Wrap Around
Pamela Ditmer McKuen covers the statement necklace.
By PAMELA DITTMER MCKUEN
A
statement necklace is a powerful piece of jewelry. Purposely oversized,
eye-catching and often outrageous, it commands attention: Be who you
are or who you want to be, and everyone will know. Unlike
other fashion trends, this one is more about the wearer than the
creator, says image consultant and author Eve Michaels of Beverly
Hills, California.
“A statement necklace
gives the woman a chance to creatively express her unique personality,
fashion type and flair,” Michaels says. “In uncertain economic times,
it makes us feel more glamorous, and that’s a good thing. It’s as if we
are celebrating abundant times, even if at the moment this seems like
wishful thinking.”
“Almost every woman
looks good wearing highly visible jewelry at or near the neckline,”
says Jill Maier, vice president of design for Stamford,
Connecticut-based Carolee. “Color or sparkle only adds to the effect.”
Accessories
have been on the super-size-me track for a few years—first handbags,
then shoes, and now jewelry. But it’s not just a matter of big. It’s
about the mix and the silhouette. Silver and gold. New and old. Layers
of chains or pearls or both. A bib of seed beads, a choker of crystals,
a truly remarkable pendant, anything asymmetric.
Renowned
for his startling design alchemy is Irish-born Tom Binns. His Tough
Chic collection pits pearls, silver and crystal against iconic skulls
and spikes. He’s done cameo with rusted metal and many an exclusive
vintage reconstruction. (Most prices are $700 to $1,500, but can go
higher)
For über-drama, NYC-based Tara
& Sons offers a double-strand necklace of marble-sized black
Tahitian and white South Sea pearls, centered by a blossom fashioned
from nearly 10 carats of black and white diamonds ($79,995).
At
Steve Quick Jeweler in Lincoln Park, the “Riviera” necklace has a lot
to say about traditional elegance. It’s made up of a single strand of
diamonds, similar to a tennis bracelet. The stones can be graduated
with larger ones in front and smaller ones in back. Prices start about
$6,500 and head skyward.
The custom jeweler
also stirs conversation with a strong color palette, offering such
novelties as spessartite garnets and rubelites. Perhaps you prefer
multi-hued sapphires by the yard.
“We’re
also doing combinations of less exotic stones, like garnet and citrine
and peridot, all on the same piece, sometimes with very large stones or
interspersed with pearls,” says Steve Quick. “The result is a beautiful
splash of color for someone who wants a statement necklace, but without
the diamond price.”
Carolee LUX, the
upscale collection by Carolee, is showing assorted semi-precious
stones, freshwater and simulated pearls and light-bending crystals.
Delicate and elegant is the Flowers in Bloom grouping, where pearls and
crystals of varying size are fashioned into floral medallions. One
piece is a pearl torsade—a thick necklace made from multiple strands
and then twisted, clasped by a single large medallion ($295). Another
piece is a strand of graduated pearls with a bib-like bouquet of
medallions in front ($350).
The great
thing about statement necklaces is they go round-the-clock. Some women
might save the more glittery pieces for ritzy social occasions, but
it’s really a matter of personal style. You’ll see high-drama jewelry
worn with jeans and simple sheath dresses. Just remember to let the
necklace do the talking.
“For the corporate
woman, tone the statement way down to a bold whisper, please,” says
Michaels. “Large gold chains or some ropes of pearls are more than
enough.”
“Necklines should be simple and
uncluttered,” says Maier. “Evening is easy because necklines are
usually low and open, creating a nice ‘canvas’ of skin. For daytime,
stick to collarless necklines, v-necks or open jackets that leave space
for a focal point.”
On the November cover
of O, The Oprah Magazine, Oprah Winfrey wore a black v-neck sweater to
frame her statement-maker by Karry’O. It’s a necklace of large hammered
and smooth gold discs dotted with orange and black cabochons ($2,289).
“Statement
looks can be created simply by layering pieces a woman may already own
or by buying new pieces to combine in unique ways,” says Michaels.
“Fearless fashion.”
Published: December 05, 2008
Issue: Winter 2008 - Annual Philanthropy Guide
Comments
Great articles
Hi,
I just wanted to say that I love reading your articles.
As a bride-to-be on a tight budget, I recently discovered an online bridal jewelry store called GlamForLess.com.
Though their website is plain and simple, I found some great deals on jewelry sets for me and my bridesmaids.
I think other readers on a tight budget may also find GlamForLess.com to be helpful.
You may want to check them out at http://www.glamforless.com/ and inform other readers about it.
Keep up the good work.
Best regards,
Lisa Bloom
Lisa Bloom, Aug-26-2009
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