Lace a lariat around my neck

To a cowboy, the word lariat means a long rope with a running noose at one end, used especially to round up livestock, also known as a lasso.

photo courtesy dkimages.com

When referring to jewelry however, the word lariat refers to a kind of necklace influenced by this roping technique.

A traditional lariat is a long, open-ended, single strand necklace that is typically worn looped in a knot or used with a slide so that the two ends dangle freely. The traditional lariat necklace is very versatile and can be worn in a number of ways however, there are many lariat-style, clasped necklaces available as well.

Despite my affinity for funky, bold jewelry, I prefer lariat necklaces with an unfussy yet eye catching design. The clean and minimalistic look allows them to be suitable for many outfits, casual, business or formal, and add to them a touch of sophisticated elegance.

Lariat necklaces are becoming increasingly popular and have even been spotted around the necks of a few Hollywood stars. Recent sightings include Paz Vega who pumped up the glamour with a silver and emerald lariat, Ashley Tisdale who kept it cool and casual in her beaded version and Anne Hathaway who looked lovely and chic in a striking diamond piece.

photos courtesy bastardly.com, celebrity-gossip.net and mimifroufrou.com

There are many beautiful and affordable lariat necklaces available, some of which I've listed below.

Women's Long Beaded Lariat Necklaces
Price: US$7.99
http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?cid=39422&pid=521832

Lariat Chain Necklace
Price: US$28.00
http://www.ardenb.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=139&subCategoryId=162&productId=12344

Tiffany Inspired Sterling Silver Open Star Lariat Necklace
Price: US$44.99
http://www.overstockjeweler.com/tiffany-inspired-sterling-silver-open-star-lariat-necklace-p-1954.html

Circle and Rain Lariat (Sterling Silver)
Price: US$31.50
http://www.ericaburnsdesigns.com/catalog.php?category=32

H81 Ballerina Shoes Necklace
Price: US$6.90
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fnecklace&product%5Fid=1050298271&Page=all&cookie%5Ftest=1

Simple Lolly Lariat (16" Sterling Silver)
Price: US$36.00
http://www.freshieandzero.com/simplelollylariat.htm

Sterling Silver Lariat with White and Black Pearls
Price: US$29.99
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-7574032-7213467?ASIN=B000FAPVB8&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000FAPVB8|Sterling_Silver_Lariat_Necklace_with_White_and_Black_Pearls&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000FAPVB8&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

Leaf Lariat Necklace
Price: UK £14.00 (US$27.56)
http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/lavenderroom/product/leaf_lariat_necklace

Samudra Raccolta: Treble Clef Lariat Necklace
Price: US$40.00
http://www.yesstyle.com/en/Product.aspx?pid=1011044786