29 best initial necklaces for a timeless outfit upgrade
Initial necklaces and initial pendants have been spotted on a lot of A-listers of late, so, naturally, they've sprung to the top of everyone's spring/summer accessory wishlist.
One of the most sentimental pieces you'll likely ever have in your jewellery box, initial necklaces also make for timeless gift ideas – whether for yourself or a loved one. If you're self-gifting, your task of finding the best-suited initial necklace is an altogether easier one. In comparison to buying for your best friend, sister or wife, that is.
In this case, consider whether gold or sterling silver jewellery is more their jam – and whether it's their own initial they'd like on display (or that of a partner, parent or child – like Meghan Markle has, for example). Yep: they needn't necessarily be personal to their own name, some people, like GLAMOUR's senior commerce writer, Georgia Trodd (below) chose to have their fiance's initial instead. And this delicate Astrid & Miyu initial necklace is the perfect pendant to wear as part of your everyday uniform, with a loving meaning behind it.
For everyday initial necklaces which can be layered with other chains, something dainty is guaranteed to work seamlessly in any wardrobe. If they'd prefer something a little chunkier and statement-inducing to wear atop a classic white t-shirt, Monica Vinader's bold take on the initial jewellery trend is worth noting, as is the approach of Hailey Bieber's beloved chunky ‘B’ necklace. The chunky jewel-encrusted style by New York designer Alex Moss is one that'll never go unnoticed with any outfit, and some say it's a tribute to her and Justin Bieber's son, Jack Blues.
For night-out-appropriate initial necklaces? Fondrae, under the creative direction of Beth Hutchens, has some beautiful pieces. They're stocked on Net-A-Porter, where their diamond initial charms/letter pendants or their meaningful, 18-karat gold heart-shaped charm necklace are the sweetest pieces. Oh, and don't overlook affordable initial jewellery label Abbott Lyon in your quest for a bridesmaid gift, anniversary gift or similar. Its styles generally come in below £100 and range from chunky gold chains to light and delicate offerings. And they're hugely popular among GLAMOUR readers.
The best initial necklaces at a glance:
- Best gold initial necklace: Monica Vinader Curly Molten Initial Pendant Necklace, £145
- Best silver initial necklace: Astrid & Miyu Initial Pave Pendant Necklace in Silver, £90
- Best luxury initial necklace: Foundrae Initial 18-Karat Gold Diamond Necklace, £1,670
- Best affordable initial necklace: Prya Kayla Lowercase Mini Initial Necklace, £30
- Best multi gemstone initial necklace: Joy By Corrine Smith Birthstone Initial Necklace, £31
After something else? Shop the best friendship bracelets, gold hoop earrings and the best watches for women. Elsewhere, discover our pick of the best pieces at Monica Vinader, and our guide to every one of Missoma's celeb-adored jewels. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd. For more from Harriet Davey, follow her on Instagram @harrietdavey.
Ahead, shop GLAMOUR's edit of the best initial necklaces to buy now and wear forever.
- Metals available: 9ct gold, 9ct rose gold, 9ct white gold.
- Pendant size: 6mm.
Why we love it: As a super subtle take on the letter necklace trend, this little 9ct gold pendant can be added to your favourite chain. You could even mix metals and add it to a sterling silver chain or get layering and wear it with other pendants.
Save when you shop for the best initial necklaces with these Liberty London discount codes at checkout.
- Metals available: 14ct gold vermeil on recycled sterling silver.
- Pendant size: 15mm.
Why we love it: Do you know what we love more that a chic jewellery brand? One that's sustainable – enter: Otiumberg. And, of course, the London-based label has initial necklaces. This cut-out style is already trending on Instagram.
- Metals available: 18ct gold plated or sterling silver.
- Pendant size: 25mm wide with two initials.
Why we love it: As a personalised gift for a loved one (or yourself), there's just something so special about a monogram necklace. This one is handmade with your choice of two initials, or just one letter of the alphabet. It comes with the chain and you can choose from three lengths – 17, 18 or 19 inch.
- Metals available: 9ct gold plated recycled silver and recycled sterling silver.
- Pendant size: 22cm.
Why we love it: London-born label Loveness Lee is one of those jewellery brands that everyone will notice when you wear it – fact. The fluid shape of this initial letter necklace (chain is included) is what makes this pendant stand out from the crowd – love, love, love!
- Metals available: 18k gold vermeil, 925 sterling silver.
- Pendant size: 8mm.
Why we love it: Created using lab-grown diamonds, this mini initial pendant necklace is one that'll elevate your everyday uniform. The sparkly letter charm would also make the perfect gift for Mother's Day (on 30th March, FYI!).
- Metals available: 14ct recycled yellow gold.
- Pendant size: 7mm.
Why we love it: If you're on the hunt for a gold initial necklace in particular, look no further than this Missoma iteration. The mini charm sprinkled with sustainable diamonds is what dreams are made of.
Save when you shop for the best initial necklaces with these Missoma discount codes at checkout.
- Metals available: Gold tone.
- Pendant size: 15mm.
Why we love it: You may associate beaded bracelets or a heart necklace with Roxanne Assoulin, but the New York jewellery designer also has some of the best initial necklaces. This big, but not too bold, style is a bargain for just £75 (with the chain).
- Metals available: 18k gold-plated stainless steel and brass, silver-plated brass.
- Pendant size: 10mm.
Why we love it: How fun is this chunky bubble style by Abbott Lyon? Adorned with cubic zirconia crystals, it gives initial jewellery a whole new feel. The tarnish-free jewellery is also made from over 60% recycled materials so it's basically a guilt-free purchase.
- Metals available: 18k gold plated recycled sterling silver, rhodium plated recycled sterling silver.
- Pendant size: 8.5mm.
Why we love it: Astrid & Miyu is the destination for love-forever jewels, so of course it has so many name necklaces and letter pendants to choose from. This delicate cubic zirconia studded pavé style with thin chain will look effortless layered with a charm necklace or even a choker.
- Metals available: 18k gold vermeil, sterling silver.
- Pendant size: 10mm.
Why we love it: A fashion editor's worst-kept secret, Monica Vinader is one of the most stylish jewellery brands to buy into. This gold plated sterling silver is a best selling style for good reason – we love the Art Deco design of each letter of the alphabet.
--.jpg)
- Metals available: 18ct gold vermeil, sterling silver.
- Pendant size: 13mm.
Why we love it: Personalised with a letter of your choice, this square pendant is one you won't let sit in your jewellery box for long. If it's a gift for someone, you can add a little gift message before you get to the checkout.
- Metals available: 18k gold plated, 18k rose plated, silver plated.
- Pendant size: 7mm.
Why we love it: Although most alphabet pendants are capital letters, we love that this one by Prya is lowercase. No doubt this affordable style is going to sell out fast, so you'll have to be quick to get it.
- Metals available: 14ct solid gold.
- Pendant size: 5mm.
Why we love it: Whether it's for a couple, family members or just best pals, this ‘Me & You’ initial necklace is too cute. You have to add two letters to this one so it would be the best present for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day or basically just any special occasion when someone deserves a little treat.
- Metals available: Sterling silver.
- Pendant size: 4mm.
Why we love it: If you're a fan of barely-there jewels that won't be OTT with any outfit, you'll love this sterling silver style by Beaverbrooks. So. Damn. Cute.
Save when you shop for the best initial necklaces with these Beaverbrooks discount codes at checkout.
- Metals available: 10K solid yellow gold.
- Pendant size: 5mm.
Why we love it: On a 13.5- 15.5 inch chain, this choker necklace with mini initial charm is so sweet. There's no denying a diamond necklace is a girl's best friend, so we predict anyone will love this dainty version.
- Metals available: 18k gold plated stainless steel, 18k rose gold plated stainless steel, 18k gold plated and polished stainless steel mix, stainless steel.
- Pendant size: 25mm wide with two initials.
Why we love it: If chunky chains are more your vibe, Abbott Lyon has got you covered. With the choice of adding one letter or two, you can customise this gold plated style to suit you. Psst, it's heat, water and sweat-resistant, too.
- Metals available: 18ct gold vermeil, sterling silver.
- Pendant size: 17mm.
Why we love it: We are quite literally obsessed with this balloon letter necklace. Kendall Jenner, Sienna Miller and Maya Jama are just some of the celebs who love Missoma, and we can't blame them when everything is this good.
Save when you shop for the best initial necklaces with these Monica Vinader discount codes at checkout.
--.jpg)
- Metals available: 18ct gold plated sterling silver, 18ct rose gold plated sterling silver, sterling silver.
- Pendant size: 6mm
Why we love it: Pick from three different chain lengths (one is made for children), choose your letter and this simple but sweet little initial necklace will be delivered in a gift box ready for you to give to your favourite person.
- Metals available: Gold plated stainless steel, silver plated brass.
- Pendant size: 8mm.
Why we love it: If gemstone jewellery is your thing, you'll want to bag this colourful initial necklace. Pick your letter and birthstone and you'll get one of these super special colourful necklaces to cherish.
Save when you shop for the best initial necklaces with these Not on the High Street discount codes at checkout.
- Metals available: 14-karat gold.
- Pendant size: 8mm.
Why we love it: LA-born brand Sydney Evan is a fine jewellery label we can't get enough of. With everything from charm necklaces and tennis bracelets to initial pendants, you'll want to add them all to your much-loved jewellery collection.
.jpg)
- Metals available: 18k gold plated stainless steel, 18k rose gold plated stainless steel, polished stainless steel.
- Pendant size: 25mm.
Why we love it: For a real personalised initial necklace, you can pick your letter, birthstone month (for the charm), chain length and the choice of three different metal finishes. The supersize pendant is guaranteed to gain all the compliments!
Save when you shop for the best initial necklaces with these Abbott Lyon discount codes at checkout.
- Metals available: 18k gold plated 100% recycled silver, sterling silver.
- Pendant size: 15mm.
Why we love it: Edge of Ember has silver, double or triple initial necklaces in either gold plated or sterling silver – we want both! With three letters to add for this one, it's perfect to stack all your loved ones initials in one place.
- Metals available: 18-karat gold.
- Pendant size: 12mm.
Why we love it: Sure, it's a splurge, but this investment buy from Foundrae is one you won't regret making. Handmade and covered in diamonds, this adorable heart initial necklace is one you'll love forever and ever.
- Metals available: 18k gold plated stainless steel, 18k rose gold plated stainless steel, polished stainless steel.
- Pendant size: 15mm.
Why we love it: One that's made for layering, this large initial pendant by Abbott Lyon is a maximalists dream necklace. And it's made from recycled materials, too.
--.jpg)
--.jpg)
- Metals available: 10-karat gold.
- Pendant size: 4mm.
Why we love it: Diamonds and pearls, can it get any better? This incredibly chic necklace by Stone and Strand is one of those personalised necklaces that'll have everyone asking where you got it from.
Save when you shop for the best initial necklaces with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
.jpg)
