Maximalism is back, but not necessarily in the way you might think—or at least not in the way I might think.
When I hear the word maximalism, I think not just of abundance but of size. I begin to picture massive chandelier earrings, statement pendants large enough to have their own zip codes, and multiple cocktail rings on the hands.
Maximalism is popping up in old ways that feel new all over again. Gen Zers getting ready to tie the knot are on the hunt for engagement ring stacks (read more about that in our summary of Pinterest’s 2025 wedding trends report), and one might wonder if a ring stack for the right hand, too, isn’t far behind.
Now let’s turn to necklines, where one “maximalist” yet graceful look has made its way back on trend. As we return to the superlong pendant necklaces of yore—and by yore, I mean the aughts—we’re also bringing back another style from that time frame: layering delicate chain necklaces of all sorts, in varying lengths.
Grouping several necklaces together has never really left us, but for the aesthetic of this particular time, think less artfully curated, wabi-sabi “neck mess” and more prim and polished graduated strands.
Remember when the style was so popular stores started selling two- and three-in-one pieces? That sure made it easier to don the look, though it wasn’t really geared toward customization, which is more desirable than ever these days. Then came those little accessories that kept layered necklaces from getting tangled (mine were always a mess!). Well, break out your Necklet or similar clasps, because this maximalist—though still artful and delicate, in my opinion—style is back, baby.
As with most returning trends, the choices available today are better and more exciting than ever, and the variety is incredible. Below, just a sampling of new chain necklaces, both single- and multistrand, great for layering.
Whisper chain necklace in 18k yellow gold with emerald, $2,610;
Amáli Jewelry Violette necklace in 18k yellow gold with pearl, price on request;
Drajée 36″ necklace in platinum with 12.05 cts. t.w. multi-shape diamonds, $60,000;
Oscar Heyman Necklace in yellow gold with 0.27 ct. t.w. diamonds, $1,900;
Brevani Entwine medium stackable necklace in 18k rose gold with rubies, pink sapphires, and diamonds, $4,500;
Aneka Double solitaire necklace in 18k yellow gold with diamond, $3,180; Yvonne Léon Triangles on ball chain necklace in 14k yellow gold with 0.26 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,300;
Ali Weiss Cartouche necklaces in 18k and 22k yellow gold with diamonds, prices on request;
Khepri Mohammed chain necklace in 14k yellow gold with green and blue tourmaline, price on request; Jacquie Aiche
Top: Triple layer necklace in 18k yellow gold with rainbow moonstone and diamonds, $4,295; Katey Walker