Medallion necklaces: back with a bang in high jewellery

By Åse Anderson

A dazzling medallion necklace will elevate any outfit from bland to bling in the seconds it takes to fasten the clasp. A word of caution though: if you prefer to blend into the background, steer clear of these attention-grabbing bejewelled discs. If, on the other hand, you don't mind basking in the reflected glory of a design that dates back to the reign of Alexander the Great, you will rejoice in the return of the medallion - the ultimate statement necklace.

These latest incarnations are far removed from the "medallion man" of the 1960s and 1970s, with a few too many buttons undone on his shirt to reveal a golden disc hanging casually from his neck. Firmly ensconced in the realms of high jewellery, these pieces are dripping in precious gems, from emeralds and diamonds to sapphires and pearls.

From Chanel's newest high jewellery collection Les Intemporels, the Spirale necklace glistens with diamonds and pearls, while the Lion Talisman depicts one of Gabrielle Chanel's favourite motifs, the king of the jungle, in black and white diamonds. For a more colourful but no less luxurious option, the Chanel Café Society necklace incorporates seven different gemstones in a dazzling circular display.

With a mix of rough and polished diamonds, the De Beers Talisman medallion recalls the ancient talismanic powers associated with the sparkling gemstone, while the aptly named Mind Games necklace by Zaiken for Gemfields incorporates a working maze in which a diamond moves through emerald-encrusted walls.

For pure opulence, you can't beat the Lumieres d'Eau necklace from Chaumet's Biennale high jewellery collection, set with an Ethiopian, cabochon-cut white opal surrounded by sapphires, diamonds and amethyst beads. Another one-off creation that is sure to put a swagger in your step is Louis Vuitton's Chain Attraction necklace, which boasts a fiery topaz in its centre.

Worn on its own or layered up, a medallion pendant is the ultimate piece statement necklace this spring.

Tiffany Atlas medallion necklace in yellow gold, strung on a 36 inch chain.
Tiffany necklaces in platinum, set with Montana sapphires and diamonds in platinum.
Chanel Lion Talisman necklace in white gold, set with black and white diamonds. From the new Les Intemporels high jewellery collection.
Chanel Spirale necklace in white gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, a cushon-cut diamond and 65 Japanese cultured pearls. From the new Les Intemporels high jewellery collection.
Chaumet Lumieres d’Eau high jewellery necklace in white gold, created for the Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris, set with a 59.58 ct cabochon-cut white opal from Ethiopia, round and oval-cut violet sapphires from Ceylon and Madagascar, oval-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds, and faceted diamond and amethyst beads.
The De Beers Talisman Virtue Strength medallion necklace in yellow gold, set with rough green, brown and yellow diamonds, measures 44m across.
Zaiken for Gemfields necklace in yellow gold and blackened silver, set with Zambian emeralds and a diamond that the wearer can navigate through the maze.
Louis Vuitton Chain Attraction necklace featuring an impressive Imperial topaz that is the perfect balance of orange, pink and red.
Chanel necklace in white gold set with a spessartite, diamonds, blue and yellow sapphires, red spinels, orange grenats and tsavorites, from the Café Society high jewellery collection.