After nearly a decade, the reign of the dainty pendant has come to an end. The delicate, barely-there necklace was once an ever-reliable accessory. Now, its bolder, brighter counterparts are taking the spotlight. Chunky chains, magnificent medallions, and show-stopping strings of charms have infiltrated closets worldwide, and, by the looks of it, they’re here to stay.

In practically every wardrobe, the chunky necklace has found its place. Strolling through King’s Parade, you’re almost guaranteed to notice a couple bold chokers. Public figures, too, are favouring eye-catching pieces left and right. Zendaya, for example, consistently completes her red carpet looks with thick, opulent necklaces, and Taylor Swift routinely attends football games with a row of shiny gold chains complementing her vintage Chiefs jerseys. Even members of the royal family have hopped on what Vogue deems “the chain train”. Last summer, exploring the new V&A East Storehouse amid a crowd of ever-on-trend East Londoners, the Princess of Wales paired her Prussian-blue power suit with a chunky gold chain.

“To fully understand the origin of these eye-catching pieces, though, it is worth looking back a little further – to ancient Egypt”

These thick necklaces are, of course, no new invention. Still fresh in our minds are the statement pieces of the 2010s, when the J. Crew bubble necklace was nothing short of a street style staple. To fully understand the origin of these eye-catching pieces, though, it is worth looking back a little further – to ancient Egypt. There, elaborate collar pieces were everyday accessories for elite officials. Most often, these were choker-like layers of beads or impressive metal strings bejewelled with lapis lazuli stones. These pieces were commonly associated with high rank, and, although less-than-royal individuals could also possess gold, there was an overarching theme: the grander your necklace, the grander your power.

Throughout fashion history, the trend of the chunky necklace has returned time and time again. One notable example occurred in the 20th century, with the rise of Art Deco. Blossoming in the early 1910s and lasting until the 1940s, the movement brought a tide of extravagance across architecture, interior design, and fashion. In these decades, necklaces were undoubtedly bold, consisting of luxurious jewels, daring patterns, and thick chains. Interestingly, as art historians at the Victoria & Albert Museum observe, Art Deco designers relied heavily on the African and Asian pieces for inspiration. Egyptomania, to them, was certainly no foreign concept. Coincidentally, precisely when Art Deco was beginning to blossom, there came a monumental discovery in the world of archaeology. In November of 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter stumbled upon the magnificent tomb of King Tutankhamun, wonderfully preserved and filled with dazzling personal possessions. This event sparked interest across the art world, inspiring designers and film producers alike. So, soon after the discovery, influential fashion houses across the globe crafted pieces – including, of course, statement necklaces – resembling those splendid royal accessories.

“Jewellery pieces are likewise inspired by ancient artefacts”

In the contemporary world of fashion, Vogue contributor Basma Faramawy notes, jewellery pieces are likewise inspired by ancient artefacts. Maison Cartier, for example, has been actively crafting pieces featuring Egyptian motifs since the 1870s. Recently, many other fashion houses have hopped on this trend, often through their productions of chunky chokers. Just take a look at Schiaparelli’s 2025/2026 collection. There, you’ll find a variety of bold and abstract gold necklaces “echoing the grandeur of pharaonic regalia,” as Faramawy describes.

So, how exactly are these pieces styled today? Often, the statement necklace is used to elevate simpler looks. Wearing a plain white tee or button-up? Throw on a chunky gold chain for instant enhancement. Looking to spruce up a solid coloured dress? Try experimenting with a mixed-metal statement necklace. The options are practically endless. Consider beaded boho-style necklaces, large lockets, or funky geometric pieces – each can be styled for a casual day of lectures or a high-stakes formal event.

As I muse on the origins and contemporary reappearances of statement necklaces, a question inevitably surfaces: what does this trend tell us about fashion, or about society as a whole? After years of dainty pendants, fashion is now favouring the bold. Maybe, this turn signifies that minimalism has gone a step too far. Bare walls, beige sofas, and plain outfits are no longer exciting. And, although Pantone’s colour of the year – a simple, perhaps boring, shade of white – claims otherwise, it might be time to give the chunky necklace a try, embracing a bit more maximalism.