Rarely getting main stage but always what finishes off my outfits perfectly- jewelry, specifically necklaces. Here are some of my favorites from this year.


A gold chain necklace seems like such a staple of any woman's wardrobe. At any rate, this is definitely my most worn piece! But who can blame me when it goes with everything and seems so.. All-American. This necklace was one I chose out of my grandmother's jewelry box when she was cleaning out pieces that had been hard for her to clasp. It had been one of her favorites, she's said, making it even more special.


This red and gold necklace is very similar in style. A friend and co-worker gave it to me from her collection of costume jewelry she no longer wore. It took a little time to figure out how to wear it without looking like playing dress up, but things came together in the end. Though it is decades old the red makes it surprisingly modern at times, working as a the on-trend statement necklace.


This pearl necklace was another gift from my grandmother. It had been her grandmother's once upon a time, and was given to me to use as my "something old" to wear to the wedding, making it an even more meaningful gift. They fit the retro feel of our wedding well, but are understated enough to work with almost anything.


This is a pearl necklace with an entirely different feel! It can be knotted or looped, but never fails as a bold sartorial choice. Confession- This was something I've more of less permanently borrowed from my mother. Sorry, Mom!


This yellow and gold necklace is one of three I've gotten from Popbasic micro-collections. Both this one and the tourquise and brass one beneath were from their Beta Collection, which I'd won in a contest. Lucky me! These babies were a gateway drug into the world of statement jewelry for sure. Somehow, over the year I've had them I've shifted away from pendants that were a bit kitchy and fun (anyone remember this one that was a little dollhouse?), into the more timeless and certianly on-trend chunky necklace. Interestingly, I was more in love with tourquise necklace on first getting the box, but think I've worn the yellow one more.

The amethyst pendant is a much more delicate peice than the colorful statement necklaces, but it too is from Popbasic (this time their Lost Collection). I have to be careful wearing it. If I wear it to school, all the elementary students stare at it (and, hence, my chest...) and want to touch it. They are full of questions- why the diamond is purple if they are younger or when my birthday is for the older ones who are aware of birthstones. Amethylst is miles prettier than my birthstone of periodot, anyway. I like this necklace's romantic feel.


Are you someone who wears necklaces or shies away from them? Any favorites or ones with fun stories?

P.S. This necklace and this one too both have fun stories to them as well!