The scarf necklace: somewhere between jewellery and accessory
A scarf necklace isn't quite jewellery, and it isn't quite a scarf. It's a fabric cord, braided, knotted or printed, carrying a few motifs: a heart, a sun, a starfish, a small gold charm. It keeps the softness of fabric and takes on the shine of metal.
That combination is what makes it so easy to wear. The fabric brings colour, something a chain alone can't do. The motifs bring the shine, something a scarf alone doesn't have. With a simple outfit, a white T-shirt, a linen shirt or a plain dress, it does all the work on its own.
Cord, scarf, ribbon: three words for one family
These necklaces go by several names, and they all describe the same family.
A cord necklace puts the emphasis on what it hangs from: a soft, fabric tie instead of a metal chain. A scarf necklace refers to the look, that of a silk square knotted at the neck. A ribbon necklace, finally, is the flat version, often printed.
In this collection you'll find all three: colourful braided cords, scarves to knot and a ribbon with a retro print. What they share is fabric, soft against the skin from the very first wear. Some call it a fabric necklace; the idea is the same.
What you'll find in this collection
The colourful scarf cords carry one or two motifs. A heart and a starfish on pale blue, a green starfish and a gold scallop shell on a bright green, a gold heart and sun on a deeper blue. These are the most summery, the ones that bring the seaside to mind. Their motifs link them to our beach and ocean necklaces.
The braided cords are more graphic. A gold polka-dot heart with diamanté on a black cord, coloured resin hearts and hematite beads on a soft braid: here the fabric is the backdrop, and the motif stands out all the more. If you love the heart in all its forms, the whole family is waiting in our heart necklaces.
The scarves to knot are the longest. You tie them at the neck like a bandana, wrap them twice, or let them fall over the chest. The braided gold western-style scarf and the long cord with enamelled fish both belong to this family. Each one works as a bandana necklace when tied short.
The printed ribbon, finally, is the boldest. A retro print and five charms: a sun, a set flower, a red glass flower bud, an enamelled bell and a pair of cherries. It shares that collector's spirit with our charm necklaces.
How to wear a cord necklace
A cord necklace loves simple necklines. With a round neck, a vest top or an open shirt, it finds its place without competing with the fabric of the outfit. With a busy pattern, a plain cord is the better choice.
The colour of the cord sets the tone. Blue or green with white, ecru or linen, for a fresh, bright effect. Black or a print with camel, chocolate or grey, for a more graphic effect. The fabric is often the only colour in the outfit: it's up to the cord to set the mood.
Length, finally, changes everything. Worn short, knotted close to the neck, a scarf necklace has the look of a bandana. Worn long, it falls over the chest and lengthens the silhouette, like one of our long necklaces. Several of our designs adjust by a link or are simply knotted: you choose the height to suit the day's neckline.
A seasonal necklace, but not only
It's easy to link it with summer, light dresses and bare shoulders, and that's where it feels most natural. But a colourful cord also works wonders in winter, over a fine knit or a shirt under a jacket: it's the touch of colour the grey months are missing.
And because it looks like no other piece in the jewellery box, it makes a very good gift idea for someone who already has her chains and pendants. Every necklace is sent in its gift box, ready to give. More ideas in our necklace gifts for her.
Our cord and scarf necklaces in a few words
Choose the fabric first for its colour, then the motif for what it says. A heart for tenderness, a starfish for holiday memories, a sun for light. The cord necklace is the freest piece in our collection: it can be knotted, shortened or doubled, and it's never worn in quite the same way twice. To compare with metal chains, browse all our necklaces for women.
