The Best Everyday Necklaces, According to Jewelry Designers

“If I had to pick one everyday necklace, it would have to be the Axiom Chain Necklace. It’s one of our most versatile styles, which means it upgrades any outfit, from a tailored blazer and shirt to accessorizing a turtleneck. I love how many ways there are to wear it, too; making a neckmess with all my other necklaces, pairing it with the Axiom bracelet to make the chain longer, or adding charms and initial pendants to personalize it. I’m not the only one who loves it, too–Gigi Hadid didn’t take it off for weeks, and in fact, it’s a Hadid family favorite with Anwar and Dua Lipa, both spotted in the Axiom. It’s a Missoma icon for a reason, the epitome of our mission to create statement everyday pieces designed to layer.”

“Today, jewelry is your identity, and my ManLuu Beads necklace is my everyday reminder of it. I designed it because I was searching for an everyday essential. It’s a good balance between modern and classic, a statement piece with a sense of comfort. I wanted a beaded necklace because of my Creole Heritage. I’m from the island of Martinique and for centuries, all women have been wearing what we call ‘Grain D’or,’ which is a gold beaded necklace. My classic beads necklace celebrates this heritage but with a modern twist.

“For my Zoom calls during the day, I will wear it with ManLuu Hoop earrings and a statement ring. I pair it with casual tops or a denim shirt. And to go out for dinner, I will layer the necklace with the ManLuu extra-long Beads strand with the barrel in the front to add some sophistication and polish off the look with heels.”

“My favorite everyday necklace would have to be the Heritage Necklace from Serendipitous Project. I love this necklace, because it is versatile. It is dainty enough to be layered, plus since it’s black and gold, it goes with everything! I designed this necklace as an ode to my African roots. Cowrie shells are very prominent in African culture and symbolize prosperity and destiny. The symbolism behind this necklace makes it extra special to me.”

“I believe that the jewelry you wear should always inspire and empower you. My favorite every day necklace is our Dorothy Medallion Necklace. My girls and I never take it off! It has become superstitious at this point. The words ‘You had the power all along my dear’ are inscribed on the medallion. This necklace serves as an everyday reminder that we always have the power and to remain positive and stay the course. You can wear it alone, or as a layered necklace. We have it available in 18K Gold and Sterling Silver.”

“To me, everyday jewelry is synonymous with a simple gold chain that is comfortable to wear—and more importantly, something you forget that you’re wearing in the first place. Our Serpentine Chain Necklace is a favorite of mine. It is sleek and slinky, but can also be a statement—everything you need in one staple chain. The flat, braided links are designed to be lightweight and move with you.”

“My favorite everyday necklace is our Garden Necklace, specifically the April one featuring the month’s birth flower, the sweet pea. After a year of park-hopping with my partner amidst social distancing and racial justice movements, I became super inspired by the naturally multifaceted picture that parks paint. To me, the park represents a space of self-exploration amidst community, full of gardens, picnics, courtyards; all metaphors for places where we are challenged to be true to ourselves and where representation and inclusivity are integral.

“April is my birth month, and it serves as a reminder that the best gardens are circular, with blooms coming and going in their time, and where no one is threatened by another’s full expression of themselves. With each necklace being individually hand-pressed with wax seals, their uniqueness and delicacy make them fun to layer with our Palouse herringbone chain, and with the cooler months coming, I’ll be styling these over my turtleneck layered underneath my oversized tee.”

“The GoldMind necklace is one of my favorite pieces. I find that this necklace is purchased by customers across style types. If you are a minimalist, The GoldMind can serve as the focal point to a classic outfit. I love the ever-chic camisole-and-blazer look. I also use it to spruce up a tank-and-jeans run-around outfit. If you are a maximalist, The GoldMind is the perfect amount of ‘extra’ to add to an already fabulous look without reaching the point of over-the-top gaudiness (unless that’s what you like, and if so, add more!). The extra width of The GoldMind chain gives off a vintage vibe, but the shine won’t fool anyone into thinking you’ve bought it secondhand.”

“My everyday necklace is the Sun Choker. I love wearing it, because it’s chunky but I am able to layer it with other gold chains. I tend to wear it as a tight choker with a deep V-neck shirt or blouse, but it’s very versatile, and I see a lot of my customers wearing it over a crew neck T-shirt. It was one of the first pieces I designed for Yam, and I sourced the chain from a vintage seller.”

“I love wearing this pendant necklace that I made with an old mine cut diamond in 18-karat gold. This piece transitions perfectly through the seasons and with different outfits. I can dress it up or down, and I can easily layer it with other pieces or wear it alone. People often ask if it’s a locket or an antique, and I just love that it’s so classic and versatile.”