There are jewels you wear and jewels that transform. The Y-necklace belongs to the latter category. Its shape is immediately recognizable: a chain that converges at the center of the chest, from which a vertical pendant drops... yet its effect on an outfit is disproportionate to its subtlety.
Also called a lariat or negligee (its Victorian name), it has spanned eras without ever completely disappearing. Yves Saint Laurent incorporated it into contemporary wardrobes in the 70s. The 2000s made it a signature piece. And today, in 2025-2026, it returns in a more refined, more golden, more everyday version.
Why now?
The Y-necklace currently benefits from a rare alignment: several trends simultaneously converge in its favor.
The return of Y2K. The Y-necklace was a staple of the 2000s, and the generation that wore it as teenagers is rediscovering it with an adult, more understated, more golden, more refined perspective.
Quiet luxury. Women who choose delicate, unostentatious jewelry find exactly what they're looking for in the Y-necklace: recognizable, yet discreet. A piece that gets noticed without being showy.
The layering trend. The Y-necklace has become the ideal anchor piece for layering necklaces: it is worn longer than the others, gives depth to the composition, and creates a verticality that grounds the ensemble.
“The Y-necklace creates a vertical line on the bust that lengthens the silhouette and enhances the décolletage; few jewels do so much with so little.”
Different styles
- The minimalist Y : An ultra-fine chain with a small, tapered pendant or a simple gold drop. The most versatile: it can be worn alone or layered, from the office to dinner, with any neckline.
- The Y with a pearl : A freshwater or baroque pearl at the end of the chain. The most sought-after combination right now, it brings together two trends simultaneously: the lariat and the big return of the pearl.
- The personalized Y : An initial, a sign, a symbol as a pendant. Popular right now, especially as a gift.
- The Y-sautoir : An elongated version, worn lower on the bust. Can also be worn reversed, with the pendant in the back on a backless dress.
How to wear it based on the neckline
V-neck: The most natural pairing. The shape of the jewelry follows and amplifies the line of the collar.
Partially unbuttoned shirt: The pendant emerges from the opening. Casual, Parisian.
Crew neck & scoop neck: The pendant falls on the bare skin. The metal-skin contrast is elegant.
Turtleneck: Worn over it, for a modern contrast.
Backless dress: Worn reversed: the chain crosses the chest, the pendant descends the back.
Bustier & low-cut: The pendant against the skin for maximum effect.
How to layer it
The Y-necklace works best as the longest piece in a layering arrangement. Above it: a very thin choker or a short necklace, and possibly a medium-length pendant. Below it, nothing: the pendant needs space to stand out.
Avoid: voluminous dangling earrings. Opt for studs, small hoops, or thin rings.
“Three necklaces, one rule: the Y as the longest, a medium-length pendant, a choker at the base of the neck. The verticality does the rest.”
Materials and finishes
In 2025-2026, gold largely dominates: warm yellow gold. The ultra-fine chain is the best-selling form. And for everyday jewelry, gilded stainless steel is essential: waterproof, hypoallergenic, it resists water, heat, and perspiration without tarnishing.
