Fashion / Industry

Let’s Hear It for the Neckollatage

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From chokers to sautoirs, and every length in between, there’s a necklace to suit every style—and a constantly shifting sense of which silhouettes feel most relevant.

But this curation isn’t strictly about length. Instead, it’s about how a piece occupies the space between the collarbone and the bust—a styling phenomenon best described as the “neckollatage.”

A hybrid of décolletage and necklace, the term speaks to the way certain pieces rest against the skin. Design matters, of course, but what’s more important is how the necklace interacts with that sweet spot on the chest. These are not just accessories; they’re a presence. The effect is less about maximalist layering and more about a single, intentional piece placed just so—meant to be worn solo and paired with clean, minimalist attire.

Practically speaking, many of these styles fall in the 20– to 21-inch range, but length alone doesn’t define the look. Material plays a key role: Think substantial metal, beadwork, oversize pearls, or collar-style silhouettes anchored by sculptural or gemstone pendants—delicate chains need not apply.

Here, some of the latest jewels that will sit just right in the “neck zone.”

Lionheart Best Friend charm necklace
Best Friend German Shepherd bead medallion necklace in 18k yellow gold with lapis and diamonds, $16,500 (necklace sold separately); Lionheart
Jade Ruzzo tourmaline necklace
Atha collar necklace in 18k yellow gold with 25.83 ct. blue-green tourmaline and 1.08 cts. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Jade Ruzzo
Sanaz Doost Moshabak necklace
Moshabak necklace in 18k yellow gold with apatite, $22,000; Sanaz Doost
HOWL Dara pearl necklace
Dara necklace in 18k yellow gold with Australian South Sea pearls, $58,000; HOWL
Imperfect Grace blue shell necklace
Playa collection Koralia necklace in 14k yellow gold with Mediterranean coral, $800, and Sleeping Beauty turquoise shell pendant, $1,450; Imperfect Grace
Sheryl Lowe Illusion necklace
Illusion necklace in 14k yellow gold with 1.1 cts. t.w. diamonds, $9,950; Sheryl Lowe

Top: Necklace in 18k yellow and rose gold with fancy pink diamond, black diamond, and white diamonds, price on request; Ara Vartanian

By: Brittany Siminitz

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