‘Beat the High Street Challenge’ Marks and Spencer’s Autumnal Necklace

For this month’s ‘Beat the High Street’ we have turned our attention to the Marks and Spencer’s Autumnal collection. 

The Diamonte Crescent Collar taps into ‘the trend for chunky necklaces’ yet remains classic in style; appealing to Marks and Spencer’s traditional demographic.   The High Street version retails at £15.00, ‘quite pricey’ we thought, it is after all only two rows of plastic beads on plated chain.

Although we were drawn to the techniques applied to the necklace, we felt that the bright silver chain and findings were a poor choice of colour for an Autumnal jewellery range. The earthy toned beads look cold and unappealing and would definitely be enhanced by a gold or antique brass finish.

We think our ‘BTHS’ version exudes warmth and colour. The techniques remain the same, dissecting small sections of chain (3 links) and using these as spacer bars between each bead. These little links of chain assist in holding the two layers of beads neatly together, thus creating a solid collar effect that hangs beautifully on the neckline.

In keeping with our current ‘Wanderlust’ theme, our choice of beads include Indian Glass, Printed Wood and Tigers Eye, all brought together with an antique Brass finish and ‘Ahimsa’ ethnic charm. Our necklace is a celebration of travel, exotic new worlds and tribal traditions.

The beads you choose when replicating this piece, should reflect your individuality, play around with distressed finishes and textures or glam it up entirely using pearls and faceted glass.

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Kerri McKenna
In House Designer