Is that an M for Meghan or Mary?
You may never have any use for an engagement ring and single earrings might perturb you, but there’s one piece of jewellery that is perennially purposeful and inoffensive: the initial necklace.
Since we are all legally required to have some sort of name, this might as well be used as an excuse to procure more jewellery. While a necklace representing your zodiac sign will probably only solicit attention from the most avid of astrologers, initial necklaces have mass appeal. If you enjoy endless attention, wearing one could have someone guessing your name for hours. If you don’t, you can state that your first name is in fact a single letter – which is legal according to the Deed Poll Office – and be done with it.
That said, the initial itself might not actually reference your own name at all – but someone else’s. Meghan Markle – the Duchess of Sussex – is particularly fond of using initial necklaces as a mark of affection. Before her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, she wore a chain with an “H” pendant. A year later at Wimbledon, she did the same with an “A” necklace in honour of her son Archie.
But initial necklaces aren’t only worn to indicate names. In the recent semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent, judge Alesha Dixon wore three gold initial necklaces by the jewellery brand Veiled Rebel. Layered, they spelt out “BLM” and made her stance on the movement exceptionally clear.
So where can you buy an initial necklace? There are a lot of options available. If you’re seeking a bargain, we’d recommend Orelia. For something colourful, we love Del Rio Jewels. And, if you want an ornate pendant, Alex Monroe has an excellent one – in both gold and silver – at Liberty.
We guess onlookers will just have to wait and see what yours stands for.