The Lovely Lariat—and Other Long Necklace Styles

By Brittany Siminitz | February 07, 2024

You may have heard, or seen, that the lariat is making a big comeback. It could not be more welcome. The lariat necklace beautifully caters to consumers’ smart-shopping demand for versatile jewelry, and in more ways than one.

Here are some of the latest lariats to market, each as lovely as the last.

Jenna Katz old mine cut chain — *Nell lariat in 18k yellow gold with 0.4 ct. t.w. old mine cut diamonds, $17,500; Jenna Katz*

Lizzie Mandler diamond lariat — *One-of-a-kind lariat necklace in 18k yellow gold with diamonds, price on request; Lizzie Mandler*

Toktam Ophidian mamba — *Ophidian Mamba lariat in 18k yellow gold with multicolor sapphires and diamonds, $8,575; Toktam*

Guzema Transformer necklace — *Transformer necklace in 14k yellow gold, $670 (available with diamonds, as shown, $1,130); Guzema*

I remember this one necklace I had in, like, eighth grade—I bought it at Piercing Pagoda in the mall, a shiny golden chain with a single gemstone (CZ, I think) heart, which clasped by going through a little loop, the heart dangling in a line down my neck. I have no idea what happened to that piece, but for some reason I’ve always remembered it—and wish now that I still had it.

Many lariats are like that: a line of chain, hanging long down the chest as it loops to close in front. It’s almost like you’re wearing the necklace backward, though it’s intended to clasp at the front. (Wearing it with the chain trailing down the back is a look worth exploring, too. Talk about versatility!)

Other lariat-style pieces offer even more ways to wear them. A perfect example is the Gismondi 1754 necklace highlighted by our Melissa Rose Bernardo on her visit to this winter’s VicenzaOro show: It was not specifically designed as a lariat, and could be clasped anywhere along its golden teardrop chain (it was, in fact, styled as a lariat when on display at the show).

Paul Morelli Sequence lariat — *Sequence lariat in 18k yellow gold with akoya pearls, $5,000–$11,000 depending on length; Paul Morelli*

FHK Kingdom of Hearts necklace — *Kingdom of Hearts necklace in 18k white gold with 2.38 cts. t.w. diamonds, $10,150; FHK by Style Gallery*

Walters Faith lariat — *Lariat necklace in 18k rose gold with diamonds, $11,995; Walters Faith*

Alice Cicolini paperclip necklace — *Paper clip necklace in 18k yellow gold and sterling silver with lacquer enamel, $11,650; Alice Cicolini*

Lolovivi lariat — *Miami Cuban necklace in sterling silver with 0.7 ct. t.w. white sapphires, $1,255; Lolovivi*

Verragio Chatelaine necklace — *Chatelaine necklace in 18k yellow gold with pearl and diamonds, $12,750; Verragio*

Jennifer Demoro Stardust lariat — *Stardust pendant lariat in 18k yellow gold with 1.16 cts. t.w. topaz, tourmaline, and emerald and 0.03 ct. diamond, $4,780: Jennifer DeMoro*

There are also necklaces that take on the lariat shape via a long dangling pendant hanging from a chain, much like the gorgeous piece from Jennifer DeMoro pictured above. While this type doesn’t offer the same potential for variation, it packs a punch in the style department.

I can’t get enough of the lariat because it can do anything and go with anything. Pair it with a choker, wear it with a group of pendants or charm necklace, wear it alone. If convertible, make it extra long to trail down the front (or back) of your body. You could even dangle some charms from it, if they’re designed to be clasped onto anything. The possibilities are great, and you really can’t go wrong.