A chain is never just a chain in celebrity culture. It is a statement, a story, a flex, and sometimes a family heirloom all at once. The stars who wear jewelry best understand that what hangs around your neck says everything about who you are. Here is who said it loudest.
Celebrity chain culture has evolved dramatically in the last few years. It is no longer just about the size of the diamonds or the weight of the gold. The most memorable chains today carry meaning, personal history, and craftsmanship that turns a piece of jewelry into a cultural moment all by itself.
Hailey Bieber, the diamond B that broke the internet
Hailey Bieber debuted a diamond bubble letter B initial pendant designed by New York jeweler Alex Moss in August 2023. The oversized natural diamond piece references both her maiden name, Baldwin, and her married name, Bieber, and was valued by industry experts at approximately $50,000.
A meme went viral showing Bieber in a red Ermanno Scervino cocktail dress wearing the diamond B while Justin wore a grey hoodie, yellow Crocs, and a pink cap. The internet called it the perfect Instagram versus reality moment.
Bad Bunny, the crown chain worth over $8 million
Bad Bunny showcased Avi and Co.’s limited edition Crown Chain at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards. Designed by CEO Avi Hiaeve, the necklace features 257.61 carats of diamonds and is their first private label jewelry piece.
Bad Bunny showed up in a simple white tee and light-wash jeans, accentuating his jewelry. He won seven awards, including Artist of the Year, after fifteen nominations. His stylist noted the impressive look of diamonds against the plain tee.
A$AP Rocky, the baby Milo pendant that rewrote custom jewelry
A$AP Rocky commissioned jeweler Alex Moss in May 2024 to create a self-portrait pendant inspired by Bape’s Baby Milo. Made from 18-karat white gold, it showcases Rocky in his Rolling Loud Miami outfit, adorned with various diamonds and sapphires.
Rocky debuted a standout pendant in Miami with Rihanna for his Puma collaboration. In 2024, Complex magazine hailed it as one of the best rapper jewelry pieces. He founded PAVĒ NITEO in 2025 with renowned Venetian jeweler Codognato.
Rihanna, layering as a high art form
Rihanna has cultivated a unique style by blending ultra-luxury diamond pieces with street-style jewelry. Notable moments include her 2017 Fenty Beauty launch with Chopard and Anabela Chan jewelry, and the iconic 2018 Met Gala featuring vintage Cartier and Kentshire diamonds.
Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII halftime show attracted 121 million viewers, but a three-second makeup touch-up from her Fenty Beauty line generated $5 million in media value. She uniquely styles her jewelry, never limiting herself to one piece or following trends.
Zendaya, the diamond collar that defined a film
At the 2024 Met Gala, Zendaya dazzled in emerald and diamond Bulgari jewelry, paired with a custom Maison Margiela gown by John Galliano. As a Bulgari ambassador since 2020, she expertly showcases jewelry as a storytelling element in her red carpet looks.
At the Challengers press tour in April 2024, stylist Law Roach showcased gold tennis-themed chain necklaces, enhancing the film’s visual language. Zendaya’s chain choices sparked immediate conversation, with each piece quickly selling out after her appearances.
Sabrina Carpenter, delicate chains with maximum impact
Sabrina Carpenter has created a signature look with delicate gold chains layered over simple outfits, allowing the jewelry to shine. Her preference for fine jewelry has made her a notable figure in red carpet discussions and a style influence in the decade.
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, she sported a custom JW Anderson gown, winning Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album. Her fine jewelry selections drew significant attention, demonstrating that subtle chain styles can rival extravagant designs in generating buzz.
Cardi B, the chain that announced a return
Cardi B is celebrated for her large diamond chains symbolizing her Bronx roots. In March 2024, she released “Like What (Freestyle),” her first solo song since 2021, followed by “Enough (Miami),” which debuted at number nine on the Hot 100.
She wore a custom chain to the 2024 BET Awards that became one of the most photographed jewelry moments of the entire ceremony. Cardi B has always understood that her chains are not accessories but announcements. Every time she puts on a new piece of custom jewelry, the industry takes note that something is coming.
Kendrick Lamar, the grill that made history
Kendrick Lamar, not typically known for elaborate chains, made headlines in 2024 with a custom grill by jeweler Gabby Elan for his birthday. It featured a portrait of Dick Gregory and a mosaic of emerald, diamonds, and sapphires.
Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans attracted 133.5 million viewers, the highest ever. His choice of minimal jewelry shifted focus to the show, showcasing that sometimes, less truly is more.
Harry Styles, pearls that changed menswear forever
Harry Styles popularized pearl necklaces and chains for men around 2019, blending them with tailored blazers and floral suits. This shifted perceptions, turning pearls into a modern symbol of masculine confidence, leading to increased interest in men’s pearl jewelry.
Harry Styles’ December 2020 Vogue cover in a blue Gucci dress and layered chains became iconic. Scholars noted his influence on menswear, particularly through his choice of jewelry, transforming pearls into a politically significant accessory for men in the 2020s.
Doechii, the Grammys chain heard round the world
Doechii dazzled at the 67th Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, with a stunning look featuring layered chains. She won Best Rap Album for “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” becoming the third woman ever to achieve this honor. Billboard named her Woman of the Year.
Her chain and jewelry styling throughout 2024 and 2025 referenced the maximalism of drag culture and nightclub iconography she has cited as direct inspirations for her visual identity. Every accessory she wears is treated as part of a complete costume rather than a simple addition to an outfit.
Featured Image: By Thesavagenorwegian – Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=167435383
