Vivienne Westwood
Mini Bas Relief Necklace
The Mini Bas Relief Necklace by Vivienne Westwood is a fashion necklace made of synthetic pearls, brass, and Swarovski crystals, featuring a crystal-encrusted orb pendant. It fastens with a lobster clasp and measures 19.75 inches (50 cm) in length. As costume jewelry, it is intended for accessory wear; the brass base and plating may wear over time with regular use.
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Jewelry > Necklaces
Specifications
- Material
- Swarovski crystal, fake pearls, brass
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Jewelry > Necklaces
Product Insights
The Mini Bas Relief Necklace by Vivienne Westwood is a direct descendant of her iconic 1987 punk rebellion piece, featuring an Orb pendant that subverts the Sovereign's Orb with Saturn's rings. Its bas-relief sculpting echoes 18th-century French decorative arts, and the warm ivory Swarovski glass pearls offer a vegan-friendly alternative. At 315 CAD, it is the brand's most affordable full-pearl orb necklace, yet buyers report that the silver plating gradually wears to reveal a brass patina—a tradeoff for its authentic punk legacy. The fixed 50 cm length limits adjustability, and counterfeits are common, reducing exclusivity. To preserve the finish, avoid water, sweat, and perfume; gentle cleaning with mild soap is recommended. The necklace's core promise is embodied punk heritage at an accessible price, but care and authenticity vigilance are required.
Verified claims
- Orb heritage
- The Orb fuses the Sovereign's Orb with Saturn's rings, first appeared in jewelry on the 1987 Three Row Pearl Bas Relief Choker, and is read as an anti-establishment punk symbol.
- Bas relief
- Bas-relief sculpting inspired by 18th-century French decorative arts.
- Lineage
- This necklace is a direct descendant of the 1987 Three Row Pearl Bas Relief Choker.
- Plating wear
- The silver-toned plating can wear over time and reveal the brass base, especially with exposure to water, sweat, or perfume.
- Tarnishing prevention
- Avoid water, sweat, and perfume to slow tarnishing and preserve the finish.
- Cleaning
- Use mild dish soap and water on a cotton swab; avoid harsh cleaners that can etch crystals.
- Authentication
- To avoid counterfeits, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, ask for a receipt, and buy from official retailers or trusted resale platforms.
- Brand legacy
- Owners describe the necklace as a favorite, and one owner calls it their most-worn Westwood piece; the orb motif carries an anti-establishment punk legacy.
- Pearl color
- The synthetic pearls have a warm vintage ivory tone, not stark white, and match the official website photos.
- Fit
- Fixed 50 cm length with no extension chain limits adjustability.
- Care
- Plated brass can develop a patina or leave green marks as the finish wears; gentle cleaning with mild soap is recommended.
- Price positioning
- At 315 CAD (218 USD), it is Westwood's lowest-priced full-pearl orb necklace.
- Pearl composition
- The pearls are Swarovski glass, offering a warm ivory tone and vegan-friendly composition.
- Symbolism
- The Orb pendant subverts the Sovereign's Orb to signal anti-establishment rebellion.
- Value perception
- Buyer opinion on value is divided: some say it is overpriced for costume jewelry, while fans of the brand find value in the iconic design.
- Green mark prevention
- A thin, even layer of clear nail polish on the chain's backside or pendant contact points can create a temporary barrier that delays brass oxidation and green marks, though it requires reapplication every few wears.
- Skin safety
- If the plating wears and brass contacts skin, the greenish mark is a water-soluble copper carbonate or copper chloride deposit that washes off easily with soap and water and is not a permanent stain or health concern.
- Aesthetic
- Owners describe the necklace as simple, refined, and fashionable without being too flashy.
Product record
- Title
- Mini Bas Relief Necklace
- Brand
- Vivienne Westwood
- Price
- 315 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 10 sourcesUses
Everyday necklace that works from casual outfits to the job
Shoppers describe this as a daily-wear staple: subtle enough not to overpower casual outfits, yet distinctive enough to draw compliments, and refined enough to carry into dressier occasions. One commenter reports wearing theirs frequently to restaurant work for about two years, saying it has held up and kept all its rhinestones, though the silver plating over the brass has worn away enough to develop a patina they've come to like.[1,3]
An understated finishing touch for evenings out
For formal events and social evenings, this necklace's classic, refined look adds polish to dressy attire without feeling ostentatious. According to a review analysis, it fits seamlessly into high-end settings and transitions from everyday wear to more formal occasions.[3]
A comfortable necklace length for plus-size wearers
For plus-size wearers or anyone frustrated by tight necklaces, this necklace's generous length sits comfortably without constricting. Reviews analysis describes it as solving the tightness common with standard pearl strands, sitting perfectly rather than feeling snug.[3]
A designer gift for a fashion-conscious partner
This Vivienne Westwood necklace has been highlighted as a gift for a fashion-conscious partner — a piece that feels unique while staying classic. Based on an analysis of customer reviews, it appeals as a thoughtful, versatile present for special occasions.[3]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Mini Bas Relief Necklace: Choose this if you want a versatile single-strand faux-pearl necklace built around the brand's Swarovski-crystal-encrusted orb pendant — it works as a subtle daily piece or for dressier occasions, and its generous length suits plus-size wearers or anyone who finds standard pearl necklaces too tight. Expect brass with a silver-tone finish, synthetic pearls, a lobster clasp, and a total length of about 19.75 inches (50 cm) with a small pendant around 1.7 cm tall and 2.7 cm wide. One long-term wearer reported the necklace held up over roughly two years of frequent wear with all rhinestones intact, but the silver plating over brass wore away to a patina over time — something they personally liked, though it may matter to you.[1,2,3] | Thames Orb Necklace: Choose this if you want a statement silver-tone necklace in the brand's signature style: a chain of oversized reflective spheres with a crystal-set orb pendant, finished in silver-plated brass with an engraved clasp and a 20.5 inch (52 cm) one-size length. The retailer describes it as embodying eccentric, baroque charm, and it comes with a signature storage box. Note that it is costume jewelry made of plated brass, so commenters report the plating can wear off with skin contact over time and recommend reserving it for occasional wear and careful handling.[4,5,6] | Mayfair Large Orb Necklace: Choose this if you want a silvery, brass-based statement piece showcasing Vivienne Westwood's iconic three-dimensional orb, encrusted with Preciosa crystals and zirconia and topped with the house's signature cross detail. The 80cm cable chain has an adjustable extender with a lobster clasp, comes in one size, and arrives in a small signature box. Note that one wearer describes it as costume jewelry that calls for careful wear on special occasions rather than everyday use.[5,7,8,9,10] |
Image Analysis
2 images- 01
Product
A single-strand beaded necklace composed of uniform round faux-pearl beads with a silver-tone metal clasp at the top and a small silver-tone ornamental pendant centered at the bottom.
- Beaded strand leftRow of uniform round cream-colored pearl beads forming the left half of the necklace; beads are glossy with small bright highlights and consistent spacing.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.12 · w 0.35 · h 0.70 (high) - Beaded strand rightRow of uniform round cream-colored pearl beads forming the right half of the necklace; beads mirror the left side and continue toward the pendant.
1 region
x 0.57 · y 0.12 · w 0.35 · h 0.70 (high) - Clasp assemblySilver-tone metal clasp and short connector chain located at the top center, with a flattened oval connector plate and small jump rings.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.02 · w 0.16 · h 0.06 (high) - Pendant ornamentSmall silver-tone decorative pendant suspended at the center bottom; ornament has an orb or ring motif with a crown-like element and multiple small clear stones or textured dots on its surface.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.76 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Bead-to-pendant connectorsTwo small metal bead caps or links attach the final pearls to the pendant on each side; visible as tiny silver connectors directly above the pendant.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.73 · w 0.06 · h 0.06 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a plain light background with soft shadowing, centered composition showing full necklace loop; even diffuse lighting produces soft highlights on beads and subtle shadows to the right of the necklace.
- Background and stagingNeutral light off-white background with no props; necklace laid flat so chain forms an even teardrop shape.
- Lighting and shadowsDiffuse overhead lighting creates small bright highlights on the upper-left of each bead and faint drop shadows primarily to the lower-right of the necklace chain and pendant.
- Image crop and compositionEntire necklace is visible within the frame except minimal space above the clasp; pendant is centered near the lower third of the image.
Colors
cream pearl· pearls#F3F2EDpolished silver· metal components- Beaded strand leftRow of uniform round cream-colored pearl beads forming the left half of the necklace; beads are glossy with small bright highlights and consistent spacing.
- 02
Product
Close-up view of a beaded necklace showing a string of round pearlescent beads connected to a silver-tone ornamental orb pendant encrusted with clear stones.
- Bead strandString of round, uniformly sized pearlescent beads connected by small metal spacer beads; beads run diagonally from the top center toward the lower left and attach to the pendant via a small loop.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.03 · w 0.40 · h 0.52 (high) - Bead surfaceBeads have a smooth, glossy, reflective pearlescent finish with visible highlights and soft circular reflections.
2 regions
x 0.32 · y 0.05 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.36 · y 0.20 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high) - Spacer beads and jump ringsSmall polished spherical spacer beads and circular metal jump rings connect the pearlescent beads to the pendant; these metal connectors are smooth and reflective.
2 regions
x 0.59 · y 0.47 · w 0.10 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.15 · y 0.64 · w 0.10 · h 0.10 (high) - Orb pendant overall shapeSilver-tone ornamental pendant shaped like a stylized planet with an encircling ring and a crown-like element on top; pendant is horizontally oriented and positioned in the lower right quadrant.
1 region
x 0.37 · y 0.58 · w 0.55 · h 0.36 (high) - Pendant metal finishHighly polished silver-tone metal with reflective mirrored surfaces and smooth rounded edges on the ring and main body.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.68 · w 0.35 · h 0.22 (high) - Pavé stonesNumerous small clear faceted stones set densely across the orbital ring and central globe area creating a pavé effect; stones produce bright specular highlights.
1 region
x 0.50 · y 0.70 · w 0.40 · h 0.20 (high) - Crown detailSmall crown-like decorative element mounted at the top of the orb with a central raised motif and additional tiny stone set in its center.
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.58 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio-style product photograph on a plain white background with soft shadows and even lighting; image is tightly cropped around the necklace detail.
- Background and lightingNeutral white background with soft diffuse lighting producing faint soft-edged shadows beneath beads and pendant.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Shot compositionClose-up angled detail shot focusing on the junction between the bead strand and the pendant; top of the strand extends out of frame.
- Shadows and reflectionsSoft drop shadows visible beneath beads and pendant and small specular reflections on the metal surfaces indicating directional light.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.60 · w 0.50 · h 0.35 (medium)
Colors
pearlescent ivory· pearlescent beadspolished silver· pendant metal#BFC0B9clear crystal· pavé stones#CBCCC3- Bead strandString of round, uniformly sized pearlescent beads connected by small metal spacer beads; beads run diagonally from the top center toward the lower left and attach to the pendant via a small loop.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- Vivienne Westwood
Mini Bas Relief Pendant Necklace
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
5 total5 reviews · out of 5
favourite westwood necklace
it’s fashionable but also not too flashy, definitely my most worn out of other westwood products
Juste wow
J'ai été agréablement surprise par la longueur de ce collier. Taille plus, j'ai parfois de la difficulté avec la taille des colliers de perles souvent trop serré au niveau du cou. Celui la est parfait et en plus un Vivian Westwood, je suis plus que satisfaite de mon achat!
Mon coup de coeur, différent
Mon coup de coeur, différent et original, j'aime beaucoup
Mon épouse l'adore, simple et
Mon épouse l'adore, simple et raffiné à la fois, un classique pour les soirées mondaines. . .
Beautiful piece, exactly what i was looking for!
A nice classic design that makes a beautiful addition to any wardrobe. Very happy with my purchase, highly recommend. Very fast shipping as well.
Reddit Insights
4 threads · r/vinted, r/jewelry, r/viviennewestwoodReddit users are split: many criticize the Vivienne Westwood Mini Bas Relief Necklace as overpriced costume jewelry with cheap materials, while loyalists defend its iconic design and wearability with proper care.
The majority of comments highlight the necklace's low-quality materials (brass, glass pearls) and tendency to tarnish, considering it not worth the price; however, a significant minority appreciate the brand heritage and aesthetic, reporting satisfaction when handled carefully.
Themes
Use Cases
- Daily wear with mindful maintenance (including in physically demanding jobs)
- Gift for partners or brand enthusiasts
- Fashion statement to express brand loyalty
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Tiffany & Co. silver necklace
Similar to buying Tiffany, you pay for the brand rather than material value; both are primarily costume jewelry.
vs Real pearl chokers
Authentic pearl chokers from reputable jewelers cost significantly more ($600–1000) but use genuine pearls; VW uses glass imitations.
vs Counterfeit VW necklaces
Fakes are often indistinguishable in appearance and may offer comparable or better materials for a fraction of the price.
Source Threads
Real VW necklaces use cheap materials; fakes are often indistinguishable
Just buy the fake. The real ones aren’t precious materials and the fake ones are surprisingly close Source: I own both
u/InSilenceLikeLasagnar/vintedView thread →
The mini bas relief choker is brand-driven; quality compared to Tiffany and real pearls
I own two Vivianne Westwood necklaces. One is the mini bas relief choker (in gold) and the other is a version of the orb pendant that they don't make anymore. I bought one, the other was a gift. Couple things about Westwood. It's famously a more vegan brand. None of her bags are leather. None of the jewelry is animal based. That means all the pearls are Swaroski so they're glass. If you're okay with that and you still want the piece then it's grand. But you are paying for the brand. Westwood was a legend, especially in the punk scene, so it's up to you if paying for the branding is worth it or not, but essentially buying her piece is like buying a silver necklace from Tiffany. Could you buy the same materials for a fraction of the cost? Yes. Yes you can. You're paying for the brand. The metals are entirely brass and only plated. So the platinum version of the choker is brass plated with platinum to make it appear silver. Again, that's fine, but know you're paying for the brand. So the question to ask yourself is what you want. If you want a pearl choker you're likely going to be paying more than the Westwood version for real pearls. A good pearl choker from a very reputable company is going to be closer to $600-1000 for a new one.
u/jaderustr/jewelryView thread →
Daily wear at a restaurant job—durability and patina after two years
I have this necklace and I think it’s worth it. I’ve had it for roughly 2 years and I wear it to work pretty frequently (restaurant work) and it’s held up. Still has all the rhinestones, over time it has developed a patina because of the silver plating over the brass wearing away, but imo it adds to my love for it, nothing wrong with a well loved piece of jewelry.
u/h8urlifeogr/viviennewestwoodView thread →
Pearl color matches expectations; first-time buyer reassurance
Thank you so much for your help! I was abit worried because it looked yellower than I expected! This is my first time buying Jewelry for my girlfriend so I was abit nervous haha
u/TwSana291r/jewelryView thread →