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Rethinking if statement necklaces will be my third piece

Anonymous

I have no idea how to buy statement necklaces. Is it me or do they look cheap and gaudy in the stores? I look at them and I cringe. Am I shopping in the wrong places? Am I seeing them as a cluttered mass and having trouble imagining them as an individual piece? I seem to be frozen with confusion and indecision. I shop but I don't come home with a single piece.

BTW. I look at my friends that wear statement necklaces and they do it flawlessly. I am sure they would share their knowledge with me, but I have been too embarrassed to ask because this seems like it should be "easy."

Would Angie consider doing a post on this subject?

Dressing

71 replies

Latest reply was from

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Can you share some photos of looks that appeal to you that incorporate statement necklaces? I think it's most helpful to identify what styles speak to you and go from there. Mine sort of fall into a few different categories, depending on what kind of neckline I'm working with, what color of metal, whether I want something sleek and minimal or funky, etc.

Sara L.

Veteran

I wear lots of statement necklaces and I think that, yes, they can look gaudy when all together in a store. Many of mine have been gifts since people know I wear them, however, I do have some advice. It's easier for me if I look for something specific - like black choker, or long pendant with blue stones. Then I can look for only those items and pull them off the rack to look at individually. I like craft fairs and other local shops for unique pieces. I also look at Etsy but since you can't see the size or feel the weight, I'm sometimes surprised by what I end up with.

Toban

Veteran

I wear a lot of necklaces but only a rare few come from chain or department stores. I like searching art markets for one of a kind pieces and often find them during vacation travels. Mine tend to cost between $10-$50, with a few up to $200, so they are mostly affordable. I go with my intuition and (after a quick scan) often the first piece that grabs my eye is usually the right one for me, if I have to dig or search or think about it, it rarely gets used -- if it meets my favorite length and size rules that I follow (e.g. length above chest height to fill in necklines). My recommendation is to figure out preferred length and style, and color palette and use those preferences to ignore the rest.

LaPed

Veteran

I hardly ever see jewelry I like in person. If what you're seeing at the mall feels too busy for your style (I know it does for mine), you might want to check out Etsy. Use a search term like "minimalist statement necklace" and see what comes up. I'm signed up for Etsy promotions and their emails often feature gorgeous handmade jewelry -- I frequently click through to find out who the maker is, then add their shop to my Favorites so if I ever need something specific I have some starting points. Other nice thing about Etsy -- you can search for themed stuff: science jewelry, math jewelry, etc.

Here are a couple of the jewelry makers I have in my Etsy Favorites:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoopHandmadeJewelry
https://www.etsy.com/shop/dnajewelrydesigns
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeaAndCake
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LUNATICART

Loop in particular comes to mind for great statement necklaces that are not gaudy. Very clean lines.

karen13

Veteran

I will follow this discussion with interest. I like the look of long pendants on others and I have a lot of solid color tops that need something but I totally struggle with this. I want to learn how those who pull it off are able to do so. And how (or if) to do it with prints too. Examples and length guidelines if you are busty/broad shouldered (or not) would also be so helpful!!

jill58

Veteran

Sterling, I'm not sure I would be so accepting of something as a third piece if it didn't "speak" to me. I have a several different statement necklaces but rarely wear them. Echoing Janet, that it might be useful to identify what you like. They certainly don't have to be gaudy--you might find something you like from a silversmith on Etsy (as an example) rather than from a department store. I would think about whether I wanted a single metal--color of metal--added gemstones, etc... but in a general sense it's not something I would default to.

Kathie

Veteran

Seconding Sara L. for craft fairs. I've picked up two necklaces with fused glass pendants, and a couple more pieces with interesting beads from local artists, and a dear college friend who sells on Etsy. Those always get compliments and questions, so are a good conversation starter. But, like you, I still find it hard to pick pieces, especially longer necklaces, so I have outfits that could use a statement necklace, but none that are quite right.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I prefer resale shops for this type of necklace because it's less risky for the budget. I don't have a pic but I just happened to purchase one today for a whooping $18. It's a multi-strand necklace (5 or 7 strands) with various taupe, grey-green, brownish and shiny shades. Feels very "fall" to me. I wanted something to go with taupe and olive and was actually looking for something brighter, but this one caught my eye.

Sometimes I do buy full price - my idea of "statement" isn't always a large or chunky necklace -- it's just noticeable. Even this one I got recently feels like more of a statement than many of my pendants.

Knotshine Necklace

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gryffin

Veteran

Sterling - Do you follow http://www.unefemme.net? She is always showing off her collection of French Kande pieces https://www.frenchkande.com/, I so want a necklace, they look incredibly elegant and good quality. James Avery has nice sterling long woven rope chains and you can find interesting sterling medallions (matching your moniker is good right?) I have a collection of harmony balls. Also Sundance catalog has some nice pieces, most too boho for me, but I have the https://www.sundancecatalog.co.....5&ref= the capital chain necklace. Then of course there's the good stuff. John Hardy, Judith Jack, David Yurman. I have been seriously considering a piece from French Kande because it's a lot of bang for the buck. I have not seen them in person but they look like good quality.

David Yurman 'DY Elements' Chain Necklace with Black Onyx and Hematine

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JOHN HARDY 'Naga' Dragon & Pearl Station Necklace

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Liz

Veteran

Sterling, are you sure? It sounds like you don't like statement necklaces very much. Maybe you could wear a different kind of top, one that didn't call for a third piece. (The find is just an example of the kind of top that stands alone without needing to add something else to it.)

Striped Cinch-Waist Poplin Top

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Meredith

Veteran

I wonder if it's a signature necklace and not a statement necklace that you need to be looking for. Something of great quality that you could wear everyday (or two or three options that work with different necklines).

always trying

Veteran

Another idea is to layer necklaces, like 3at different lengths. This gives the effect of a bigger statement necklace, and you can also wear each individually or combine them in different ways. Since I make a lot of mine this is easy.f. A way to start this is to start with one you have, then look for similar or complimentary ones in different lengths. Look at ideas on Pinterest too.

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Style Fan

Veteran

The third piece is something I struggle with in the summer. Jewellery seems like a possibility but not everyone wears jewellery. I do but I am particular. I look in craft shows and vintage shops. For myself I like the idea of a signature piece. Something (or a few pieces) that say me. Angie has pearls, Style Bee (a blogger I follow) wears very minimalistic handmade pieces, Anjelica Husten wears bangles, etc. I wear amber jewellery and I also have a few other pieces that I have collected. One piece that I wear a lot is a silver cuff with writing on it. I bought it at a craft show.
I usually wear earrings. I rarely wear necklaces because I have a neck injury and they bother my neck but I love them.

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Anonymous

Well, to answer your question : Yes. Yes they do look cheap and gaudy in stores. Yes, they are hanging in a tangled , gross mess. And No, you're probably not shopping in the wrong places. I took me awhile to get my head around this, and now I have too many of them BR, for example, always has these in their assortment. I get ideas from their website, and see how they are styled there, and then pick them up when they are on one of their usual sales. I am still always surprised at how good they look when styled well. Denim shirts and dresses make a great foil for a blingy necklace, and so do darker coloured finer-gauged knits. Silk is also a gorgeous backdrop - a buttoned-up shirt or a crew-neck silk t or dress. Once you start getting comfortable with them, the floodgates are open I find them at all price points, but do admit that the really cheap ones usually look that way. I have a lot in the $50-100 range, and haven't regretted buying them. I also agree with gryffin's suggestion of a more personal piece like those offered by French Kande. I LOVE that line , which seems to be a blogger favourite right now too. Check out unefemme.net - Susan wears nice statement necklaces , including those from French Kande.

shiny

Veteran

Funny, I have a lot of statement necklaces acquired over the years, and lately I'm finding myself "off" them and craving instead simple, delicate, understated pieces.

But I can still give you tips.

For me the #1 requirement is scale. Because I'm short with a short neck, the scale has to be just right. Too big, it can overwhelm. Too long, it can fall all wrong. So I look for medium-sized and on me that's just-right "statement" size. Scale probably eliminates 90% of the options out there. Scale is also the reason I rarely buy online. I have to try the piece on.

Absolutely look at art fairs -- but don't limit yourself to just that. There are a lot of fun inexpensive pieces at your regular retail shops like LOFT, Jcrew, AT, and BR too. Heck, one of my favorite pieces was purchased at a kiosk at the airport. It's cheap as can be but gets so many compliments. Leave no stone unturned!

Think about your tops and what style will work best. For example, I wear a lot of V-necks so bib necklaces work nicely to fill in the space.

Think about what colors you like, and that would make a great accent with your wardrobe. I have lots of pieces with white, because white near my face lights it up. I have a lot of pieces with green, because it accents my eyes. And my favorite piece of all is blue.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sometimes, you have to break in a new accessory - and get used to wearing it. I blogged about that.

ETA: https://youlookfab.com/2017/06.....cessories/

The only necklaces I wear are white pearls. Statement, signature and third piece. See my collection below:

Sterling, aren't you a pearl gal too?

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lisaflex

Veteran

definitely agree about second hand/consignment stores for costume jewelry! you can find lia sophia and stella and dot and much more for a fraction of the cost. that way, if you end up only wearing it once or twice, its not a big loss. i just got a great stateent necklace lia sophia for $20

unfrumped

Veteran

Just a hit and run, but maybe re- think the label as noted above, and also scale. .in some eras, statement necklace meant the large bib type. I can seldom wear anything like that. Others use the term more broadly.
I wear necklace frequently since I wear a lab coat and not a coordinated jacket. But I have certain metals, interesting link styles, pearls, some natural stone pendants. Most are not too large or they'd overwhelm. I fit them to what my top calls for, whether short and in the neckline, or ~ 18", or pendant.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I wonder if you think a statement necklace must be chunky or highly embellished. I think a necklace can be quite sleek and minimal and still make a statement. There is such a large variety out there, I am sure you could find something that appeals. I personally like really long pendants, but they don't work well if you like to tuck or semi tuck your top. And, if you are not used to wearing necklaces, you might need some breaking in time, as Angie suggests.

DonnaF

Veteran

I quite understand. I fall in love with pictures online, but when the item arrives it isn't right. It either looks extra cheap or the scale is wrong. I've also learned (the hard way) that most necklaces don't work with funnel necks. You might also consider brooches on jackets.

I've been watching The Good Wife on DVD, and boy, Christine Baranski who plays Diane Lockhart gets to wear fabulous statement necklaces and a fabulous wardrobe, period. Swoon.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I agree with others on the prices and variety of places to get necklaces. Some of my favorites are silver discs my sister got me at a Paris flea market, several brass strands from a Berlin flea market, a leather band with a cluster of seashells from my boyfriend in sixth grade, a leather band with three perfect beads that my son made in grade school, a Kendra Scott from Nordy's, a medium-length one with several fake, flat "stones" from AT, and a big dark chain with large turquoise that my mom got me. Beyond that, I have a string of pearls from a jewelry store and a couple delicate necklaces that I wear for dressy occasions and some big, chunky necklaces that I think look like dress-up for little kids. One other source that I don't think has been mentioned is museum gift shops. But in general, I agree with everyone above--have an idea of what you're looking for, and keep your eyes open for it or for something unexpected in lots of different places. A single display rack can have quite a few different pieces, so you might need to slow your browsing speed just a bit in order to see what's there. Also, were you on the thread about necklaces as a third piece a few weeks ago? There were quite a few necklaces there that were eye-catching and attractive, but not the kind of size and weight I associate with "statement" necklaces. You might want to check it out.

Gigi

Veteran

I too have this problem. I like statement necklaces on others, but when I try to find one myself, everything looks cheap and gaudy. I finally found some pieces that I like at Free People (boho themed). I have also found some contenders at Nordstrom, though I did not purchase. So if I were you, I would keep on looking.

Style Fan

Veteran

Another look that I like that I have seen lately is layering fine delicate necklaces. The blogger I saw do this started with a gold locket and added 2 shorter gold necklaces. We did this back in the 70s.

Anonymous

I think that is the first problem. I have no idea what I am looking for. I am merely "looking."

One of the Forum Members shared with me a pin on how to choose a necklace length to coordinate with different necklines. That was helpful.

But I have not done sufficient research yet to even know what I like and what I don't like on myself. I love the necklaces that Always Trying shares with me. They are just gorgeous. And of course, Angie's idea of signature necklaces appeals to me.

There is a woman at work that wears a necklace every single day. She color coordinates her necklaces to her tops. She buys a new top. She shops for a corresponding necklace/earrings/bracelet. It works for her and has become her signature. I would never have the patience that she does.

There is a second woman at work that has a very small collection of necklaces (three?) but each of them is perfection. In my mind, I imagine she is an artist and just has the "eye." She is the person I was thinking about when I started writing this post. She dresses minimally but every single piece is itself perfect.

My plan going forward. (1) Develop an idea of what I like and what I will actually wear. (2) Collect lots of pins. (3) Shop second hand, fairs, flea markets, gem shows, and etsy in the beginning. (4) Don't rush myself. I may not even like wearing necklaces. I know that I remove my jewelry the minute I walk in the house. Perhaps that is a sign?

delurked

Veteran

Sterling - sorry, haven't had time to read all the responses, but a couple things from my perspective.

I wear a lot of necklaces and consider them my third piece for a few different reasons. I'm in a hot climate, so even though I love jackets and toppers, they aren't practical for much of the year. My necklaces help make the outfit feel complete. I find myself wearing more long necklaces to elongate and find right now i think they are flattering in an outfit. I like how they elevate an outfit, and they make me feel good.

It seems like you interpret others having great style and you feeling differently for yourself. You are perhaps over thinking this - giving others too much credit and under selling your own abilities. Just try with a couple different pieces first and work them in. Wear several times and then decide if it's for you. You can find jewelry that isn't too pricy that can be a statement - YOUR statement. It doesn't have to be huge or blingy. There are all kinds of directions to head. Find a couple pieces that seem nice and go from there. If what you picked seemed too big, too shiny, fill in the blank, adjust, and give it another shot. Still not you? Then call it and move on. I love scarves, but realize I hate things right around my neck, find them adding bulk up top where I don't want it, and can't stand the heat. I've got five I bought all at once before I figured it out. So be it. I also realize that while now is not my own moment for scarves, there may be a time I revisit them, so no need for permanent declarations, just how I'm feeling right now.

Anonymous

Wise, Delurked. Thank you.

anchie

Veteran

Maybe you can start simple, with long pendant necklaces and see how you feel. Are you even sure that you are necklace type? Maybe scarfs can do the same for you?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have found interesting jewelry, including statement necklaces, in places and prices ranging widely -- definitely a "leave no retail stone unturned" scenario. Sometimes the discount stores like TjMaxx and Rack have some interesting things at great prices. Even accessory boutiques that carry inexpensive wares like Charming Charlie's can give you ideas. And try browsing Etsy -- maybe plug into the search bar your preferred metal (silver or gold), and style such as pendant or choker, perhaps with a color if you'd like to start by finding options for a particular outfit or top.

Jules

Veteran

I like craft fairs but also try independent boutiques that might have a more curated selection and an owner/stylist who can help you pick things out. In my city there are also permanent stores that feature several different jewelry artists - look for a design co-op or there might be / used to be etsy stores in some places. I would hesitate on online orders you can't return until you have a good idea what works for you.
I think body type and facial features are very important when considering necklaces- just as important as clothing necklines. I posted about this on a recent necklace thread but in short, long pendant necklaces are quite different on a short waisted, busty body than on a tall slim rectangle. A busy, chunky necklace can easily overwhelm a fine featured face. These are my considerations, yours will be different.
Finally, in somewhat contrarian advice to above: don't overthink it. Guidelines are good, but you might see something on etsy or even in store that is 'perfect' in theory based on your carefully thought out rules and desires, but it doesn't work when you put it on for some unknown reason. Don't force it.

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