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Lucy Williams Chain Necklace

Lucy Williams Chain Necklace

Last updated:

A-

86 / 100

ProductScore

$189
Necklaces Statement chain necklaceNecklace layering anchor pieceInvestment demi-fine jewelry

Materials: 18K gold vermeil over recycled sterling silver; chunky curb chain links

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A-

The Verdict

Missoma's Lucy Williams Chain Necklace earns an A- ProductScore of 86/100 — a chunky gold vermeil chain collaboration that has become one of the most influential necklace designs in the demi-fine space. The substantial weight, 18K vermeil quality, and endlessly versatile silhouette justify the premium pricing, making it Missoma's strongest single product.

Score Breakdown

Quality 35/40
Value 29/35
Style 22/25

What Customers Say

Based on 5,200 mentions across social media and review platforms

The Lucy Williams Chain is arguably Missoma's most famous product, born from the brand's collaboration with fashion influencer Lucy Williams. It's ubiquitous on Instagram and has been cited as the piece that put Missoma on the map in the US market. Reddit reviewers consider it the gold standard for chunky vermeil chains, praising its weight and longevity.

"This necklace is the reason I know Missoma exists. Saw it on Lucy Williams' Instagram, bought it, and it became my most-worn piece. The weight is incredible for vermeil."

Reddit r/jewelry

"I've had this chain for two years and it still looks brand new. The 18K vermeil is noticeably more durable than any other gold-toned chain I've owned. Worth every penny."

Google Reviews

"The chunky links are beautiful but the necklace is heavy — noticeably heavier than my other chains. Takes some getting used to if you normally wear delicate jewelry."

Reddit r/femalefashionadvice

"At $189, it's a real commitment for vermeil. But having owned it for a year, I understand why. The quality is on another level compared to anything else I own in this price range."

Trustpilot

"Layered this with a thin pendant chain and the combination is chef's kiss. The chunky-thin contrast is exactly the layered look I was going for."

Google Reviews

"Bought this instead of a solid gold chain at three times the price. Side by side the gold tone is almost identical. The value here is exceptional."

Reddit r/jewelry

Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • + Substantial weight and chunky links create an unmistakable luxury presence
  • + 18K gold vermeil at 5 microns provides one of the richest gold tones in demi-fine jewelry
  • + Collaboration design with fashion influencer Lucy Williams lends cultural credibility
  • + Exceptional layering anchor that creates visual contrast with thinner chains
  • + Two-year durability reports confirm the vermeil quality holds up to daily wear

Trade-offs

  • At $189, it represents a significant investment for non-fine jewelry
  • Noticeable weight may not suit those who prefer lightweight or delicate necklaces
  • Chunky chain trend may feel dated if fashion cycles shift toward delicate styles
  • Limited style range — the bold chain aesthetic doesn't work for all occasions or wardrobes

Specifications

Metal 18K gold vermeil over recycled sterling silver
Gold Layer 5 micron thickness
Chain Length 16 inches with 2-inch extender
Link Width 7mm curb chain
Weight Approximately 28 grams
Closure Toggle clasp

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Lucy Williams and why is this Missoma necklace named after her?
Lucy Williams is a British fashion influencer and stylist known for her signature gold jewelry layering style. She collaborated with Missoma to design a collection of chunky gold chain pieces, with this curb chain necklace becoming the breakout bestseller. The collaboration helped establish Missoma's presence in the US market and cemented the brand's association with influencer-led design.
Is the Missoma Lucy Williams Chain worth $189?
The value proposition depends on your comparison point. Against solid gold chains ($500-1,500+ for comparable weight), $189 for 18K gold vermeil is strong value. Against other vermeil chains ($60-120), it's premium. What you get for the premium is thicker gold (5 microns), heavier construction (28g), and 18K richness. Long-term owners consistently validate the price based on durability.
How heavy is the Missoma Lucy Williams Chain Necklace?
At approximately 28 grams, this is a substantial chain. For reference, most dainty necklaces weigh 3-5 grams, and standard-weight chains run 8-12 grams. The weight is intentional — it contributes to the luxurious feel and is a key part of the design. Those who prefer lightweight jewelry may find the heft uncomfortable for extended wear.
Can I shower with the Missoma Lucy Williams Chain?
Missoma advises removing all vermeil jewelry before showering. While occasional water exposure won't immediately damage the chain, repeated contact with water, soap, and shampoo will accelerate vermeil wear. Given the $189 investment, it's worth taking the 10 seconds to remove it before showering to maximize the chain's lifespan.

Full Review

The Lucy Williams Chain Necklace is, by many accounts, the piece that transformed Missoma from a UK demi-fine brand into a global jewelry phenomenon. Born from a collaboration with fashion influencer Lucy Williams, this chunky curb chain has become the template for what a modern vermeil chain necklace should be.

Design & Collaboration

The design is deceptively simple: a classic curb chain in chunky proportions with a toggle clasp. What makes it work is the scale. The 7mm links are bold enough to register as a statement piece but proportioned carefully enough to avoid looking like costume jewelry. The toggle clasp adds a vintage touch that complements the curb chain’s traditional roots.

Lucy Williams’ influence is evident in the chain’s versatility. As a layering expert, she designed a piece that works equally well solo — making a strong single-chain statement — and as an anchor in a multi-necklace stack. The 16-inch length sits just above the collarbone, leaving room for longer chains below.

Weight & Presence

At 28 grams, the Lucy Williams Chain makes itself known. This is not a necklace that disappears into your outfit — you feel it on your neck, and others notice it from across the room. The weight is integral to the design: lightweight chunky chains feel cheap, while substantial chains communicate quality even from a distance.

For wearers accustomed to delicate chains, the adjustment period is real. Several reviewers note that the first few days feel heavy, but most report acclimating quickly and eventually finding lighter chains underwhelming by comparison.

The Vermeil Benchmark

This chain represents the best of what 18K gold vermeil can deliver. The 5-micron gold layer over sterling silver produces a color that is, for all practical purposes, indistinguishable from solid 18K gold to the naked eye. Two-year ownership reports — a significant track record for vermeil — confirm that the finish holds up remarkably well to daily wear.

The toggle clasp is a notable design choice over the standard lobster claw. It’s easier to fasten one-handed, adds visual interest, and distributes wear differently than a small clasp mechanism. It also means no awkward search for the clasp at the back of your neck.

Who Should Buy This

The Lucy Williams Chain is for anyone who wants a single statement necklace that will anchor their jewelry for years. It’s a desert-island necklace — if you could only own one chain, this would be a strong candidate. The $189 price is significant for vermeil, but the weight, quality, and design longevity justify it.

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