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'Nobody Wants This' Has Sparked The Return Of This Noughties Jewellery Staple
The show's protagonist has sparked a shopping frenzy for this personal piece
While there are many y2k throwbacks we’d like to throw back in the bin, personalised jewellery is one we’re actually quite happy to welcome into the fashion fold once again. Big in the Noughties but better now, there’s a whole host of chic jewellery brands embracing the initial necklace revival – and there’s bound to be one that speaks to your style.
The revival has been bubbling up for a while now, but there's one on-screen style icon responsible for sending demand stratospheric. Nobody Wants This' Joanne wears many a sell-out item (her sheer black bodysuit has put Abercrombie & Fitch straight back on the fashion map), but it's her chunky initial necklace we envision making it under a tree or two come December.
Of course, an initial necklace makes the perfect present: something personalised comes with extra sentiment than a standard sparkly chain. But don’t think that means you need to start dropping not-so-subtle hints to get what you want: a monogrammed design is ripe for self-gifting, too.
Stone & Strand’s come encrusted with pearls or diamonds, while Foundrae’s old English lettering is perfect for the Y2K obsessive. For something truly trophy-worthy, look to Mateo’s hefty crystal quartz pendants, into which the brand will spell out your initial (in diamonds, no less). And the one that's famous on the small screen? It's from Ettika, and it comes in at just £32.
Below, see the very best initial necklaces to invest in now.
The Best Initial Necklaces Of 2024
There are two reasons everyone wants Ettika's paperclip-style chain necklace right now. Firstly, that starring role in Netflix's latest success story. Secondly, the fact it's plated in 18kt yellow gold and yet still comes in at just £32, making it the perfect Christmas present (self-gifting included). Pre-order yours now and it'll arrive before the big day.
With a chunky letter and long gold chain, Mejuri’s offering is perfect for layering with daintier designs.
Studded with diamonds, Foundrae's gothic lettering takes on a pinch of glamour.
A truly special investment, Mateo’s initial necklaces are designed to be treasured forever. Each 14kt gold chain features an emerald-cut crystal quartz, edged in round-cut diamonds and inlaid with your initial.
Monica Vinader’s charms are made from 18kt gold vermeil, which is thicker – and therefore more long-lasting – than standard gold plating.
Lisbon-based jewellery brand Hey Harper uses an innovative plating process to ensure its gold-tone stainless-steel jewellery looks just like the real thing – only it never, ever tarnishes. This classic initial necklace is so cute, you'll never want to take it off (which is where the waterproof coating really comes in handy).
Bold, shiny and designed to make a statement, Martha Calvo's necklaces are made for magpies. This one contains contrasting gold-plated chain and iridescent faux-pearls, finished with a hefty initial pendant.
Roxanne's joyful take on Noughties nostalgia has us all enamoured. With glossy red lacquer, these dainty necklaces are perfect for layering.
Stone & Strand’s baroque-pearl necklace features a 10kt gold letter, encrusted with diamonds.
Initial necklaces don’t need to be cutesy: Foundrae’s old-English lettering feels refreshingly edgy, but the inlaid diamonds keep it seriously luxe.
A planet-friendly fave, independent brand Otiumberg uses recycled precious metals to produce its letter pendants. This one is made from a 14kt gold vermeil, which is both durable and beautiful in hue, and set with creamy pearl cabochons.
Astrid & Miyu’s initial necklace is one of the daintiest – wear it alone as a subtle detail, or layer it up to make a statement. It’s available in silver, rose-gold and yellow-gold plated silver, and studded with glinting cubic-zirconia stones.
Double the cuteness with Edge of Ember’s hyper-personal necklace, which features both the initial and birthstone of your choice.
Barcelona-based PD Paola’s pendant sees a gemstone-studded initial floating inside a slick 18kt gold-plated silver frame.
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
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