Nostalgic trends from the 90s have already infiltrated your wardrobe — from sexy slip dresses, slouchy cardigans to chunky footwear. So, it was only a matter of time accessories from that era took centerstage. Case in point: Beaded necklaces, a childhood jewellery trend that just spells sunshine. Whether it’s a single delicate strand or a layered one, whatever your preference, there are perfect combinations for everyone.
Rainbow-coloured and floral beaded necklaces are hugely popular, but so are mixed bead and pearl necklaces. There are also versions where you can string together alphabet-embossed beads to spell names, or any words that are meaningful to you.
Here’s an inspiration board of our favourite style influencers and celebrities who have aced the art of layering beaded necklaces, as well as indie brands you can look out for if you’d like to purchase a pretty piece (or two) for yourself.
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It-girl-approved looks
This handmade accessory brand in Singapore champions stay-at-home mothers in Indonesia to be financially independent by doing craft work. All their jewellery are handcrafted in Yogyakarta and you can choose from a variety of necklace designs made from freshwater pearls, beads and coloured stones (which is their latest drop).
Brinker and Eliza Higgins, the mother-and-daughter duo from Connecticut, USA, launched their jewellery brand in 2017. As they live in a small beach town, most of their jewellery carry elements that are inspired by the sea, sand and summer – which explains why the brand is also best known for their shell charms accessories. If you subscribe to a more is more attitude, then this brand will definitely speak to you.
Abigayil Swann launched Margaux Studios at the height of the pandemic in 2020 after she was burnt out from working in the fast fashion industry for a decade. Her mission was to build a sustainable jewellery brand that offered only made-to-order services. Based in North London, Margaux Studios drew popularity from its whimsical pearl necklaces and earrings laced with a vintage appeal.
If you’re looking for a bit of fun, you’ll love the selection created for you by Dutch accessories brand Funky and Fancy. The handmade necklaces are made from freshwater pearls and stainless steel, but it’s far from plain and boring. Every piece is decorated with a little quirk – whether it’s a smiley pendant or a colourful heart charm. As they strive to be a sustainable brand, most of their items are available on a made-to-order basis.
Get more bang for your buck and buy yourself a multi-way chain from Singaporean-based brand Luulaa. This modern eclectic lifestyle label prides itself in creating pieces that are functional. All their chains are handmade and designed in Singapore, and can be used in multiple ways — as a choker, regular-length necklace, sunglasses chain as well as mask chain.
Harry Styles is a fan. So is Gigi Hadid. What started out as a hobby between two best friends blossomed into an Insta-famous brand loved by celebrities and fashion influencers. We love all their freshwater pearl and beaded necklaces that come with lightweight magnetic fasteners, as well as their pretty phone leashes.
Pretty feminine and delicate necklaces are what this locally based accessory brand is known for. Since 2014, founder and designer Tammy Ye has been handcrafting accessories from precious stones and gems that are collected from all over the world – each with a story to tell.