DIAMOND COLLAR

If you are going to invest in one jewel this season, make it a diamond collar. Glamorous and versatile, the classic collar has been reimagined in stylish new designs at every price point. And it’s not just for evening.

If you think a diamond collar is out of your budget, we have good news: The diamond collar has been democratized. It’s being offered in a range of styles and prices, from skinny diamond collars (perfect with a t-shirt) to open-work designs with a sprinkling of diamonds. It’s easily layered with personal pendants and necklaces and instantly elevates every look.

The diamond collar also packs serious glamour. Multistrand collar and rivière collars light up the face with sparkle and shine. That’s why A-listers like Cynthia Erivo, Jessica Chastain and Kristen Stewart are so often spotted on the red carpet in diamond neck-hugging pieces. The style has been equally embraced by men, including fashion icons Pharrell and Timothée Chalamet, and it has replaced pearls as the favored gender-neutral necklace—because diamonds have a cool factor that classic pearls just don’t possess.

Diamond collars are having a fashion moment. They paraded down recent runway shows in New York and Paris highlighting the diamond neck-hugging style as the must-have accessory. “The rise in popularity of diamond collar necklaces directly correlates to current trends in the couture and ready-to-wear world,” says fashion stylist Jason Rembert whose celebrity clients include Lizzo, Mary J. Blige and Rosario Dawson. “Strapless, v-neck, and plunging necklines are having a moment, and a great collar necklace perfectly accentuates this silhouette.”

Every jewelry designer is putting their spin on a diamond collar. “It’s no longer just a traditional riviere, it’s metamorphosed into its own creative masterpiece,” says Jennifer McCurry of Marissa Collections. “Jewelry designers are giving us multi row collars, diamonds encased in enamel, or dripping like fringe.” Maximalist fashion designs include Ana Khouri’s bold crystal collars with diamonds and Boucheron’s high neck diamond lace-like collars. For a simpler and chic take, Anita Ko offers luxurious diamond collars in every size and shape (Hailey and Justin Bieber are both fans). Sophie Bille Brahe also created an irresistibly elegant collar of graduated diamonds.

Whatever your style or budget, the collar is the diamond wardrobe essential that will never go out of style.