Lariat & Y Necklaces

The lariat necklace, the only shape that truly drops

Every other necklace forms a loop. A lariat necklace adds something else: a drop, a strand that leaves the lowest point of the necklace and falls straight down, often finished with a pendant or a tassel.

Hence its other name, the Y necklace: the shape it draws on the neck is that of the letter. Two arms that meet, and a stem that carries on downwards. You will also see it called a Y shaped necklace or a drop necklace.

That drop changes the whole effect. A classic necklace draws a horizontal line across the chest, and a horizontal line widens. A Y adds a vertical, and a vertical lengthens. It is the only piece in the catalogue that works in that direction.

A Y necklace is not a long necklace

It is the most common confusion, and it leads to disappointment when the parcel arrives.

A long necklace is long: the loop itself drops over the chest, and it can be doubled into two loops.

A lariat is short: the loop stays at collarbone height, like an ordinary chain. Only the drop goes lower, on its own, down the middle.

Our lariat necklaces therefore sit at the usual height. If you want a piece that falls low as a whole, look at our long necklaces instead.

What it does for a silhouette

It is the most effective piece in the catalogue, for a purely optical reason worth explaining.

A vertical line down the middle of the upper body draws the eye downwards and towards the centre. It lengthens the silhouette and visually slims the upper body. It is the same principle as a jacket lapel or a row of buttons, applied to jewellery.

In practice: on a slightly high round neckline, a Y opens up what looked closed. On a V-neck, it follows the point and extends it. On a plain shift dress, it creates the only vertical marker in the outfit.

That is also why it is not layered. A Y needs its axis clear: putting another chain over it erases exactly what makes it interesting.

What the drop carries

The lower part of the Y is the part you see most, and it gives the piece its character.

A pendant set with diamanté hangs freely at the end of the drop: it swings with every step and catches the light, which draws the eye discreetly.

A heart gives the vertical line a clean full stop. This is the classic Y drop necklace. On one of our designs, several small hearts run down the drop like a garland.

The shooting star carries the movement of the line on instead of stopping it: it is the most graphic version, and the easiest to wear every day.

Gold or silver

A gold lariat necklace warms the vertical line and looks a little more dressed up. It is the colour for beige, ecru and warm-toned outfits. See all our gold necklaces.

A silver lariat necklace makes the line crisper and cooler. It reads better on dark outfits, where the vertical stands out by contrast. See all our silver necklaces.

Our pieces come in both colours; you choose on the product page, with the colour swatch.

A collection that is just beginning

Let us be honest: the lariat is a family we are just opening, and the choice is still small. We would rather offer a few well-chosen pieces than fill a shelf for the sake of it.

If you want the same idea with more options today, there are two neighbours: chain necklaces for the simplicity of a single line, and long necklaces for a long vertical. This page will grow.

Which neckline

A Y needs a clear axis, so a neckline that does not get in its way.

It is at its best on a V-neck, whose point it extends, and on a slightly high round neckline, which it visually opens up. On a buttoned shirt, it follows the line of the buttons and doubles the vertical.

What suits it less: a polo neck, where the drop lies on the fabric instead of the skin, and very wide necklines, where the vertical no longer has a frame.

Material and care

Made in stainless steel: the metal won't tarnish on skin and won't leave the green mark of common alloys. The drop of a Y swings against the chest with every step: it is a piece that works harder than an ordinary chain, so the choice of metal matters all the more.

Take it off before the shower, the pool and the gym. Put on your perfume before your necklace, never after. Store it flat in its box rather than in a heap: the drop is the part that tangles.

Every necklace is sent in its gift box, ready to give just as it is.