You see it at every brunch, in half the graduation photos on your Instagram feed, and probably on the neck of that one coworker who always looks "put together." We’re talking about the Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace. It’s that tiny, oval-shaped stone on a dainty chain that has basically become the unofficial uniform for women across the country.
But honestly, it’s a bit of a weird phenomenon. Most jewelry trends have the shelf life of a ripe avocado. They're here for a season, then they end up in the bottom of a velvet-lined drawer. The Elisa has been a best-seller since 2014. That’s an eternity in fashion. The brand actually claims they sell one of these every single minute.
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So, what is it? Why do people who can afford designer diamonds still reach for a $50 to $70 gold-plated necklace? And more importantly, is it actually worth your money in 2026, or are you just paying for a yellow box and a logo?
The "Everywhere" Necklace: A Reality Check
The Elisa is the ultimate "starter" piece of jewelry. It’s the gateway drug to the Kendra Scott brand. The design is pretty simple: a small, horizontal station pendant (about 0.63" by 0.38") featuring the signature "hoofprint" filigree around the edge.
One reason it blew up is the sheer variety. You aren’t just buying a necklace; you’re picking a vibe. You’ve got the iridescent drusy for people who like a little sparkle, black opaque glass for the minimalists, and a dozen different birthstones. It’s customizable enough to feel personal but recognizable enough to be a status symbol.
But let’s get real for a second. It isn't fine jewelry. Unless you’re buying from her 14k gold line—which will set you back hundreds—most Elisa necklaces are 14k gold-plated brass or rhodium-plated brass.
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The Quality Debate: Does it Turn Your Neck Green?
If you scroll through reviews on Zappos or Walmart, you’ll see a massive divide. Half the people say it’s their favorite "wear-anywhere" accessory. The other half are posting photos of tarnished chains and complaining about "green neck."
Here is the deal: it’s plated. Plating is just a thin layer of gold or rhodium over a base metal (usually brass). When that layer wears down—due to sweat, perfume, or just the oils in your skin—the brass underneath reacts with your body chemistry.
Why some people’s necklaces last years while others die in a month:
- The Perfume Factor: If you spray your perfume directly onto your neck while wearing the Elisa, you’re basically fast-tracking the tarnishing process.
- The Shower Sin: You cannot shower in this. Period. If you treat it like real gold, it will treat you like trash.
- Body Chemistry: Some people just have more acidic skin. It’s a bummer, but it’s true. If you’re one of those people, plated jewelry will always have a shorter lifespan for you.
Spotting a Fake in a Sea of "Dupes"
Because the Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace is so popular, the market is absolutely flooded with fakes. I’m not talking about "inspired" designs from Amazon or Target (which are totally legal); I’m talking about counterfeit pieces claiming to be authentic Kendra Scott.
If you’re shopping on eBay or Poshmark, you have to be careful. Real Elisas have a specific "KS" logo on the lobster claw clasp and a small metal tag near the closure. The tag should have the brand name engraved.
A major red flag? If the seller has 500 "New Without Tags" necklaces in every color imaginable. Also, check the stone. Real Kendra Scott stones (even the glass ones) have a certain depth. If the "drusy" looks like someone glued some glitter onto plastic, it’s probably a fake.
From Sorority Rows to the Golden Globes
It’s easy to dismiss Kendra Scott as "sorority jewelry," but the brand has some serious teeth in the fashion world. Just look at the 2026 Golden Globes. Leighton Meester showed up in a Miu Miu gown paired with custom Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond pieces.
Now, obviously, Leighton wasn’t wearing the $65 plated Elisa. She was wearing the high-end version. But that’s the trick the brand pulled off—they made the $65 version feel like it belongs in the same family as the red-carpet diamonds. It’s "accessible luxury" in its purest form.
Styling the Elisa in 2026
In 2026, the "solo" necklace look is kinda taking a backseat to heavy layering. The Elisa is actually perfect for this because it’s so small.
If you want to keep it modern, don't just wear it alone over a crew-neck t-shirt. Try layering it with a chunky 16-inch paperclip chain or a longer 20-inch coin pendant. Most Elisas come with a 15-inch chain and a 2-inch extender, so you can adjust it to sit exactly where you need it between your collarbones.
Actionable Tips for Owners (and Future Buyers)
If you’re going to buy one, or if you already have one sitting on your dresser, here is how to actually make it last.
Store it right. Don't just leave it on the bathroom counter where the steam from your shower can get to it. Put it back in that little yellow pouch it came in. It keeps the air away from the metal, which slows down oxidation.
The "Last On, First Off" Rule. This is the golden rule for plated jewelry. It should be the very last thing you put on before you walk out the door (after your lotion and perfume have dried) and the first thing you take off when you get home.
Clean it gently. You don't need fancy jewelry cleaner. In fact, those can be too harsh for plating. Just wipe it down with a soft, dry microfiber cloth after you wear it to get the skin oils off.
If you love the look but hate the idea of plating wearing off, look into the "Fine Jewelry" or "Sterling Silver" versions of the Elisa. They cost more upfront, but you won't be replacing them in six months. Honestly, if you're going to wear it every single day, the upgrade to the permanent metal is usually the smarter move for your wallet in the long run.