10 Best Small Pendant Lariats Influencers Endorse
Highlighting endurance: these small pendant lariats are built to last, keeping their shine and shape through daily wear and travel.
Why I Trust These Lariats — A YouTuber-Approved Take
I’ve watched countless top YouTubers and jewelry experts test and praise pieces for quality, wearability, and style. Their reviews helped me narrow down lariats that combine durability, design, and a modern silhouette. I lean toward pieces with solid craftsmanship, hypoallergenic metals, and delicate chain work that doesn’t tangle — the little things that matter when you’re getting dressed quickly.
How I Chose These 10 Small Pendant Lariats
I looked for: material integrity (14k/18k gold-fill, sterling silver, vermeil), pendant proportion (usually 10–25 mm for small), chain thickness (0.9–1.5 mm for strength without bulk), clasp reliability, and real-world comfort. I favored pieces with adjustable drops and versatile colors so they translate from coffee dates to office calls.
1) Mejuri Small Lariat Necklace — 14k Gold-Fill Tiny Bar Pendant
Why influencers recommend it: This is a staple in minimalist wardrobes. A top jewelry channel praised its everyday resilience and wearable shine.
- Materials: 14k gold-fill, brass core
- Pendant: 12 mm horizontal bar, polished finish
- Chain: 1.0 mm cable chain, adjustable 16″–18″ with 2″ drop
- Closure: spring ring
- Color: warm gold
This lariat sits neatly at the sternum when worn at the 18″ length with an extra 2″ drop for that signature lariat loop. I love the soft gleam — it reads luxe but feels light on the neck. It paired beautifully with a linen shirt and a silk camisole during my last weekend look.
Practical note: the gold-fill resists tarnish better than plated pieces, so it’s excellent for daily wear and travel.
2) Gorjana Taner Lariat Necklace — Gold Plated on Sterling Silver
Why influencers recommend it: Reviewed by fashion vloggers for its elegant drop and adjustable styling ability.
- Materials: .925 sterling silver base, 18k gold plating
- Pendant: 10 mm round disc with hammered texture
- Chain: 1.2 mm fine chain, adjustable 14″–18″ with sliding lariat mechanism
- Closure: sliding bead (no clasp), micro loops for secure fit
- Color: bright gold
The hammered disc catches light with each movement — I noticed a subtle sparkle in daylight that made a basic tee look curated. The sliding feature allows quick length tweaks; I used it when switching from a crewneck to a V-neck.
Care tip: avoid chlorinated pools to keep plating intact.
3) Catbird Mini Lariat — 14k Solid Gold Tiny Teardrop
Why influencers recommend it: Jewelry-focused YouTube creators adore Catbird’s craftsmanship and the longevity of solid gold pieces.
- Materials: 14k solid gold
- Pendant: 8 x 6 mm teardrop — satin finish
- Chain: 0.9 mm delicate cable, fixed 16″ with 1.5″ drop
- Closure: lobster clasp
- Color: soft yellow gold
This is a true heirloom-size piece. It’s whisper-fine and sits perfectly when layered with slightly chunkier chains. I found it ideal for events where you want subtle shine without a bold statement.
Long-term: solid gold means you can sleep in it, layer freely, and not worry about flaking.
4) Mejuri Freshwater Pearl Lariat — Sterling Silver Vermeil with Pearl Drop
Why influencers recommend it: Popular among lifestyle YouTubers for mixing modern lariat lines with classic pearls.
- Materials: .925 sterling silver with 14k gold vermeil
- Pendant: 4.5–5 mm freshwater pearl
- Chain: 1.1 mm curb chain, 16″ with 2″ adjustable drop
- Closure: Y-lariat pull-through loop
- Color: warm gold with creamy pearl
The small pearl lends a vintage softness against the modern lariat structure. I wore it to a brunch and loved how the pearl hummed with the outfit’s neutral palette. The chain weight keeps the pendant centered; it doesn’t slide off balance.
Style tip: pair with blazer lapels or scoop necklines for an elegant focal point.
5) Kendra Scott Elisa Lariat — Rhodium-Plated Over Brass with Glass Pendant
Why influencers recommend it: Vloggers praise the color options and affordability without sacrificing eye-catching design.
- Materials: brass base, rhodium plating for tarnish resistance
- Pendant: 13 mm teardrop glass stone (multiple colorways: clear, rose, aqua)
- Chain: 1.3 mm trace chain, adjustable 16″–18″ with 2″ drop
- Closure: lobster clasp with extender
- Color: bright silver tone with vivid stones
The glass teardrop catches light intensely, creating a jewel-like effect. I chose the aqua shade and found it added a crisp pop against white linens. The rhodium finish helps keep the silver look sharp longer than simple plating.
Practical note: glass pendant gives the look of a gemstone without the price tag; handle gently.
6) Mejuri Cable Lariat Pendant — 14k Gold-Fill Petite Circle
Why influencers recommend it: Endorsed for durable gold-fill and a minimalist silhouette that layers seamlessly.
- Materials: 14k gold-fill
- Pendant: 10 mm small ring, high-polish finish
- Chain: 1.0 mm cable chain, adjustable 15″–18″ with 2″ lariat drop
- Closure: pull-through lariat loop
- Color: warm gold
I love how the little ring frames a bit of neckline. When layered with a chokery bead chain it creates depth without clutter. It’s a go-to when I want an effortless, polished look that still feels casual.
Maintenance: gold-fill cleans with a soft cloth and mild soap.
7) Nordstrom Fine Jewelry Small Lariat — Sterling Silver Drop
Why influencers recommend it: Reliable mid-price option featured in many “wear-every-day” roundups on YouTube channels.
- Materials: .925 sterling silver
- Pendant: 9 mm polished oval bar
- Chain: 1.0 mm box chain, adjustable 16″–18″ with 1.5″ drop
- Closure: lobster clasp with drop loop
- Color: bright silver
The oval bar has subtle weight, so the drop sits straight and doesn’t twist. I wore it under a cardigan and it still caught glance-worthy light. It’s a solid pick for anyone who prefers silver-tone metals.
Durability: sterling silver will patina over time; a polishing cloth restores shine.
8) Mejuri Pearl Station Lariat — Gold-Fill with Multi-Pearl Accents
Why influencers recommend it: Seen in videos for its layered look without additional necklaces.
- Materials: 14k gold-fill, freshwater pearl stations
- Pendant: three 3–4 mm pearls spaced along the drop
- Chain: 1.1 mm cable chain, 16″ with 2″ drop
- Closure: pull-through lariat loop
- Color: warm gold and cream pearls
This one feels like a curated stack built into a single necklace. The tiny pearls add texture and movement; wearing it elevated my plain sweater instantly. I found it photogenic in close-up selfies.
Styling tip: works beautifully with off-the-shoulder tops where the pearls hover over skin.
9) Gorjana Taner Compass Lariat — Gold Plated with Engraved Charm
Why influencers recommend it: Fashion vloggers like the subtle engraving and the everyday sturdiness.
- Materials: brass with 18k gold plating
- Pendant: 12 mm engraved compass disc, matte finish
- Chain: 1.2 mm cable chain, adjustable 15″–18″ with 2″ drop
- Closure: lobster clasp
- Color: warm gold
The matte engraved disc reads artisanal and travels well. I felt it gave a meaningful but quiet accent to my capsule wardrobe. The chain sits nicely under a coat collar and becomes the focal point when I zip down.
Care note: replate after extended heavy wear to keep that fresh gold tone.
10) Soko Mini Lariat — Brass with Electroplated Gold and Geometric Drop
Why influencers recommend it: Sustainable brand often highlighted by ethical-fashion YouTubers for responsible sourcing and unique designs.
- Materials: recycled brass, 18k gold electroplate
- Pendant: 11 mm geometric cone, brushed texture
- Chain: 1.0 mm link chain, fixed 16″ with 1.75″ drop
- Closure: small spring clasp with jump ring
- Color: muted gold with brushed finish
The geometric cone adds a sculptural element to minimalist outfits. I appreciated the slightly matte texture — it reads modern and handcrafted. For someone who favors conscious brands, this one feels thoughtful and wearable.
Ethics: made from recycled metals — a plus if you’re curating a responsible jewelry collection.
What to Look For: Lariat Buying Guide
- Materials: Prefer 14k/18k gold-fill, vermeil, solid gold, or sterling silver. These hold up better than thin plating.
- Pendant size: Small lariats typically have pendants 8–15 mm; choose based on how subtle you want the focal point.
- Chain thickness: 0.9–1.5 mm is ideal for strength without bulk.
- Closure style: Sliding/lariat pulls are easiest for quick length changes; lobster clasps with extenders offer stable adjustments.
- Comfort & weight: Look for balanced weight so the pendant stays centered and doesn’t tug.
- Tarnish resistance: Gold-fill and vermeil resist tarnish; rhodium plating helps silver pieces stay bright.
- Ethics & care: Recycled metals and responsible brands are a bonus; check care instructions for swimming and sweat.
Styling Tips from Influencers (and Me)
- Layering: Pair a small lariat with a choker and a medium-length chain. Keep a mix of textures—one matte, one polished—for dimension.
- Neckline pairings: V-necks and deep scoops showcase the lariat drop; crewnecks and collars frame it subtly above the fabric.
- Everyday vs. special occasion: Choose gold-fill or vermeil for daily wear; solid gold for pieces you intend as long-term favorites.
- Travel packing: Store lariats flat in a chill-proof pouch or a small travel card to avoid tangles.
My Personal Testimonials
I’ve worn pieces from this list on flights, to client meetings, and on weekend coffee runs. The Mejuri gold-fill bar outlasted three packed weekends without losing its warm polish. The Catbird solid gold teardrop stayed perfectly centered during a long day of filming, and the Gorjana sliding lariat let me change necklines fast between outfit shots. Each time I picked one, it simplified my getting-ready process while still feeling intentional.
FAQs
Q: How do I stop a lariat pendant from sliding around? A: Choose a slightly heavier pendant or a chain with a tiny textured link that creates friction. Some lariats have small interior stops or adjustable beads to lock length.
Q: Can I shower or sleep with a lariat on? A: For solid gold and gold-fill pieces, occasional exposure is fine, but avoid heavy chlorinated water and harsh soaps. Remove delicate plated pieces before sleeping.
Q: Are these pieces good for layering? A: Absolutely. Small pendant lariats are designed to layer because of their adjustable drops. Pair with chokers and 18″ chains for depth.
Q: How do I clean gold-fill and vermeil lariats? A: Use mild dish soap and warm water with a soft cloth. Rinse and dry thoroughly. For vermeil, avoid abrasive cleaners to protect the gold layer.
Final Thoughts — Practical Picks for Everyday Wear
These 10 small pendant lariats represent a balance of style, durability, and versatility. Influencers I follow consistently recommend pieces with solid materials and smart closures because they endure daily life — commuting, cameras, and quick outfit changes. If you want something that looks intentional without fuss, start with a gold-fill or vermeil lariat and layer from there.
If you’d like, I can help you pick the best option for your wardrobe colors and favorite necklines — tell me your go-to outfits and I’ll match lariats that will integrate seamlessly.