The Best Initial Necklaces That Feel Perfectly Personalized (2023)

Meet the Expert

• Our Picks

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust Byrdie

In order to nab the top spot of the best initial necklace, this Gorjana design, with a slightly off-center letter, fits all the “not too” qualities: not too flashy, not too expensive, not too long (or short), and not too subtle. In other words, it’s perfect. It can stand alone for a minimalist look or be paired with other longer necklaces too, especially since it’s so lightweight.

Price at Time of Publish: $60

Metal: 18k gold-plated brass | Length: Adjustable between 16” and 18”

To go big, bold, and budget-friendly, add this oversized sideways letter necklace to your Etsy cart. Not only can you show off your initial, but the artist will also engrave your name into the piece too. At this price, you may want to stock up on a few letters to give to your nieces and girlfriends or as wedding shower presents, especially since they arrive gift-wrapped.

Price at Time of Publish: $22

Metal: Sterling silver, 18k gold, or rose gold | Length: 14” - 22”

If you’re interested in investing serious cash in a striking initial necklace, this is the one. There’s nothing subtle about it, but this stunning, seriously eye-catching design will prove to be a standout piece in your jewelry collection. Choose between 14k yellow, white, or rose gold, as well as a 16-inch or 18-inch chain or no chain at all.

Price at Time of Publish: $450

Metal: 14k yellow, white, or rose gold | Length: 16”, 18”, or no chain

For an initial necklace with a twist (quite literally), choose one with a sideways initial, like this Ten Wilde necklace. It’s sweetly petite and matches any other jewelry you already own. At this price point and with this not-so-imposing design, this necklace makes a great personalized gift, whether for the holidays, for bridesmaids or just because.

Price at Time of Publish: $58

Metal: Gold | Length: 16”

Initial necklaces can be sweet and petite, they can be oversized and glamorous, or they can land somewhere in the middle, just like this initial necklace from PDPAOLA. Its bold (but not too big) capital letter of your choice is circled by colorful gemstones, including tiger eye, labradorite, and other crystals of all colors. Adjust this pendant to the length of your choosing thanks to its adjustable chain. It’s bound to catch eyes—and many “where did you get your necklace?” questions—without being too distracting.

Price at Time of Publish: $90

Metal: 18k gold-plated sterling silver | Length: Adjustable from 15.7” to 19.7”

For a dainty addition to your jewelry collection, invest in one of these Tiny Tag circle necklaces. It’s perfectly petite. Wear it solo or layer it with multiple necklaces of different lengths for a fuller look. Not only can you choose the initial (or initials) of your choice, but you can personalize it with any word, date, or name of your liking—as long as it’s no longer than eight characters.

Price at Time of Publish: $110

Metal: 14k gold | Length: 16”, 18”, 20”, or 24”

What’s better than an initial necklace? Multiple initials on the same necklace. This delicate 14k yellow gold custom necklace lets you monogram it with two initials—yours, your children’s, or a combination of any kind—as well as a round diamond, baguette diamond, or a heart. The chain lengths are also customizable, measuring 16 inches, 18 inches, or adjustable 18 inches with two loops. It’s on the pricier side but worth the splurge for a necklace, you’ll wear for, well, ever.

Price at Time of Publish: $350

Metal: 14k yellow gold | Length: 16”, 18”, or 18” with adjustable loops

Simple, straightforward, and oh-so-pretty—that’s this white gold initial necklace in a few words. This design is available in yellow and rose gold as well, but the white gold version is particularly worthy of adding to your jewelry box since it strikes a balance between fresh and timeless. White gold can be pricey, but the quality is worth the investment.

Price at Time of Publish: $275

Metal: 14k white, yellow, or rose gold | Length: 18”

If silver is your jewelry material of choice, add this sterling silver initial necklace to your online cart. This engraved disc design will forever be in fashion, and since it’s made of sterling silver, you can rest easy that it’ll last forever too. (In addition to being hypoallergenic, as well as lead- and nickel-free.) It’s also available in a gold vermeil version too.

Price at Time of Publish: $90

Metal: Sterling silver | Length: Adjustable between 15” and 17”

If you already have a chain, opt for a letter charm, like this elegant cursive alphabet set, instead. That way, you can personalize your necklace however you’d like, whether using one charm for your initial or pairing a few letters together to represent your partner, children, or dog—you name it. These charms are made out of 14k solid gold, so it promises not to oxidize or tarnish, and you’ll immediately have an heirloom piece on your hands. (Or, um, around your neck.)

Price at Time of Publish: $98

Metal: 14k gold | Length: 7.8 mm - 10.3 mm

No need to take your initial necklace so seriously. This bubble option from BaubleBar gives the classic necklace a colorful twist, as the gold letter of your choice sits on an eye-catching enamel background. Choose your letter and color (options include pink, cobalt, red, orange, white, and others), then happily wear this cheerful necklace for years to come. And it will last for years since it’s made out of 18k gold-plated sterling silver.

Price at Time of Publish: $98

Metal: 18k gold-plated sterling silver | Length: 18”

FAQ

• How do you style initial necklaces?

  The good news: there’s no wrong way to style an initial necklace. Most designs are neutral enough to pair with most outfits, from a work-friendly button-down to a cut-down-to-there going-out top.

  Khalike is a big fan of layering necklaces, which allows you to mix and match pieces from your jewelry collection. “Layering is a fantastic way to be creative with your styling. It also allows you to make a bigger statement with your pieces,” he says. The smaller the pendant, the higher it should sit; the larger the pendant, the lower it should sit.

  “My favorite ways to layer are to start with a choker, maybe something big and chunky, followed by the initial pendant or a name pendant, and then perhaps some statement pendant like my classic Diamond Virgin Mary Pendant or classic Large Diamond Cross pendant,” he says.

• What's the best jewelry material for everyday wear?

  “When it comes to jewelry, you get what you pay for, so you want to be mindful of the material,” says Khalike. He doesn’t hesitate to name his favorite: “To me, gold is the best,” he says. “I think gold is the most luxurious and flatters most skin tones. Because it's a high-quality material, it's also great for everyday wear.”

  Selecting a high-quality material means it’ll last—no tarnishing, no turning your skin green, and no breaking out in a mystery rash. Gold can be pricey though, so for a more budget-friendly option, go for silver or gold plated. (Just skip anything with nickel in it; that’s the most likely material to cause sensitive skin to awry.) If you’re opting for an initial necklace with diamonds in it, Khalike recommends white gold since it’ll make the diamonds sparkle more than yellow gold.

  (Video) FYI BEFORE YOU BUY: BYCHARI ORIGINAL SPACED LETTER NECKLACE