I love the trend of delicate layered necklaces, especially when they’re peeking through a classic button-down shirt. I want a collection of jewelry that looks like I raided my grandmother’s jewelry box. Think old heart lockets, vintage pendants and cameos, delicate chains and pretty personalized necklaces (like initials, zodiac signs, and birthstones).
In the photo above, I’m wearing two of my new favorites: a white gold vintage diamond pendant that C customized for my 35th birthday — shoutout to our local fine jeweler, Griner’s, for helping him create such a special piece! — and a yellow gold mini ‘K’ initial charm from AU-Rate.
(Sidebar: How do you guys feel about mixing metals? I used to be strictly matchy-matchy with my jewelry. But I’m way less fussy about style ‘rules’ these days and just wear what I like. I bought myself a grown-up stainless steel and gold watch for my birthday, so I’m ready to mix it up.)
My 2020 resolution is to refocus on the goal of ‘fewer, better things’ in my wardrobe and jewelry/accessories collection. With that in mind, I look for pieces made of solid white or yellow gold, plated gold (also known as gold vermeil), or brass. These metals generally live through lots of wear with minimal maintenance, and don’t irritate or react with my sensitive skin. They’re pricier than trendy costume jewelry, but worth the investment; especially when I think of all the money I wasted on fast-fashion jewelry that turned my skin green after wearing it twice.
Where To Find Vintage & Personalized Necklaces
If you’re on the hunt for unique, high-quality vintage necklaces — and you politely asked your beloved matriarchs for their unworn baubles — estate sales and local antique shops are great places to find them. A local jeweler can help with any repairs or customizations needed to make them uniquely yours. Vintage necklaces on my radar are gold chains (in every width, weight and texture), small sculptural pieces, assorted lockets, and gold medallions and coins.
For new additions to your jewelry collection, there’s a fresh crop of online jewelry retailers that specialize in creating quality pieces without the traditional department store markup. If you’re like me, and want to build a capsule collection of everyday pieces, AU-Rate, Missoma, Mejuri and Vrai & Oro are great places to start. (Vox rounded up more of the ‘very best places’ to shop for jewelry online here.) I love this ’1987’ collection inspired by blogger Lucy William’s mother’s jewelry box; this oversized gold-plated brass necklace; and this dainty ‘satellite’ necklace with tiny white sapphires.
Shop Personalized Necklaces
What are some of your favorite ways to layer necklaces? Do you have a vintage piece or personalized necklace in your collection that’s extra-special to you? Tell me about it in the comments!
This post is in collaboration with Nakturnal.
Beautiful Necklaces !