The Carrie Name Necklace — The Story Behind the Icon

Few pieces of jewellery are as instantly recognisable as the Carrie necklace — a single name in flowing gold script, worn close at the collarbone. Here’s the story behind it, where the nameplate style really began, and how to wear one with your own name today.

What is a Carrie necklace?

A Carrie necklace is a nameplate necklace: a name cut in one piece, in a flowing script, and set straight into the chain. It takes its name from the one Carrie Bradshaw wore in Sex and the City, and “Carrie necklace” is now the everyday name for the style — whatever name it spells.

The Carrie necklace in Sex and the City

In the 1998 series, Carrie Bradshaw wears a gold nameplate reading “Carrie”. Costume designer Patricia Field is widely credited with bringing it to the show, after seeing nameplates worn by young people around New York.

It quickly became part of the character. In the final season, Carrie believes she has lost her necklace in Paris — then finds it caught in the lining of her bag. When the revival, And Just Like That…, arrived in 2021, the style was back in the spotlight all over again.

Where the nameplate began

Nameplate necklaces were around long before the show. They began in African-American and Latino communities in the 1980s and 1990s and became a staple of hip-hop style — wearing your name was a statement of who you are. That is still the heart of the piece today.

Our Carrie Name Necklace

Our Carrie Name Necklace is cut with the name of your choice in a classic flowing script, in 18K gold plated or silver 316L stainless steel, so it is water and tarnish resistant for everyday wear. Choose a cable, box, paperclip or satellite bead chain and the length that sits right.

Choosing your name and chain

• Keep it short and sweet — names of four to eight letters sit most like the original.
• Check your spelling — the name is cut exactly as you type it, capital letters included.
• Pick the chain for the look — a fine cable chain gives the classic Carrie look; paperclip or satellite bead feels more modern.
• Get the length right — see our necklace length guide to find where it will sit.

A gift with personality

The Carrie necklace has always been a best-friend favourite — for birthdays, bridesmaids, a milestone or simply a treat for yourself. It is also a lovely way to wear the name of a child or a partner close to you.

More name necklace styles

• Two Name Necklace with Heart — two names in script, joined by a heart
• Personalised Name Necklace — your name in a signature-style script
• Dainty Name Necklace — a smaller, finer name for layering
• Name Jewellery — every name necklace and bracelet in one place

Frequently asked questions

What font is the Carrie necklace?

The font of the original has never been officially named. It is a flowing cursive script, and our Carrie necklace is cut in a classic script in the same spirit.

Is the Carrie necklace real gold?

Ours is 18K gold plated over 316L stainless steel, which makes it water and tarnish resistant for everyday wear. It also comes in silver.

Who gave Carrie her necklace?

Costume designer Patricia Field is widely credited with bringing the nameplate to the show, after seeing the style worn on the streets of New York.

Can I put any name on a Carrie necklace?

Yes — any name or word, cut exactly as you type it.