XXL Medal Necklaces: The Statement Jewelry Making Waves

Bohemian icons or couture pieces, oversized medal necklaces are making a strong statement in 2025. Focus on the trend and star models, from Agatha to Sézane, here are this season's standout medal necklaces selected for you by Orzyla.

“More than an accessory, the medal necklace is a style manifesto, hovering between talisman and a declaration of audacity.”

The XXL Medal Necklace: Between Symbolism and Modernity

Long associated with the religious or esoteric world, the medal necklace has undergone a true metamorphosis within contemporary wardrobes. In 2025, it no longer settles for a discreet role: it asserts itself, layers, and scales up in size. Steeped in symbolism, it adorns the neck like light, stylized armor, evoking both the power of a talisman and the sensuality of fashion ornamentation.

The Best-Sellers Creating a Buzz

Currently, Sézane's medal necklace and the Agatha long necklace rank among the best-selling jewelry pieces from these two brands. They feature a thick, golden design composed of chunky links adorned with multiple engraved medals, or a charm medal that clients adopt just as much for its sunny appeal as for its "accessible couture" effect.

These highly sought-after jewels fit right into the statement jewelry trend, capable of transforming a simple white shirt or bohemian dress into an assertive look.

Our Selection:

SÉZANE medal necklace – Necklace made predominantly of recycled brass with fine gold plating. The charm can be removed to wear the chain on its own– View on the official website

Agatha Reimagines Medals in Parisian Jewelry Style

Another major brand driving this movement: Agatha Paris, which for several seasons has been offering vintage-look medal necklaces crafted in 750/1000 gold-plated pewter, designed specifically for layering.

Among current best-sellers:

• The "Medallions & Chains" necklace: an imposing piece with a retro design, blending wide chains and oval pendants.
• Short necklace in 750/1000 gold-plated brass, featuring a chain with a toggle clasp and a medal depicting keys in relief on one side and a lunar cycle on the other.

These pieces retail between 89 € and 220 €, captivating buyers with their ability to twist a classic look with a sunny and mystical touch.

Our Selection:

The magnificent long necklace by AGATHA – Crafted in 750/1000 gold-plated pewter, featuring medals with 2 crossed keys on one side and the lunar cycle on the other along a chain with a branded toggle clasp. View the selection online

Why Are These Necklaces So Popular?

Three major reasons explain the success of medal necklaces in 2025:

1. A narrative power: each medal tells a story – an engraved star, an initial, an astrological symbol. The jewelry thus becomes a deeply personal object.
2. A vintage aesthetic: inspired by antique medals and found objects, this trend aligns with the grand return of 70s style and heirloom jewelry.
3. An impactful format: in an XXL version, these necklaces stand out against minimalist outfits. Worn over a plain sweater or a fluid dress, they capture every gaze.

How to Wear Them?

The Editorial Team's Styling Advice

• Solo: with a crew neck or V-neck, the XXL medal necklace stands proudly on its own.
• Layered: layer several medal necklaces of varying lengths for a chic bohemian effect.
• With subtle earrings: to avoid overloading the face, opt for small studs or thin hoops.
• Evening edition: paired with a black blazer or a plunging dress, it becomes a definitive evening statement accessory.

Other Brands to Follow

• Satellite Paris: for necklaces adorned with enameled medals and ethnic inspirations.
• Gas Bijoux: sun-drenched pieces, frequently decorated with fine stones (turquoise, carnelian, etc.).
• Maison Irem or Bangle Up: for a more graphic and contemporary aesthetic.

The Heritage of the Medal-Jewel: A Story Coming Full Circle

Historically, medals worn as necklaces date back to antiquity. People carved pagan deities, secret messages, or protective symbols onto them. However, it was primarily starting from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance that the medal transformed into an object of faith: representations of saints, the Virgin Mary, or Christ were worn as religious talismans meant to protect, guide, or bless the wearer.

This spiritual connection persists today through christening medals or votive jewelry. Yet, the world of fine jewelry has embraced these symbols to turn them into objects of style. Houses like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Chaumet have reinterpreted the medal as a lucky-charm pendant, frequently devoid of religious connotation yet heavy with intention.

Today, the medal jewelry piece participates in this dual tradition, oscillating between intimate faith and personal aesthetics while transcending them: exaggerated volumes, modern engravings, bold stacking… It emerges as one of the most powerful symbols of an assertive style, bridging heritage and reinvention.

A Talisman Jewel Turned Fashion Icon

XXL medal necklaces are far more than a passing trend. They reflect a need for meaning, strength, and identity in contemporary fashion. From Sézane's accessible jewelry to Agatha's neo-bourgeois style, they offer everyone a canvas for expression and self-affirmation, balancing spirituality, nostalgia, and ultra-modernity.