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12 best statement necklaces

Add eye-catching detail with some conversation-starting jewellery this Christmas

Tuesday 08 December 2015 12:56 GMT

Nail your Christmas party look with a statement piece of jewellery that will take you effortlessly from day to night.

Here's our pick of stand-out pieces from the high street - with a couple of designer options thrown into the mix.

1. Short necklace with studs: £185, Bimba Y Lola

Studded leather might sound a bit fierce, but for its Christmas collection the Spanish label known for its playful designs has toned down the punkiness with heart-shaped resin pieces to create a necklace we’ve fallen in love with.

2. Reptile Scale Necklace: £69, Stories

Channel your inner Cleopatra and adorn your neck in gold (or reassuringly weighty brass in this case). We’re fans of its asymmetric shape, scale-like texture and the delicate chains thrown into the mix.

3. Blue Statement necklace: £12.99, Rococo Jewels

Rococo Jewels has a range of affordable, blingy necklaces and earrings. This one with blue and green gems makes us think of cold, icy days now but will work come summer, too.

4. Plume necklace: £115, Stella & Dot

This vintage looking gold-plated necklace can be worn multiple ways. It has two clip-on feather attachments (choose from cobalt blue or black), and if flipped around, the top strand has black enamel details, All three strings can also be worn separately.

5. Mega stone statement necklace: £45, Topshop

There’s a lot to look at on this embellished design. It’s multicoloured but none of the shades are so bold that they will dominate, and there’s enough sparkle to transform the plainest dress into a head-turning outfit. The felt backing means it won’t irritate your skin, either.

6. Jewel pendant necklace: £22.99, Zara

This one from Zara cascades downwards in three intricately beaded tiers. It’ll look super-elegant paired with a simple party dress and the green touches help to lift all the black.

7. Mary Katrantzou ruffle necklace: £133.99, Farfetch

Known for her experimental prints, the London-based designer is our go-to for an unusual designer piece. This “ruff” is made from semi-transparent PVC and sits just at the base of the neck. It makes us think of the white collar on Elizabeth I in the Darnley portrait – with a 2015 twist. Also comes in mint, pink and yellow.

8. Short necklace: £9.99, H&M

Add texture to your winter wardrobe with this unusual necklace made of black plastic cubes in various sizes. It’s striking and though it’s short, you can adjust the length a little.

9. Geometric necklace: £39, COS

Here’s a way to do understated statement, if that can be a thing. This comes in an on-trend rose gold tone and features a black silicone ball paired with two metal orbs and a curved metal tube on a chain. That’s what we call geometric chic.

10. Gold tone embellished lace choker necklace: £20, River Island

You might have noticed a few Nineties-style chokers around this summer. For the party season, brands have updated the style with heavy embellishment. This one combines gold-tone metal with lace and sparkly gems – very Marie Antoinette.

11. Sveva collection statement Pianeta necklace: £189, Amazon

Influenced by her travels to America, Africa, India and the Middle East, the Milan-based jewellery designer creates unique pieces. This necklace is handmade with gold tone brass metal, crystals, rounded stones and delicate beads. It will glam up any outfit.

12. Embellished cord necklace: £168, J.Crew

You can add a touch of flower power to your winter wardrobe, too. The silver mirror petals and light gold crystal centres contrast with the on-trend black nylon cord. There’s a matching bracelet if you like that sort of thing. It will look great through summer, as well.

Verdict

For a versatile piece that will way outlive party season, we recommend Stella & Dot - the necklace can be worn in three different ways so you get your money's worth. But Zara’s black bejewelled style is our fave - it will glam up your winter wardrobe without breaking the bank.