This One Thing: Beaded Necklaces Are Back – Here Are 11 Styles To Shop

L-R Briwok, Ssense, Vermeer Studio, Reliquia, Lucy Folk, Vertigo, Cleopatra's Bling, Paloma Wool

L-R Briwok, Ssense, Vermeer Studio, Reliquia, Lucy Folk, Vertigo, Cleopatra's Bling, Paloma Wool ·Photo: Images supplied

The beaded necklace has grown up. No longer a relic of craft kits past, it’s now an elevated statement, sculpted from natural stones and finished with an artful eye.

Pared-back is hot right now. And we kind of have Gen-Z to thank for it (the pendulum-swing back from unrealistic ideals, that is).

Beauty trends have been turned on their head with the no-makeup makeup look and skinimalism movement, encouraging a more fresh-faced aesthetic. And the shift away from Instagram (towards TikTok) shows we’re done with overengineering perfection – instead, we’re craving unfiltered authenticity.

But in the jewellery space, minimalism looks a little different. It’s steeped with earthy instincts that honour the elegant simplicity of raw materials and origin – like natural gemstones.

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First, they dangled from black cord in a boho chic take on the ’90s trend revival. Now, they’re carved into glazed, orb-like beads and clustered together for ornamental appeal.

And so, it seems, beaded necklaces have come a long way from their kitschy, childish roots – threading colourful, mismatched shapes to a transparent string of plastic. Instead, it’s Mother Nature’s stones that take centrestage in bold and triumphant designs – and here are 11 of our favourite styles.

11 beaded necklaces we’re loving right now

Lucy Folk Pisces choker

$750 Lucy Folk Pisces choker Lucy Folk founded her eponymous label in 2007 – and has since bred a distinct identity for her nomadic, spirited and eclectic designs. Handcrafting wearable pieces of art, the Pisces choker lives up to the exceptional craftsmanship we’ve come to expect from Folk. Freshwater pearls are artfully strung from a gold-plated chain and accented with silk for an unconventional style that feels equally fresh and timeless.

Vertigo Yellow Tiger choker

$968 Vertigo Yellow Tiger choker Ornamental, bold and intentional are three words that describe Vertigo’s designs. The New York-based jeweller disregards notions of trends – instead crafting timeless designs that celebrate the lustrous materials of Mother Nature. Yellow tiger’s eye, jasper and amethyst – among others – are hand-carved into curled drops in Arizona (founder Taylor Sade’s hometown) and hand-strung together in New York (where she now resides). The result is a collection of heirloom-worthy amulets sure to outlive any fashion fads, while still feeling incredibly ahead of their time.

Vermeer Studio Phoenix necklace

$230 Vermeer Studio Phoenix necklace Stones sit at the heart of Vermeer Studio’s bountiful collection – with a medley of jade, lapis, freshwater pearl and tiger’s eye, among others. And while the threading of spheric silhouettes remains a consistent theme, the Queensland label’s designs are far from humdrum. The Phoenix style alternates jade and amethyst, celebrating ancient artistry in a fresh form.

Cushla Whiting ball chain necklace

$2000 Cushla Whiting ball chain necklace You only have to glance at Cushla Whiting’s exquisite designs to know that sleek lines and architectural flair run through the Melbourne label’s DNA. Whiting founded her eponymous label in 2014, alongside two siblings – the trio have a collective mastery of precious gemstones and a real artistic forte. Riffing on the classic beaded necklace, this elevated style spotlights a succession of miniature globes crafted in 18-carat gold – a fresh take on the natural material theme.

Realm beaded necklace

$250 Realm beaded necklace Realm’s lamp-worked beaded design is an everyday staple that delivers a sense of personality to your day-to-day wear. Recycled beer bottles are re-purposed into circular forms and the necklace is finished with a nine-carat gold detail for a result that spotlights natural textures. Each piece is delicately hand-crafted by designer Sally Carden at her studio in Tamarama, Sydney.

Paloma Wool Red Adrienne necklace

$250 Paloma Wool Red Adrienne necklace Spanish cool-girl label Paloma Wool is famed for its inventive silhouettes and trend-setting styles – and the same is true of the brand’s jewellery collection. Style the Adrienne necklace over a chunky knit for a textural moment or with an exposed neckline for a striking statement made for wine-bar-hopping on balmy summer nights.

Temple and Grace Baroque pearl necklace

$1356 Temple and Grace Baroque pearl necklace Temple and Grace is best known for its exquisite diamond-encrusted jewellery, but the Sydney label’s statement-wear holds just the same allure. Aiming to bring the word baroque back to its original meaning (from the Portuguese word barocco, meaning imperfect), the Baroque pearl necklace strings together an assortment of asymmetrically shaped pearls in an edgier take on the traditional spherical pearl we know and love.

Cleopatra’s Bling Ceto necklace

$179 Cleopatra’s Bling Ceto necklace In a fresh take on beaded necklaces made from nature’s elements, the Ceto style by Cleopatra’s Bling laces together white-speckled brown shells on an 18-carat gold plated chain. Like all of Olivia Cummings’s designs, the piece is inspired by Greek mythology and tells a story of such purpose. Style over a white long-sleeve top and loose-fit jeans for an elevated minimalist look.

Panconesi Vacanza stone necklace

$575 Panconesi Vacanza stone necklace If you’re looking to inject playful colour into your wardrobe – Panconesi is where it’s at. With a professional background bejewelled with stints at Fendi, Givenchy, Balenciaga and Swarovski, Mark Panconesi founded his eponymous label in 2018 as a personal project. Made with gate, fluorite, jade and carnelian stones, the Vacanza necklace threads its beads with black cord that can be adjusted to wear long or short for versatility.

Reliquia Tuscany necklace

$169 Reliquia Tuscany necklace Designed with the allure of Tuscany, the self-titled style by Australian jewellery label Reliquia is made for sun-drenched strolls through olive groves and salty sea swims in the Mediterranean. There are four elemental hues to choose from: forest, fire, ocean and turquoise – and beads are strung together for a bold, sculptural finish.

Briwok Emma Shell necklace

$220 Briwok Emma Shell necklace Bold is the word for the Emma Shell necklace by Briwok, a local jewellery studio crafting vibrant designs on North Stradbroke Island. Ceramic scarlet beads put a statement shell centrestage for a beachy take on the beaded necklace trend. Take styling cues from the label and liven up muted swimwear oceanside – or pair with a simple white t-shirt for everyday wear.

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