Why A Long Necklace Is The Ultimate Trans-Seasonal Jewel

As we approach the end of the spring/summer ’24 season, a little more thought is needed where jewelry purchases are concerned. While summer’s warmer temperatures still linger, it is important to rejoice in the colorful bead bracelets and bold anklets you bought earlier in the season. But, it does make sense to consider FW24’s incoming aesthetic when investing in fine jewels and timepieces at this point in the year; those kaleidoscopic beads are less likely to gel with the chic tailoring, ski sweaters and heavy-duty coats on the horizon.

The perfect trans-seasonal jewel? A long, low-swinging necklace. As always with jewelry trends, fit and form are largely influenced by the ready-to-wear silhouette en vogue, and for SS24, the dropped waist reigned supreme. History teaches us that waistlines and necklines are the ultimate influencers on shape and silhouette – simply look to the flappers of the 1920s to see how a dropped waist will cause necklaces to take the plunge, too. The long necklace does, however, also suit the key trends already outlined for pre-fall. Think hero denim jackets with last season’s cult tank top underneath – the ideal canvas for a long glimmer of yellow gold – and lemon-yellow tailoring in the perfect saccharine shade that will make white gold sing. A long necklace suits many of the core pieces incoming from the FW24 shows, too – expect ’80s power blazers, dramatic shearling coats and heritage fabrics galore.

With this multi-season potential in mind, it makes sense to opt for versatile designs that can easily flow from fall’s layered looks into midwinter-dressing mode. Those who love chains will adore French designer Lauren Rubinski’s utilitarian pieces, featuring innovative links and loops that feel feather-light, while Carolina Bucci’s delicate rolo chain is sure to appeal to more minimal tastebuds – each tiny link is gently etched by hand to achieve the label’s signature Florentine finish.

Nikos Koulis, meanwhile, offers a design that marries the minimalist with the maximalist, with an elegant slim chain cast from 18-karat yellow and white gold, and two eye-catching long links set with glistening pavé diamonds. When investing in a hero piece like this, the devil is in the detail – even its clasp showcases the Greek designer’s signature flair, with the brand emblem set upon black enamel. Don’t miss the opportunity to personalize a long chain, either. Lucy Delius’s long belcher chain features a pocket-watch pendant dusted in seamlessly set pavé diamonds, and its prominent sailor lock offers the opportunity to add further pendants and charms of your choosing. Another knockout piece is her crescent-moon-motif necklace, which features the British brand’s ‘Diamond Muff’ chain, where slim bars are embellished with twinkling diamonds.

While chain-like necklaces are perhaps the best styles to help you transition from casual daywear into dinner-onwards dress codes, there is certainly a place for pendulum-like designs with show-stopping pendants for afterhours. These creations are works of art and heirloom-worthy pieces that will elevate a simple column gown in seconds. Foundrae’s ‘Balance’ mixed-clip chain features a remarkable pendant that portrays the sun and moon in perfect harmony as yin and yang, brought to life in 18-karat yellow and white gold. Other eye-catching pendant-style pieces include Jia Jia’s bohemian design, an epic 30-inch chain that culminates in a perfectly clear quartz crystal totalling 50 carats, and Marie Lichtenberg’s 18-karat yellow-gold chain that bears an ultra-large precious orb, adorned with vibrant sapphire-set evil-eye motifs.

Those who want a design long enough to be worn as a single or double loop will appreciate Mizuki’s modern take on the classic pearl necklace, which features gradually larger, lustrous freshwater pearls strung along its entire 33-inch length. Marie Lichtenberg offers similar versatility with its signature locket-style necklaces, each silk string inspired by Indian Mauli cords – handwoven threads believed to have talismanic qualities. These extra-long styles allow you to alter their length depending on any mood or ensemble – it’s simply up to you to choose how low you go.