Make a Strand Entrance: Blingy Chokers & Chains

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IN SHOWTIME'S "The Tudors," everyone from Henry VIII to his doomed gal Anne Boleyn swans around in king-sized necklaces encrusted with gems. Modern jewelry designers are again thinking big and blingy when it comes to chokers and chains.

The return of the statement necklace means styles from Chanel-esque links that swing low to the recycled couture of Brooklyn's Thea Grant, who marries found objects (door knockers, keys) with vintage chains and shoe buckles.

"Wearing these things takes confidence and creativity," says D.C.-based Julie Wolfe, whose romantic, one-of-a-kind necklaces combining antique ribbons and bits of old costume jewelry are sold at Barneys Co-Op.

"How you use a dramatic necklace depends on you," says L.A. designer Candace Ang. "They're a wardrobe staple, like a T-shirt or dress. The more of them you put on, the better you look."

» 1) Like something Madonna wore in her "Like a Virgin" days, Candace Ang's ribbon, chain and Lucite charm baby rocks out with jeans or a black dress. ($256, Candaceang.etsy.com)

» 2) A safari-style jacket goes city-pretty with Wendy Mink's bead-and-chain necklace, which includes some rounds wrapped in basket fiber. ($178, Ginger, 7114 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda; 301-664-9242)

» 3) A vintage shoe buckle meets goldstone chains on Thea Grant's punky-yet-elegant combo, which hangs in long cascades across a blouse or dress. ($285, Theagrant.com)

» 4) Joey Ramone punker meets Adam Ant New Romantic on Candace Ang's creation of ribbons on an oxidized chain. ($185, Ravinstyle.com)

» 5) Nautical yet edgy, Marc Jacobs' Lucite gems go with everything from an office-ready blazer to a summery white sundress. ($158, Nordstrom, Tysons Corner Center; 703-761-1121)

» 6) A weathered door knocker creates drama on Thea Grant's lengthy tangle of goldtone chains. ($345, Theagrant.com)

» 7) A pop gun lends Thea Grant's necklace a Wild West edge. Don it with a slinky silk dress for contrast. ($255, Theagrant.com)

» 8) What to wear to that summer wedding, whether you're the bride or the champagne-swilling guest? Subversive for Target's pearl-and-rhinestone beauty. ($60, Target.com)

» 9) Like Coco Chanel on acid, this beaded, super-long chain adds Parisian punch -- and fierce fashion sense -- to flowy tunics or slim pants. ($145, Terra, 1706 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-232-8581)

» 10) Cameos can be fussy, unless they're the wild Lucite sort on Candace Ang's Goth-glam necklace. ($198, Candaceang.etsy.com)

» 11) An Art Deco color combo (peach, white, silver) and a funky length of pleated ribbon add flapper style to Subversize for Target's plastic swinger. ($20, Target.com)