The orb and the pearl choker: Vivienne Westwood necklace signatures
Vivienne Westwood built her name in London, from the punk scene of the King's Road to the catwalk, and her jewellery keeps that mix of British tradition and rebellion. The house emblem, the orb, joins a royal crown-and-globe motif with a Saturn-like ring, and it appears on almost every necklace.
The designs most people recognise:
- The pearl choker: a strand of faux pearls closed with an orb charm, often with a short chain and a small orb-set clasp. It is the piece most closely tied to the house.
- Orb pendants: a single orb on a fine chain, in raised relief, set with crystals or enamelled. Sizes range from small, discreet pendants to bolder statement orbs.
- Layered and multi-strand styles: pearls combined with chain, or several strands worn together for a more editorial look.
For the wider story of the house, see our Vivienne Westwood brand guide.
Choosing the right length, finish and style
Start with how the recipient already dresses. Someone who wears minimal jewellery will reach for a small orb pendant every day, while a confident dresser often prefers the pearl choker or a larger orb.
Length matters more here than with most necklaces. Chokers sit at the base of the neck and are usually fitted with a short extender chain, so check the stated length against the recipient's neck size if you can. Pendants on longer chains are more forgiving and layer well.
Finish: most pieces come in gold-tone, silver-tone or rose-tone plated metal. Match what she already wears, such as her watch or everyday rings.
Budget: Vivienne Westwood necklaces are fashion jewellery made from plated metals, crystals and faux pearls, so they generally sit well below fine jewellery in price. Size, detailing and the number of strands drive the difference. If you are weighing it against gold and diamonds, compare our Cartier necklaces guide, or browse all designer necklaces.
Care, and why it works as a gift
Plated jewellery rewards a little attention:
- Put it on after perfume, lotion and sunscreen, which matters during a South African summer.
- Take it off before swimming, showering or exercise.
- Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth and store it separately in its pouch so the pearls and plating are not scratched.
As a gift, the orb is instantly recognisable without being formal, which suits a birthday, a graduation or Women's Day on 9 August. It is a strong first designer piece for a teenager or student, and a playful addition for someone who already owns classic jewellery. More ideas are in our gifts for her guide. If you have a particular orb or choker in mind, tell us what you are looking for and we will come back with options.