Beaded Necklaces are Summer Style at its Best

And designers are going crazy creating uber-elevated versions!

BY JOHANNAH MASTERS for GEM + JEWEL

Aglagla Lungo Big Drop Necklace with Glass Beads, $368

Among this season’s jewelry essentials are (undoubtedly) beaded necklaces — a warm‑weather staple that’s been with many of us from childhood. We’d never want to mess with tradition. But now that you’re older, your options for beaded necklaces are broader and more refined. Particularly this year, which has seen designers of all stripes delving into beaded styles.

From semi‑precious and precious stones to vintage glass beads, coral, and even aluminum, your options are abundant. Classic full‑strand beaded necklaces (in every bead size imaginable) remain popular, but don’t overlook scattered or centered‑stone designs. They offer a refreshingly modern twist on the look, and make a striking statement when layered into a luxurious neck mess.

These pieces transition effortlessly from city to beach (or rural haven). They might just be the most versatile “travel” jewels you can pack.

Here are some of our favorite beaded necklaces of the season:

Hugo Spritz necklace in upcycled Hermès silk scarves with rock crystals, $850; Vintage Grace x Don’t Let Disco

Poolside necklace in brass and 18k gold plating with paracord, dalmatian, jade, tiger eye, rose quartz, goldstone, cat’s-eye and quartz, $108; Anni Lu

Anna Maccieri Rossi Beaded Maxi Night & Day necklace in 18k yellow gold with chrysoprase, peacock agate, and malachite, $3,300; Muse

Multi Bead necklace in 10k wire chain with Sonoran gold turquoise, spinel, pink opal, lapis lazuli, pink sapphire, malachite, Ethiopian opal, Kingman turquoise, green tourmaline, and orange tourmaline, $2,250; Claudia Mae

Sea of Malachite necklace in 9k gold with emerald and opal beads and hand carved malachite ball, $2,168; Milne Watson

Cabana necklace in 14k gold with peacock keshi pearl, Italian coral, green amethyst, and chrysoprase beads, $1,295; Lizzie Fortunato

Greenwich Village Downtown necklace in lurex thread, 18k gold tips with chalcedony, lapis lazuli, enamel, and Florentine finish 18k yellow gold spheres, $13,290; Carolina Bucci

Pebble necklace in aluminum and crystal, $423; Elena Votsi

Iaia Caravan Chota necklace in 18k yellow gold with silk cord and pink opal, $980; Muse

Black jade necklace with multi gems, $6,000; Marisa Klass

Ileana Makri beaded necklace in 9k and 18k yellow gold with Tibetan agate, grey diamonds, enamel and semi-precious stones, $2,780; Muse

Golden Hill Turquoise beaded necklace with 18k yellow gold Crownwork® barrel beads, $6,875; Ray Griffiths

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We love this! Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

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