Friendship necklaces have evolved beyond the connected heart charms of yore to include modern … [+] (grown-up) options.
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Friendship necklaces might hark back to simpler days spent in face masks at slumber parties and sleepaway camps. But several designers have recently put a contemporary twist on the nostalgic trinkets, creating modern best friend necklace for adults that make for sentimental, elevated gifts any time of the year. “You can’t go wrong with offering something thoughtful like a piece of jewelry that says ‘you’re my best friend,’” says Alison Chemla Chetrit, founder and designer of the New York-based jewelry line Alison Lou, whose BFF Charm Pendant is a popular take the iconic nameplate necklace.
Many iterations of best friend necklaces, in fact, go beyond the classic, shareable broken-heart pieces that filled the shelves of Claire’s stores 20 years ago. You’ll find options gleaming with diamonds, like The Last Line’s Diamond Best Friend Heart Pendant, or perfectly paired-back looks, such as GLDN’s Bloom Friendship Flower Necklace that add a subtle touch of whimsy to a jewelry box. Whether you’re celebrating your next friendiversary or just looking for a way to say thanks, here are our recommendations for the best friendship necklaces.
Price range: From $750 – $900 | Size: 18.28 mm x 25.26 mm x 1.45 mm | Materials: 14k yellow gold, 14k white gold, 14k rose gold, 18k yellow gold | Customization: Yes
Simple, stackable and perfect for any occasion, this minimalist charm by Jennifer Fisher is the perfect elevated version of the traditional heart-shaped bauble. Available in yellow, white and rose gold, each half can be customized with a letter, number or symbol for an added personal touch. Pair it with a super-fine chain, like the brand’s Micro Link Chain, to enliven even the most understated outfit.
Pros:
Durable metal makes it great for everyday wear
Minimalist design can be worn on its own or with a stack
Complimentary customization
Cons:
Necklace chain is sold separately
Best Affordable Best Friend Necklace
Gabi Rielle: Classic Look That Doesn’t Break The Bank
Saks Off 5th
Gabi Rielle BFF Heart Pendant Necklace Set
Price: $85.20| Size: 16 inches with 3.5-inch extender | Materials: 22k gold vermeil | Customization: No
If you like the classic, sophisticated look of Jennifer Fisher’s Best Friend Heart Pendant—minus the high price point—then consider Gabi Rielle’s BFF necklace set. Like the traditional split-heart design, this set includes two pendants that come together to form a single heart. The thin, curb-link chains make it easy to customize with your own set of charms.
Pros:
Gold vermeil offers durable daily wear at an affordable price
Utah-based jewelry brand Made by Mary is known for delicate, stackable pieces at a wallet-friendly price point. This playful necklace set features loopy gold vermeil lettering that will have you nostalgic for the days spent sneakily passing notes in class. Wear it alone or build the look with brand’s Initial Pendant for a personalized touch.
Pros:
Gold vermeil offers durable daily wear at an affordable price
Cons:
Short return policy (up to 14 days post-delivery)
Best Friend Necklaces For Three
LYNNMinimalist: Sculptural And Sophisticated
LYNNMinimalist
LYNNMinimalist Curve Bar Necklace
Price range: $49.49 – $112.49 | Size: 16 – 18 inches | Materials: 925 Sterling Silver, 18k gold filled or rose gold filled necklace| Customization: No
Good things come in threes, including this covetable curve bar necklace set. This trio trinket holds all the sentimental values of a traditional BFF bauble, but in a contemporary, geometric design. Pair your set with crisp white tee and tailored trousers to easily elevate any ensemble—perfect for impromptu brunch dates with your pals.
Pros:
Budget-friendly price range
Also comes in set of two or four to fit various groups of friends
Cons:
Gold filled material will eventually wear away with use and time
Best Friend Necklaces For Four
GLDN: For The Blossoming Friendship Group
The Verticale
GLDN Bloom Friendship Flower Necklace
Price range: $86 – $90 (per one) | Size: 11 mm x 15 mm (pendant length), 17-19 inches (chain length) | Materials: 14k gold filled or sterling silver | Customization: No
Sure, flowers always get the job done when you’re in a pinch, but why not surprise your ride-or-die bestie with a blooming floret that’ll last forever? Enter GLDN’s petal-shaped necklace. Each piece comes with two petals, which form a flower when all the charms come together. The best part: 90% of the metals used by the brand are recycled—the perfect balance of look good, feel good.
Pros:
Budget-friendly price range
Up to sets of 7 necklaces can form a flower
Cons:
No return available on retailer site (GLDN’s official website offers free 30-day return)
Most Unique Best Friend Necklace
Roxanne Assoulin: For Those Who Love Handmade Gifts
Most often the perfect gift is the one that feels the most personal—and what better way to show your friend how much you care than a one-of-a-kind creation made by you? This DIY necklace kit by New York-based jeweler Roxanne Assoulin contains 73 enamel beads, which you can string along the
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