Make A Mess
Much like the ‘arm party’—bohemian stacks of jingly bracelets that graced wrists during the 2010s—the ‘neck mess’ is having its moment. This deliberately messy look of layered necklaces, often styled with varying lengths, textures and pendants, has given jewelry enthusiasts the freedom to wear all of their favorite pieces at once and an opportunity to add more to their collection.
Long before influencers of today flaunted tangles of chains and charms on Instagram or infamous mob wife Carmela Soprano of The Sopranos sported ornate gold crosses across her décolletage, the art of layering was perfected by refined collectors of the past.
The 1920s, a period marked by opulence, ushered in a new way to style jewelry. Short haircuts were all the rage, meaning a woman’s neck and chest were on full display. Strands of beads and pearls of different lengths added “razzle dazzle” to the iconic flapper style, a symbol of the quintessential “maximalism” of the era. Often paired with sautoirs and lariat necklaces adorned with tassels, this jewelry silhouette elongated the neck and torso, pairing well with the popular dropped waist hemline.
While “flower power” and the hippie lifestyle gained momentum during the 1960s, layering made a comeback in a new way. Along with statement cocktail rings, chunky earrings and head scarves, layered strands of beads and pendants made with enamel soared in popularity. The practice of using plastic materials allowed designers to explore bolder colors and structural silhouettes, and affordable pieces gave women freedom to wear many neck adornments simultaneously.
The neck mess can be thought of as the modern charm bracelet, allowing sentimental pieces, trendy styles and an array of colors and motifs to live in harmony on the body. For those unsure of where to start in creating a cohesive neck mess, it can be easiest to use a medium length chain as an anchor and expand from there. Add both delicate embellishments and chunky pendants, experimenting with 16, 18 or 24” chains in varying width.
Vintage treasures can be a perfect addition to a neck mess, fusing styles of yesteryear with contemporary design. Vock & Vintage’s collection of jewels are rich in history and exude timeless elegance. A show-stopping 18K Gold and Diamond “Monete” Necklace by Bulgari features a coin depicting King Louis the XII of France fixed upon a gently tapered, solid curb link that can be paired with thinner chains.For those in search of a more refined look, opt for the Montana Sapphire and Diamond Antique Necklace, a vintage bar pin skillfully adapted to be worn as a trapeze style necklace using platinum cable chain.
Bulgari Monete