The beads knees….

Beaded necklaces are a big thing. Its everyday jewellery that you can wear all Spring/Summer long.

Its about being stated by being understated. Its about wearing sapphires and pearls in a new low key way that totally fits into your busy lifestyles. You never have to take them off. Choose a slogan that suits you and wear it around your neck for the world to see. Theres nothing hippie about these beads there bright, beautiful and kind of pricey.

The Bead fact…

Where did you first spot this trend?

I started to spot them all over social media at the beginning of lockdown last year. Every influencer worth their Insta crown was wearing a beaded necklace on their reels. Fearne Cotton, Willow Crossley and Louise Redknapp all donning their Roxanne First mother of pearl slogans.

Isn’t wearing beads a bit babyish?

Totally depends how and when you wear them. I don’t think brightly coloured beads are necessarily childish and for the price point of some of the necklaces below, they certainly shouldn’t be! You have to think of it like being stated by being understated. Its like you’ve borrowed your children’s beads but actually their made out of sapphires! The look is cheap but the beads are not!

What’s the best to wear them?

They look great worn in Spring/Summer with a t shirt and jeans or a pretty dress. I love layering different designs over one another. If your going for a slogan piece, go for something that fitting to you. No point if your a stress head wearing Peace around your neck if thats just not how you roll! Think of it like this. Its like you put them on at the beginning of the Summer and forgot to take your jewellery off and suddenly its September. If the thought of a beaded necklace fills you with hippie dread then adopt the look by going for a bracelet instead. There are lots about and they are easier to wear.

Will the trend last?

I really hope so. I love the fact their bright, bold and fun. We all need much more colour in our wardrobes and this is a way to do just that without going all out.

Queens of the Beads are…

Karen Buchanan’s pretty hand cut turquoise chain, with 18ct gold £89 is handmade to order. She is a former model whose work is inspired by previous work trips around the world. I love her designs, they are so dainty and feminine. Wear this with a daytime look. Its the most conservative option in my edit. Perfect if you want to try the trend but keep it simple.

I have used Dana Levy’s jewellery in shoots for years and i love them just the same after all this time. She really was responsible for starting the beaded trend. Her designs are so cool and really are my favourite. her price point is brilliant. She uses lots of symbolism which i love. I am complete sucker for an evil eye for protection!

Robinson Pelham are not only one of my nominated ‘bead queens’ they also make jewellery for our future Queen, The Duchess of Cambridge. Their bright and bold Arcadia necklace, £1080 (featured above) is made out of glass beads made in the UK. With fair trade gold and charms to adorne your necklace, this is the most grown up option in my Edit.

Roxanne First, the Queen of Beads on Social Media. This necklace has had so much hype it should almost have its own Instagram page. Its £295 and its a nod to Roxanne’s Italian routes. All the beads are from Italy made from graduated rainbow sapphires. Lots of different designs to choose from and if your after a slogan this Roxy is your girl.

Rosa De la Cruz bead collection available at Matches, £1155 is the epitome of less is more. These beads with their expensive price point are the perfect example of dress down beads. Your wearing a fortune but who would know! Let me tell you… those in the know would know! These semi precious special stones hold healing qualities that are very special.

I am obsessed by Cardi Bead’s necklace, £55. Its such a good price point. You can choose whatever name you would like and they will make it for you as a special order. Its only available in white, but for Summer thats such a good colour next to all skin types. I love the mother of pearl lettering and i cannot wait to spell it out….

Lauren Rubinski £85.00 is known for her high end gold jewellery, worn by the likes of Kate Moss which is mega bucks. She has a beaded diffusion range which is always sold out its so popular! Get it while you can.

The Best of the Rest…