Leave a powerful impression with these showstopping necklaces

When accessorising for the purpose of making an entrance, a statement necklace is absolutely essential. There’s no better way to instantly draw attention than with elaborately designed jewellery proudly displayed front and centre – even better if it is set with exceptional gems, then worn against a neckline that perfectly frames its magnificence.

We enjoy jewellery in two different ways – as an expression of our sense of style and personality, and, on a more intimate level, from our private appreciation of the pieces we choose to acquire. In other words, we don’t just wear jewellery for other people to see it on us, we wear it because, well, we love seeing it on ourselves.

Consider, too, how we “interact” with the jewellery we wear. While we ourselves can easily gaze at and admire the rings, bracelets or cuffs that we are wearing, the necklaces we put on are really designed for making an impression on the people around you. This quality is particularly advantageous on those occasions when you’d like to make an immediate statement with your choice of jewels for a special night or day.

Not only is a necklace worn in a more prominent position as compared with the other accessories a woman is likely to wear, it also provides the largest expanse for creative play with diamonds and other gems. This is why it makes such an excellent canvas for jewellery designers, even more so in the world of high jewellery, where no detail, process or expense is spared to create the ultimate in fine jewels.

Whether draped over the collarbone, or worn long and across the length of the torso, a necklace can dazzle and stun in so many captivating ways. The most exquisite and creative of them all are, of course, to be found in high jewellery collections, in which they never fail to be the headlining acts.

CHAUMET

A high jewellery necklace doesn’t always have to be colourful and set with gobstopper gems to make an unforgettable impression – although, it does have to be encrusted with diamonds. The Étoiles Étoiles necklace from the Les Ciels de Chaumet collection proves our point by channelling all the drama into its central pendant, enchanting all who lay eyes on it with its scintillating shower of six-pointed stars.

TIFFANY & CO.

This singularly unique necklace from Tiffany’s Blue Book collection this year carries a surprise that’s only apparent on a closer look. From far, it looks like a tennis necklace with gemstones encased in rectangular settings, but study the diamonds (40ct in all) that sit within their angular frames and you’d realise that they comprise a mixture of cuts – emerald, cushion, oval, pear and square. It’s like a little secret privy only to the wearer of the necklace and those who come near her.

CARTIER

The Théia necklace from Cartier’s Magnitude high jewellery collection may have a classic Y-shaped drop, but plays with a dialogue between unusual pairings of gemstones. It features seven round Colombian emeralds – four of which are, interestingly, nestled within rock crystal motifs that are faceted on their reverse to enhance the shine of the precious green gemstones they hold. Each circular motif is punctuated with tiny onyx triangles to create the maison’s signature green-and- black colour combination.

BOUCHERON

The Torque necklace from the Paris vu du 26 high jewellery collection stands out with its bold, contemporary form. There’s good reason in its resemblance to a cuff for the wrist – it actually was inspired by a bracelet from Boucheron’s archives that has been revisited in this new collection and given a twist with onyx, rock crystal and diamonds.

GRAFF

The Inspired by Twombly collection is an iconic Graff jewellery line that features American artist Cy Twombly’s signature squiggle as a prominent motif in all its pieces. Here, we see a simpler take on his trademark loops that is accentuated with a focal, cushion-cut 32.33ct blue sapphire. Baguette diamonds go round the entire circumference of the necklace, creating an elegant contrast to the gigantic central stone.

CHANEL FINE JEWELLERY

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s Russian romance with the Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich sets the scene for a passionate story told through a collection of charming and feminine jewellery. The Sarafane necklace from the Le Paris Russe de Chanel high jewellery collection encircles the neck with diamonds, pearls and white gold, taking the likeness of an intricately designed lace collar.