Striking New Cords: Easy-Feeling Alts to the Gold Chain

Silk and leather give gemstone pendants a dose of summertime ease.

BY BRITT SIMINITZ

Kite star pendant in 20k yellow gold with 4.3 ct. aquamarine and 1.93 cts. t.w. diamonds, $15,650; Buddha Mama

Imagine one of the finest pendants you’ve ever owned—solid gold, rich gemstones, sparkling diamonds—strung on a delicate silk cord or a smooth strand of leather. Unexpected? Maybe. But that’s exactly the point.

The widely-circulating style started because of rising gold prices, but it’s no concession—this is a look that feels both intentional and refreshingly undone, like fine jewelry letting its hair down. These pieces carry the weight of fine materials, but without the formality that relegates them to the special occasion section of the jewelry box.

This is jewelry that’s designed to be lived in. It’s cool, layers effortlessly, and sits close to the body in a way that feels easy. Wear it to the office, to brunch, to a black tie event.

Here are some of the latest to shop:

Mini Disco Bug necklace in 18k white gold and titanium with blue sapphires and diamonds on leather cord, price on request; Swe Me

Small Cymbal pendant in 18k yellow gold with turquoise on leather cord, $6,280; Jade Ruzzo

You Are My Sunshine pendant in 18k yellow gold with 0.08 ct. t.w. fancy yellow diamonds on silk cord, $6,200; Meluzza

Manipura choker in 18k yellow gold with 2.48 c.t Oregon opal and 0.2 ct. t.w. diamonds, £3,995 ($5,464); Noor Fares

Surge chunky chain necklace in bronze and silk, $1,050; Unfurl Studio

Ray of Light cord necklace in 18k yellow gold with 0.7 ct. t.w. diamonds, $8,500; Wyld Box

Silk cord pendant in 18k yellow gold with morganite on silk cord, $6,800; Courtney Leidy

Consciousness pendant in 14k yellow gold with 5.65 ct. abalone mother-of-pearl, 0.02 ct. emerald, and 0.21 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request; H Craft Fine Jewellery