Silver and Ivory Bohemian Floral Necklace

A 27 cm floral choker, not a long necklace

This is the sort of piece that changes an outfit at the neckline rather than along it. With 27 cm of adjustable length the cluster sits on the collarbone itself, so it reads against skin rather than against fabric. The 5 cm extension chain follows the clasp and gives a little room on the day, useful if the dress has a stand collar or if the day turns out warmer than planned.

Where the ribbon shows

Because the back is a pearl grey satin ribbon and not a metal chain, it lies flat under a chignon or a low bun instead of standing away from the neck. It will be visible with hair up. That is worth planning for rather than hiding, since the ribbon matches the pale tones at the front.

Cream corollas, frosted leaves and pearl beads

Two small translucent flowers start the pattern near the ribbon. Two five-petal corollas in cream then take over on either side, each with a rhinestone set at the centre of its corolla, and a third opens the drop that falls below the collarbone. Around them sit rounded pearl beads in several sizes, with veined leaves in frosted white suspended from fine stems. Close up the two flower types behave differently: the cream ones are opaque and smooth, the white ones stay milky and let light through, which is what gives the cluster its depth in photographs.

Necklines that give this necklace room

The cluster runs the full width of the collarbone, so it needs an open neckline to be read properly: a bateau, a wide V or a strapless bodice all work. A high or ruffled collar crowds it and flattens the central drop. Bridesmaids and guests get more use out of it than a bride in a heavily beaded gown, where two decorated surfaces end up competing. If the gown is already busy, the quieter pieces in our wedding jewellery selection are the safer route.

Colours it works against

Against ivory or off white it plays on texture, and you notice the relief of the petals before the colour. Against burgundy, navy or a deep green the pale cluster lifts away from the fabric and becomes the focal point. Photographs exaggerate that second effect, which is worth remembering if the ceremony is being shot indoors.

Earrings that stay in the background

Hair tends to go up when this necklace comes out, which leaves the ears fully exposed and makes any drop read longer than it would on an ordinary day. A pair of understated earrings in the same pale tones keeps attention at the neckline, where the flowers are.

The ribbon ages before the metal does

Satin is the part that shows wear. It marks with water, holds perfume and hairspray, and creases if it is left folded. Spray scent first and fasten the necklace afterwards, store the piece flat rather than hanging it, and wipe the beads with a dry cloth at the end of the day. Left in a dark drawer between two weddings, it will keep its colour far better than it would on an open jewellery stand.