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Jewelry can make or break any outfit. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right pieces and have a good mixture of items, and no jewelry box can be complete without a Y necklace.
Named due to their distinctive Y shape, and also sometimes known as lariat necklaces, Y necklaces are a must-have item for women of all ages. They're stylish, chic, sleek, and wonderfully versatile, too, perfect to pair with everything from blouses to dresses.
In this guide, we’ve put together a list of our favorite Y necklaces for 2024. At the bottom of the guide, we also go into more detail about what Y necklaces are and how you can wear them to perfect your look.
Detailing the Top-rated Y Necklaces in 2024
Benevolence Gold Bar Y Necklace — Best Overall
Celebrities know a thing or two about fashion and style, and Candace Cameron is one of the most fashionable of them all! The Fuller House star designed this wonderful Y necklace, and it's sure to become one of the prettiest pieces in your jewelry collection. Crafted from top-quality, hypoallergenic materials and dipped in 14k gold, this sleek and minimalistic necklace is a joy to wear. It's close to 20 inches in length and easily adjustable to create different looks and vibes.
Plus, for every necklace sold, the creators make a donation to the Lollipop Theater Network, a charity supporting children with terminal illnesses. Due to its superb beauty, stunningly high quality, and the cause that it supports, this Y necklace is easily the best product on our list.
Pros
- Designed by Candace Cameron
- Dipped in 14k gold
- Every sale helps charity
Cons
- Very small and fragile
Artmiss Bar Pendant Y Necklace — Best Pendant Necklace
The Artmiss Bar Pendant Y Necklace is another fabulous addition to any jewelry collection and is perfect for various events or just everyday use. Available at a great price and sold in silver and gold variants, this affordable yet exquisite necklace features a classic lobster claw clasp to stay in place around your neck. It's made of a strong alloy to retain its color over time, so you won't need to worry about the shimmering color fading away after a few months of use. And, if you are worried you might not like it, don’t worry — the manufacturer also offers no-fuss returns for any customers who aren't satisfied.
Pros
- Strong alloy construction
- Stylish silver and gold options
- Very affordable price
Cons
- Must handle with care
Espere Pear Drop Lariat Necklace — Most Beautiful
If you're looking for a Y necklace that will turn heads and help you stand out from the crowd at galas, parties, and grand events, meet the CZ Pear Drop Lariat Necklace from Espere. This 16-inch necklace has a 2.75-inch adjustable Y section and is available in three different colors: white, rose, and yellow. It features two stunning pear-cut stones, which add sparkle and grace to the piece and shimmer in the light. Dozens of smaller stones encircle the larger ones, adding even more sparkle to this fabulous Y necklace, and the whole thing comes delivered in a beautiful jewelry box for safekeeping.
Pros
- Beautiful and elegant design
- Comes in its own stunning jewelry box
- Easily adjustable to suit your style
Cons
- Clasp can be a little awkward
Faire de la Mode Gold Lariat Necklace — Best Gift
Perhaps you're looking for a gorgeous gold Y necklace to give as a gift to someone special in your life? If so, you may want to consider the Faire de la Mode Gold Lariat Necklace. This gorgeous 16 to 18-inch Y necklace features 14k gold-dipped sterling silver, with a pair of AAA cubic zirconia diamonds adding some glam and shine. Fully tarnish-resistant, lead-free, and nickel-free, this necklace is strong and durable, perfect to wear again and again as part of your jewelry collection for years to come. It's an amazing necklace to give as a Valentine's Day gift or a Mother's Day present, for example.
Pros
- Great as a gift
- Beautiful gold-dipped silver
- Stunning cubic zirconia stones
- Durable and made to last
Cons
- Stones are very small
Annika Turquoise Y Necklace — Longest Necklace
At 21 inches in length from one end to the other, the Annika Bella Turquoise Y Shape Necklace is one of the longest Y necklaces you can buy. This makes it a fine choice for women who plan to wear it with low-cut dresses and tops to draw attention to their chest and shoulders. Fully waterproof, dainty, and decorated with gorgeous turquoise beads, this lovely necklace has its unique charm. Best of all, this special piece is available in both gold and silver variations to suit women of different tastes.
Pros
- Long, elegant design
- Stunning turquoise beads
- Both waterproof and tarnish-resistant
Cons
- Beads are very small
Buying Guide: Finding a Top-Rated Y Necklace
Now that we’ve seen some of the finest Y necklaces, let’s look at what these necklaces are, how to wear them, and which factors you should focus on to help you find the right one.
What Are Y Necklaces?
Y necklaces, also known as lariat necklaces, are necklaces that form a Y shape, with a loop around the neck and a central part that dangles down below the neck. There are various styles of Y necklaces, including gold, silver, and diamond.
How to Wear a Y Necklace
If you haven't worn a Y necklace in the past, you might not be sure how to wear these necklaces correctly. Here are some smart ways to pair Y necklaces with other items and accessories to get a look you'll love.
Experiment with different tie methods
Before you put your Y necklace on, take a close look at its design and closure. Some Y necklaces should be tied in a certain way, while others are more versatile. It's common for these necklaces to consist of one long piece of metal with a hoop or circle at the end to thread the other end through.
You can start by doing a basic loop with your lariat to see how it looks. You can also experiment with other styles, like tying a knot at the front or even double looping your Y necklace if it's long enough.
Get creative
There are lots of ways to get creative with a Y necklace, so you shouldn't feel like you're limited or have to wear them in one specific way. Try playing around with different styles in the mirror to see what you like best.
Some people wrap their lariats like chokers, with multiple loops around the neck and below the collarbone. You can even try wearing a lariat or Y necklace backward, which can be a great move when wearing an open-back dress.
Choose the right extras
So, what should you wear with a Y necklace? Well, there are a few different options. Since these necklaces tend to hang quite low on the chest, it's best to wear things that open up that space, like deep-cut dresses or blouses with V-necklines. However, you can still wear closed-collar outfits and simply drape the Y necklace over the top.
Y necklaces work well when layered together with other necklaces, too, but it's best to use plain, simple-colored clothing. This is so the necklace doesn't simply disappear into the pattern of the fabric.
What to Look For in Y Necklaces
Whether picking a Y necklace for yourself or to give as a gift, here are some of the most important factors you can focus on.
Length
Length is important when it comes to Y necklaces. They usually vary from around 16 to 20 inches in length, but it is possible to find longer and shorter variants. You need to make sure you have enough of a chain to wrap around your neck in the style you want.
Material
Silver, gold, and other metals may be used in Y necklaces. They can also have diamonds and other stones as elegant decorations. Fancier materials will cost more money, but will also make the necklace look even more fabulous.
Design
Design is arguably the most important factor of all, as you’ll want to pick a Y necklace with a shape and style you truly love. There are lots of options out there, from simplistic, minimalistic designs to more elaborate pieces with lots of jewels and decorative elements.
