The ’90s Cord Necklace Gets a Luxe Diamond Upgrade
From grunge-era favorite to quiet luxury essential, the cord necklace is having a glow-up thanks to natural diamonds.
Zoe Kravitz seen in East Village on August 11, 2025 in New York City. (Getty Images)
The ‘90s style revival is still going strong, so it’s no surprise that fashion insiders are wearing some of the decade’s most notable jewelry trends. The latest favorite? The cord necklace, which has been spotted on the likes of Sabrina Carpenter and Lila Moss.
“As I’ve seen in almost every editorial and lookbook this year, cord necklaces have been paired with other fine pieces, or worn on their own as a single statement,” says David Ratmoko, owner and director of the modeling agency Metro Models. “The styling teams I work with are constantly pulling them, and that’s typically the first indication that a trend is going from the catwalk to the store.
Whether they’re made of woven rope or smooth leather, cord necklaces are the perfect complement to your summer uniform. They channel the minimalism of the ‘90s with a touch of boho, and, when paired with natural diamonds, they offer an undone yet elevated aesthetic that is so 2026-coded.
Just take a look at Zoe Kravitz, who recently wore a massive Jessica McCormack 20-carat diamond hanging on a simple black cord, which was wrapped around her neck like a choker to complement a black vest paired with low-waist trousers.
While Kravitz is a master of the cool girl aesthetic, the piece would’ve looked as appropriate on the beach with resortwear, or worn with a dress or a T-shirt and jeans – and that versatility is part of what makes the cord necklace so irresistible.
Meet the Experts
Rhett Ramsay Outten is a third-generation co-owner of her family’s jewelry business, Croghan’s Jewel Box. Founded by master jeweler and hand engraver William Joseph Croghan in 1907, it’s the oldest family-owned jewelry store in Charleston, South Carolina.
David Ratmoko is the owner and director of Metro Models, a Switzerland-based modeling agency. He specializes in international model booking and talent development, partnering with fashion and luxury clients to deliver top-tier models for campaigns, editorials, and runway.
If you haven’t yet added a cord pendant necklace to your jewelry box, here’s what you need to know about the trend (which may just be here to stay).
What Is a Diamond Cord Necklace?
A diamond cord necklace is a diamond pendant with a casual twist – the stone is strung on a thin, durable cord, which is often made of leather, rather than a traditional chain. It can be layered or worn as a standalone piece, and it’s often adjustable thanks to sliding knots, which let you play with different lengths based on your neckline and mood.
While the cord lends a casual feel to the style, combining it with a diamond means that you can also wear it in the evening when you want to look elegant but not overly formal. “The cord removes the formality and makes the diamond feel modern, even casual. I’ve seen stylists use cord with diamonds when they’re looking for a more approachable look,” says Ratmoko.
It’s all about the contrast. On one hand, you’ve got the earthy, natural texture of the cord. On the other hand, there’s the precise cut and unmatched brilliance of a diamond. The result is an incredibly stylish and wearable diamond pendant.
The History of the Cord Necklace
Long before the cord necklace became a ’90s signature, Marilyn Monroe gave the style a major Hollywood moment. During the press tour for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Monroe wore the Moon of Baroda, a 24.04-carat fancy yellow diamond with an antique pear shape and exceptional clarity.
Unearthed in India’s legendary Golconda mines sometime between the 15th and 17th centuries, the storied gem passed through the hands of Indian rulers and European aristocracy before arriving in the collection of Meyer Rosenbaum, president of Detroit’s Meyer Jewelry Company, in 1953. Recognizing the perfect synergy between Hollywood’s newest star and one of history’s most famous diamonds, Rosenbaum proposed that Monroe wear the stone suspended from a simple leather cord for a series of publicity photographs.
But like so many of the best trends, cord necklaces hit their stride in the ’90s. Alicia Silverstone wore one as Cher in Clueless. Drew Barrymore paired one with a white tee on the red carpet. Supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell sported cord necklaces in editorials. Even Kate Winslet embraced the look during the 1998 Golden Globe Awards at the height of Titanic mania, pairing a black cord pendant necklace with a sheer lace gown.
That said, the cord necklace is one of the most ancient pieces of jewelry and its origins can be traced back to prehistoric times. Research suggests that humans were hanging shells on pieces of string 120,000 years ago, likely so that they could adorn themselves with jewelry. Chain jewelry was only invented tens of thousands of years later in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Cord necklaces have been used to make pendants ever since these early days, but the style became popular during the 1970s, when bohemian, earthy aesthetics took over wardrobes.
Featuring stones, crystals, and beads, cord pendant necklaces complemented the fringe, suede, and long flowy dresses of the era. In contrast, the cord necklaces of the ‘90s were a little more grungy, featuring pendants like peace signs or shark teeth and lending an edge to flannel shirts and slip dresses.
Today, the diamond cord necklace offers a contemporary, sophisticated spin on the style. The softness of the ‘70s and the coolness of the ‘90s are still there, but the addition of diamonds makes it feel more grown-up and timeless.
Why Diamond Cord Necklaces Are Here to Stay
While some jewelry trends fade into obscurity, diamond cord pendant necklaces are quickly turning into a timeless staple – here’s why.
Ease and versatility
Gone are the days of saving your diamonds for special occasions. According to Rhett Ramsay Outten, co-owner of Croghan’s Jewel Box, the revival of the cord necklace speaks to a broader change in our relationship with jewelry: “Fashion has shifted toward pieces that feel effortless and lived-in. People want jewelry they can wear from morning coffee to dinner out without changing their entire look. Cord necklaces strike that balance beautifully.”
Understated luxury
With Gen Z embracing sustainable shopping and redefining the rules of wearing diamonds, cord necklaces make perfect sense. As Outten puts it, “they have an understated luxury about them – polished but never fussy.” That’s exactly how younger generations are looking to wear jewelry, which is made evident by trends like curated earring or bracelet stacks.
Texture and contrast
The most stylish people know that texture and contrast add dimension and visual impact to a look. The diamond cord necklace provides both those things effortlessly. “There’s a strong appreciation right now for texture and contrast in jewelry styling, and a leather or silk cord brings warmth and softness that traditional metal chains simply don’t,” adds Outten.
What to Look For in a Cord Necklace
Ready to embrace the look? When shopping for a diamond cord necklace, quality and craftsmanship matter. A diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, so the cord needs to be as durable as possible too to ensure you can enjoy your piece for years. Outten suggests looking for genuine leather or high-quality silk cords, which age more beautifully than synthetic options.
While some cord necklaces come with a sliding knot closure, others have clasps. Even though it’s a small detail, it can make a big difference in terms of the overall look of the necklace. “The clasp, end caps and any metal accents should be coordinated with the other jewelry worn on a regular basis. The first thing that makes a beautiful piece feel cheap is a mismatched closure,” notes Ratmoko.
Intentionally mixing metals is one thing, but having a metal clasp awkwardly stick out when you just want your diamond pendant to stand out is another, so inspect the necklace’s closure closely.
Lastly, pay attention to the proportions of the piece and the thickness of the cord in relation to the size and cut of the stone. “The best designs feel balanced and effortless rather than overly heavy or delicate,” says Outten.
“The pairing must be deliberate. Before committing, hold the stone against various cord thicknesses and rely on your eyes, not store light,” adds Ratmoko.
How to Care for a Diamond Cord Necklace
Marla Aaron The String Project cord and diamond necklace, $21,050, net-a-porter.com
Since a cord necklace is different from a chain, there are basic maintenance tips to keep in mind to preserve the cord’s integrity. Leather doesn’t do well when exposed to moisture, so be mindful when using perfumes and lotions to prevent drying or discoloration.
Take your cord necklace off before swimming, showering and exercising. As for storage, keep your necklace lying flat or hanging by itself to help preserve the shape of the cord, protect the diamond setting, and prevent twisting, recommends Outten. A leather cord will even develop more character as you wear it, so don’t be afraid of wearing your piece on repeat.
Shop Diamond Cord Necklaces
Get inspired by natural diamond cord necklaces from some of OND’s favorite designers.
Dezso Carved Ebony Wood Coquito Shell and Polki Diamond Pendant, $2,200, twistonline.com
Jennifer Meyer Illusion Set Diamond and Leather Cord Necklace, $4,250, jennifermeyer.com
MESSIKA CARE(S) BEIGE CORD PAVÉ NECKLACE, $1,310, messika.com
EF Collection Diamond Pillow Cord Necklace In Rhubarb, $1,220, efcollection.com
Beck Scuba Necklace with Pave, $14,550, no62jewelry.com
Jade Trau Lotus Charm, from $11,000, jadetrau.com
MARLA AARON 14-karat gold, diamond and cord necklace, $12,505, net-a-porter.com
