach of incorporating elements of the central pendant into the necklace base is this look from Bottega Veneta also featured in the October 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar.
The October 2012 issue of Glamour finds short pendant statement necklaces the perfect accompaniment to lace dresses inspired by a Lanvin runway look seen on the model in the photo above. She wears a necklace featuring a chunky oval-shape pendant on an elaborate necklace, over a jewel-neck dress accompanied by huge drop earrings. The necklace shown in close-up around the edge of the page is by Mawi. The lacy cuff bracelet is from Bauble Bar.
Another Lanvin necklace provides an eye-catching accompaniment to an ensemble worn by designer Victoria Beckham in this look from the September 2012 issue of Glamour. She wears a sweater from Vivienne Westwood Red Label and bodysuit from Dolce & Gabbana, the neckline of which is beautifully accented with a short statement pendant necklace from Lanvin. The belt from Yves Saint Laurent is of comparable scale to the necklace for a coordinated look. The fine-scale chain bracelet is not credited. This is a beautiful example of a short pendant necklace framed by and filling in a neckline—an exception to the general consensus that these necklaces are best worn with strapless or jewel-neck looks.
Glamour showcases three additional short pendant necklaces in the September 2012 issue: an oval pendant on a rope chain from Chico’s; a Deepa Gurnani necklace where the pendant blends into the elaborate design of the base (“Keep everything else simple with this ornate piece” counsels Glamour); and a chunky cross-shape pendant on a fine chain from Oscar de la Renta.
The September 2012 issue of Gotham magazine accents a Carolina Herrera formal look, consisting of a cropped jewel-neck top with elbow-length sleeves and a ball skirt, with a smoky quartz and citrine necklace from Iradj Moini that has the shape of a short pendant necklace. The gold snake bracelet is by Antonia Miletto.
The August 2012 issue of Vogue features a short pendant necklace consisting of an oversized shark’s tooth design pendant on a base necklace of chunky beads from Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. The model also wears a signet ring from Mannin Fine Jewelry and an additional ring from Hoorsenbuhs and carries an Emiliio Pucci bag—all of which add color to her jewel-neck Max Mara pantsuit.
Oscar de la Renta mixes large cabochon stones and heavy goldtone chains in the short pendant necklaces featured in this current ad. The design house loads up the ad with additional jewelry—a wide cuff, a couple of large rings, and earrings. Both looks are shown with strapless dresses.
A current ad for Lanvin Paris features a short pendant necklace with an enormous central element suspended from an elaborately designed necklace, worn with a strapless dress.
An ad for Neiman Marcus in the September 2012 issue of Vogue pictures a huge heart-shape pendant necklace on an open-loop chain from Lanvin Paris, again seen with a strapless dress.
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