Trend Alert: Beaded necklaces

By Sasha Wayman

Just when I thought beaded necklaces were condemned to the fashion of my early childhood, they came back with a vengeance in 2021. We all remember those days: stringing beaded necklaces at the school table with friends. Looking back, they were absolutely hideous: an obvious relic of a time when we had limited taste. But now, the haphazard nature of this loosely called jewelry item has become a critical statement piece in outfits across Instagram. This flamboyant, often childlike accessory is highly sought after, and I’m going to tell you where you can buy it. 

Ian charms

This LA based, female owned business is all the rage. Amassing a cult following on Instagram and adorning the necks of the likes of some of today’s top influencers, Ian Charms is a brand worth investing in. 

Buggy beads

Chloe and Zoee make their vibrant pieces with the mantra that life should not be taken so seriously. Their lack of conformity is represented in their vibrant jewelry, most of which is composed of locally sourced beads in South Orange County.
Lemon Drop

This Bay-Area based brand was created to “emulate nostalgia from childhood trinkets”, as is evident from the toy-like necklace above. 

Raddrip

This Toronto-based jewelry brand is what your childhood dreams are made of. The Etsy shop, owned by Paige, is dedicated to making jewelry just as they describe it: fun.
String ting

String Ting is not a brand dedicated to creating beaded necklaces, but rather are known for their phone wristlets. A fun way to go hands-free while carrying your phone, this brand’s sustainable jewelry can allow the beads on your neck to match those on your phone.

Beaded necklaces are back. Get them while you can!