A lariat is a long necklace with no closed loop. Instead of a clasp at the back, it's one strand with free ends, and you decide how it hangs. That makes it one of the most flexible pieces in a jewellery box, and also one people hesitate over, because nobody tells them what to do with it.
These are the ways we wear ours.
What makes a necklace a lariat
A regular necklace fastens behind your neck and stays one shape. A lariat is a strand or set of strands, often with drops or tassels at the ends, that you drape, loop or knot. The word comes from the rope used on ranches, which is also a long line you shape by hand.
Four ways to wear it
- Straight and long. Hang it around your neck with both ends even. This is the simplest option and looks good over a plain top.
- Knotted at the front. Tie a loose knot near the centre so the drops hang below it. This gives it a bit more structure.
- Doubled. Loop it twice around your neck so it sits shorter and closer.
- Side drape. Let one end hang longer than the other for a relaxed, uneven look.
Try them in front of a mirror. Most people have a favourite after the first attempt.
Which necklines suit it
- V-neck or open collar. The lariat follows the line and draws the eye down.
- Crew neck. Wear it long, so the drops fall below the neckline.
- Scoop neck. Doubled or knotted looks best.
- High collars. Wear it over the top of the collar or skip it.
Layering
A lariat works well with a short, simple necklace above it, such as a thin chain or a small pendant. Avoid putting it with another busy strand. Let the lariat be the one with the colour.
Our lariats
The Agate & Rhodochrosite Lariat Necklace has four agate pendants in different colours hanging from fine crystal strands dotted with rhodochrosite and gold-tone beads. You can wear it as one long strand or double it up. It measures 15.5 inches.
The Hematite & Chalcedony Lariat Necklace has strands of tiny hematite seed beads ending in four drops of purple chalcedony, freshwater pearls, agate and dark smoky quartz. Wear it long or knotted at the front. It measures 20 inches.
Looking after it
Fine strands can tangle, so hang a lariat up or lay it flat instead of tossing it in a drawer. Put it on after perfume and hairspray, and wipe the stones with a soft dry cloth. See our care guide.
Find yours
Both lariats are one of a kind. See everything on our jewellery page.
Gemstone jewellery by Ellie
Every piece is one of a kind, strung and wired by hand in Markham, Ontario.
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