What is a Sautoir? The Elegant, Tasseled Necklace Making a Major Comeback (And How to Wear It Without Looking Like a Victorian Ghost)
Picture this: you’re at a party, and you see someone wearing the most incredible, long, drapey necklace that ends in a fabulous, swinging tassel. It’s elegant, it’s dramatic, and it makes their entire outfit look like a million bucks. You lean over to your friend and whisper, “What is that amazing necklace?” Congratulations, you’ve just had your first sautoir sighting. This isn’t your grandma’s jewelry (unless your grandma was a seriously chic flapper, in which case, lucky you). The sautoir is the statement piece that’s been hiding in plain sight for decades, and it’s high time we brought it out of the history books and into your jewelry box. It’s the necklace that says you know your stuff, all while being utterly, effortlessly cool.
So, let’s get the pronunciation out of the way first because nothing kills a vibe faster than mispronouncing your own glamorous accessory. It’s so-TWAHR. Say it with me. So-twahhr. Feel fancier? You should. This French word literally means “to leap” or “jump,” which is exactly what your style will do when you add one of these beauties. Essentially, a sautoir is a long necklace, often featuring a strand of pearls or a delicate chain, that culminates in a decorative tassel or pendant. It’s the love child of a lariat necklace and a piece of art, designed to drape, loop, and make a statement.
A Blast from the Glamorous Past: The Sautoir’s Heyday
To understand the sautoir, we have to take a quick trip in our style time machine. Buckle up. We’re heading to the 1920s, the era of flappers, jazz, and Art Deco everything. This was the sautoir’s first major moment in the spotlight. Iconic figures like Coco Chanel didn’t just wear them; they lived in them. The sautoir was the perfect accessory for the newfound freedom of the era—it swung with every dance move on the Charleston floor and added a touch of luxe to the dropped-waist dresses that were all the rage. It was bold, it was modern, and it was anything but quiet.
The sautoir made another elegant comeback in the 1970s, pairing perfectly with the era’s flowing maxi dresses and bohemian sensibility. It’s a piece that refuses to stay forgotten, popping up every few decades to remind us that true style is timeless. And guess what? It’s back again, and we are here for it.
How to Wear a Sautoir Without a Time Machine
The best part about the modern sautoir is its incredible versatility. This isn’t a one-trick pony. It’s a whole circus of style possibilities. Here’s how to rock one without looking like you’re in a period drama (unless that’s your goal, then you do you).
The Classic Drape: The simplest way? Just let it hang. Drape a long sautoir over a simple little black dress or a crisp white button-down. The length creates a beautiful vertical line that is incredibly flattering, and the tassel adds a point of interest right where you want it.
The Single Loop: Double it up! Create one loop around your neck and let the tassel end hang down the front. This gives you a beautiful layered look without actually having to untangle multiple necklaces later. It’s a cheat code for looking put-together.
The Dramatic Wrap: Feel like making a statement? Wrap it around your neck twice for a chic, choker-like effect with the tassel dangling off to the side. It’s unexpected, it’s edgy, and it tells the world you’re not afraid to play with your accessories.
The Belted Beauty: This is our favorite advanced move. Thread the sautoir through the loops of your jeans or over a dress and use the tassel as a unique, glittering belt accent. Yes, really. It’s a trick that will have everyone asking, “Where did you get that?”
Finding Your Perfect Sautoir at Robinson’s
Now that you’re officially obsessed, you’re probably wondering where to find one of these magical necklaces. Fear not, we’ve got you covered. At Robinson’s Jewelers, we have an incredible array of pieces that capture the spirit of the sautoir, from vintage-inspired designs to modern interpretations.
For a true nod to the Roaring Twenties, look for designs featuring lustrous pearls or intricate beadwork. Brands like Roberto Coin are masters at creating pieces that feel both classic and contemporary. If you’re more of a glamazon, seek out sautoirs dripping with diamonds or vibrant sapphires from our collections by designers like Gumuchian or Oscar Heyman.
And for the modern minimalist, a simple gold chain with a delicate, understated tassel can be the perfect everyday signature piece. Explore our curated necklaces collection to discover a world of possibilities. The key is to find a sautoir that speaks to your personal style—whether it whispers or shouts.
More Than Just a Necklace: The Sautoir’s Secret Power
Beyond being stunningly beautiful, the sautoir has a secret power: it forces you to interact with your jewelry. There’s something inherently playful about a tassel. You can fidget with it, swing it absentmindedly, or use it as a conversation starter. It adds movement and life to an outfit in a way that a static station necklace simply can’t. It’s jewelry with personality.
So, the next time you’re looking for that one piece to elevate your outfit from “nice” to “who is she?!”, consider the sautoir. It’s a nod to a glamorous past and a perfect accessory for the confident, stylish woman of today. It’s history you can wear, and frankly, it’s a lot more fun than a textbook.
Ready to find your perfect statement piece? Dive into our exquisite collection of tassel necklaces and lariats and discover how a single piece of jewelry can transform your entire look. Your inner flapper is waiting.