Statement necklaces are our passion. There is no piece of jewelry as beautiful as a necklace that has been lovingly handcrafted into a wearable piece of art. Something that makes you say "wow" every time you put it on.
Whether you have always loved statement necklaces or are just getting into wearing them, there is a style out there just perfect for you. It's all about finding the right one, made from the right materials, that compliments your existing wardrobe.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to about statement necklaces, including the history, styling tips and our favorite ways to wear them!
While the term "statement necklace" is actually quite broad, it can be defined as a necklace that has visual impact, is often bold and intriguing, and can act as a stand alone piece of jewelry. Another way of defining a statement necklace would be that it is the opposite of a delicate necklace, such as a dainty chain or basic pendant.
The statement necklace category includes jewelry of varying sizes, ranging from a few strands up to incredibly large pieces. One of the many great things about statement necklaces is that they are not one size fits all. The wide array of styles, colours, and materials used provide the wearer with an unlimited number of possibilities.
The true testament to statement jewelry is the artistry that goes into the designs. While delicate jewelry can be pretty, nothing compares to the visual intrigue of a statement necklace. When you can tell that hours went into designing and crafting the jewelry, that is truly what sets it apart from all the rest.
Statement necklaces and statement jewelry, in general, are hardly new to our time. Various styles have been seen in civilizations across the globe, dating back to some of our earliest relatives.
The oldest known jewelry dates back by approximately 75,000 years! In a cave near the southern Cape shoreline in South Africa, a human drilled tiny holes into the shells of snails and strung them as beads, making the first known necklace. Roughly 35,000 years later in Africa, ostrich eggshell beads were created in Kenya, and 5,000 years after that, perforated teeth in Bulgaria and a string of sea shell beads from Turkey. These findings were significant, acting as the first examples of artistic creativity and symbolism in early day humans who were otherwise known only for stone tools and weapons.
Remains of a necklace made of fish bones was found in a cave in Monaco, dating back 25,000 years ago. During this time, the bones of fish and animals were often worn by hunters and prominent members of the tribe. The necklace is thought to perhaps have been a gift given to a loved on, something special as a token of affection. Bone was often used for jewelry due to its durability.
As we fast-forward to ancient Sumer, we begin to see precious metals, such as gold, and various gemstones incorporated into jewelry that was worn by both royalty and common people alike. Sumerians often imported raw materials from neighboring countries- gold and silver from mines in modern day Turkey and Iran, lapis lazulli from Afghanistan and carnelian from India. Sumerian jewelry makers are credited for the creation of specialized techniques including granulation and filigree. Statement jewelry was a significant part of Sumerian culture and the women often opted for bold headdresses, earrings and necklaces.
Ancient Egypt is renowned for the incredibly eye-catching jewelry that both men and women adorned themselves with. Ancient Egyptians were empowered by advanced technology, access to precious metals and a deep appreciation for the luxurious. In addition to gold and other materials commonly found throughout Egypt, they commonly imported Lapis Lazuli, a semi-precious stone.
The mass production of jewelry was started by ancient Roman craftsmen. Colored gemstones, glass, silver, gold and bronze were common elements found in Roman jewelry, and it was often use to depict social status. White gold and silver was popular among the wealthy, while bronze was preferred among the common people of the empire.
Throughout this article, we'll be referring to many of the materials that we and many other jewelers utilize in their creations. It's always important to understand what it is you are buying so you can evaluate if it is the right jewelry for you!
Often stamped with a 925 to signify its composition, sterling silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper alloy. In comparison to pure silver, which is too soft to be used in jewelry, sterling silver is loved for its beauty and versatility.
Stainless steel is an iron and chromium alloy that is often used in jewelry. While some grades have additional metals, which can cause irritation, there are hypoallergenic options (which we use!).
Read more about the differences between sterling silver and stainless steel here.
Freshwater pearls, natural or cultured, are formed when a mollusk produces layers of nacre (pronounced NAY-kur) around some type of irritant inside its shell. In natural pearls, the irritant may be another organism from the water. In cultured pearls, a mother-of-pearl bead or a piece of tissue is inserted (by man) into the mollusk to start the process.
European crystal pearls are manmade, considered the highest quality imitation pearl and use a European crystal at the center. Other imitation pearls use a plastic or glass bead for the center.
Click here to read our buyer's guide to pearls for a detailed look at freshwater vs. European crystal pearls.
Alexandra Necklace
European crystals are man-made gems manufactured in Austria. In 1892, Daniel European invented a machine for making precision-cut, beautiful, high quality lead glass crystals using quartz, sand, and minerals.
A gemstone (also called a gem, fine gem, jewel, precious stone, or semi-precious stone) is a piece of mineral crystal which, in cut and polished form, is used to make jewelry or other accessories. Gemstones include quartz, lapis, amethyst, topaz, onyx, beryl, moonstone and many others.
Kara Necklace
We believe that statement necklaces are for absolutely everyone! Given the wide range of styles and options available, there's something special with your name on it. Gone are the days that we must abide by strict rules when it comes to how we dress. We believe in celebrating the stage of life we are in and wearing whatever feels good. In our case, that's a statement necklace!
If you're reading this and thinking to yourself that you are unsure of what your jewelry style even really is, we recommend you read our other article, "How To Find Your Jewelry Style", first before proceeding. It will help you whittle down your current wardrobe, understand what you're missing and what jewelry would be ideal for you. It's a fabulous read even if you're just looking to fine tune your style!
We have three universal tips when it comes down to how to wear a statement necklace and we think they are pretty easy to follow!
Let's look at some examples of how to style specific statement necklaces, shall we?
Handcrafted from European crystal pearls, sterling silver accents, cubic zirconia, charms in pewter and polished stainless steel, and various silver and stainless steel chains, the Abigail is the kind of necklace that makes you say WOW when you put her on.
You deserve to feel spectacular every time you put a piece of jewelry on. Does your current collection do that for you? If not, maybe the Abigail is what you need in your life!
Not sure what to pair her with? This is how Donna styled the Abigail Necklace most recently!
Handcrafted from lustrous European crystal pearls, richly textured polished stainless steel chain, sterling silver accents and a large, detachable pewter heart charm, the Eliza is as versatile as she is beautiful!
Not sure what to pair her with? We have a few suggestions!
However you choose to wear the Eliza, we cannot wait to see her on you! Pair with the Eliza Bracelet and Lisbeth Earrings for a more dramatic look.
One of our more dramatic pieces, the Josette Necklace is perfect when your outfit calls for just a touch of edginess. Featuring an acrylic and pewter rose pendant, faceted onyx, European crystal pearls, and sterling silver plated chain, the Josette is truly meant to wow!
Want to recreate Donna's look? Here are our style must haves!
Pair with the Josette Bracelet and Earrings for the perfect look.
For those who would like more generalized suggestions for how to wear a statement necklace, this section is for you. A friendly reminder that these are simply meant as guidelines and there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to how to wear a statement necklace.
Our top five statement necklace styling tips:
Edwina Necklace
If reading this article has you all excited about wearing statement necklaces and you are looking for more information, there are a few places you can find it!
Phew! That was a lot of information about statement necklaces to take it. How wonderful that you are embarking on this journey of self expression and utilizing jewelry as part of that journey.
If you are feeling a little overwhelmed by the number of options, we invite you book a complimentary, virtual styling appointment with us. You will virtually meet with Danielle and/or Donna to discuss your needs, what you currently have in your closet and what it is you're looking for. It is a wonderful way to get more information on our current jewelry and ensure that you are selecting the perfect piece.
By tuning in to your truest sense of self, evaluating your current wardrobe and stepping outside of your style comfort zone, you'll be able to wear statement necklaces in ways you never thought of before.
For those who only want the very best, shop our best selling statement necklaces here!
Kim Necklace
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Feb 16, 2022
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Necklaces are a timeless accessory that can be dressed up or down. They also come in a wide range of prices, from inexpensive to pricey. How can you know which necklace is the right one for you? In this guide, we’ll explore the many facets of necklaces and what they mean. You’ll learn about different types of stones and metals, as well as about the different styles available. There’s no single way to choose a necklace, but we hope that this article will help you get started.
Necklaces are one of the most popular jewellery pieces of all time. They can make a simple outfit look polished and chic, and they work for any occasion: prom, weddings, parties, and more. But necklaces also serve a practical purpose. Wearing one will draw attention to the part of your body that you want to emphasize.
For example, if you want to draw attention to your chest area, wearing a necklace will help. And if you’re pregnant and need support for your baby bump, wearing a necklace around your stomach area can provide the support you need.
Necklaces don’t just have to be used on women either; men can use them too! For example, some men may choose to wear a necklace with an initial on it as a way of telling people what their name is without having to keep introducing themselves. There’s no right or wrong way to wear a necklace but knowing how they’re typically used is important when it comes time to buy one.
Necklaces should reflect the wearer’s personality and lifestyle. If you’re looking to buy a necklace, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you make your purchase.
- The type of necklace should match who you are. Ask yourself if the style of necklace is something that matches your personality or lifestyle. For example, if you’re a casual person, a gold chain with a pendant may not be your best choice because it could look too dressy for everyday wear. Similarly, if you work in an office environment where formal attire is required, a choker with a pendant may not be the best choice because it could look too casual.
- Necklace length should correspond to your height and outfit. Take off any other necklaces so that you’ll be able to get an accurate measurement of your neck length when trying on different styles of necklaces. Consider what types of clothing you’ll be wearing with the necklace when deciding how long or short you want your new piece to be. You can also experiment with different lengths in front of the mirror to see what looks best for your body type and style choices.
- Choose appropriate stones for your skin tone and lifestyle. Your skin tone will affect which colours of stones will look best on you; some people even choose stones that complement their eye colour! There are many factors that contribute to choosing the right stone; consult our article on gemstone meanings for more information about this topic. If you’re
The first thing to think about is the style of necklace you’re looking for. This will help you narrow your options and find a necklace that matches your personal preferences. Do you prefer a traditional, classic look? Is a bold, statement-making piece more your speed? Or do you want something delicate and understated?
Depending on what type of style you’re looking for, different materials can be better suited. For example, if you want the delicate look of pearls or semi-precious stones, then a pendant necklace is probably best for you. If you prefer a bolder look with larger stones, then a choker or statement piece would be more appropriate. However, if neither of these styles appeals to you and instead want something that’s both classic and eye-catching, then an oversized pendant would be perfect.
One of the first things to consider when looking at necklaces is what type of stone you want. The most commonly used stones for necklaces are diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Choosing an appropriate stone depends on your personal preferences and budget.
A diamond is a well-known gemstone that sparkles brilliantly. Diamonds can be found in many colours- including black, pink, and white- and their price will vary depending on their colour and clarity. A diamond has a rating called the “four c’s.” The four c’s include carat weight (which is how heavy the diamond is), cut quality, clarity, and colour. The higher the rating of these four items, the more expensive the diamond will be.
Rubies are a popular gemstone as well as a shade of red to purple colour that varies from deep to light red or orange-pink colours. Rubies have a rating called “four c”, which stands for carat weight (how heavy it is), cut quality, clarity, and colour. Rubies also have a rating called “three C’s,” which stands for carat weight (how heavy it is), cut quality, and colour.
Sapphires are blue or violet coloured gemstones that come in many different shapes such as square or oval cuts. Sapphires also have a rating system-the four C’s system-beginning with carat weight (how heavy it
In this blog, we will discuss the different metals and stones used in necklaces.
Metals: You’ll notice many necklaces are made with silver, gold, or other metal, like brass. The type of metal your necklace is made from will determine its durability and cost. The most expensive necklaces are usually made out of gold or platinum. Silver is less expensive than gold, but it will still cost more than brass. Brass is one of the least expensive metals to use for a necklace — you can find inexpensive necklaces made with brass.
Stones: Necklace stones often come in a variety of shapes and colours. The colour of the stone that you choose will depend on your personal preference. There are three main types of stones used in necklaces; gemstones (natural), semiprecious (a natural stone that’s not as valuable as a gemstone), and glass (man-made). Gemstones are usually an expensive option because they’re limited in supply and there’s significant labour involved in their production. Semiprecious stones are less expensive than gemstones; they’re also less rare and take less effort to produce. Glass is the least expensive stone option; it’s also the easiest to produce because it doesn’t require any labour or skill on behalf of the person making it.
Before you purchase a necklace, take the time to learn about the different styles available. A number of factors influence the style of necklace designs that will work for you. The length of your neck and hair can affect which style will work best for you. Necklaces with longer lengths are typically more formal in nature while shorter necklaces are more casual in appearance. Heavier necklaces tend to be more formal while lighter pieces are more casual.
Another factor influencing style is preference. You may prefer a minimalist look or you might want something with lots of flair like dangling stones or sparkle. Try experimenting with different styles until you find one that suits your own personal taste best.