Best beaded necklaces for summer

By Kim Parker

You know what looks good in a heatwave? Beads. The candy-coloured beaded pieces we loved so much for Zoom meetings in 2020 are back and this time they’re bigger and brighter, with a more beachy-inspired vibe. Here, we list the best new beaded pieces (which look good on everyone) to layer on for summer.

Minka X VCH

British jeweller Lucy Crowther has collaborated with stylist Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey (one-time stylist of Kate Middleton) on a collection of cheery semi-precious beaded pieces with 14k gold detailing. Chunky and multi-functional, the colourful gemstone pieces have been responsibly sourced and have detachable gold discs that can easily be engraved.

Anine Bing

“My daughter Bianca is forever my muse and the biggest inspiration in my life. Her passion, creativity and style are a joy to be around…Having the chance to create something special with my daughter is a dream come true. This necklace reflects our shared love not only for jewellery, but for timeless pieces,” says designer Anine Bing of the pearl and glass beaded piece she co-created with her daughter, Bianca.

Roxanne First

How best to celebrate your love of Italian food? For jeweller Roxanne First it’s about collaborating with friends and fellow foodies Skye McAlpine and Antonina Parker to create a delicious-looking collection called Buon Appetito. The tasty jewellery box treats were each inspired by the friends’ favourite Italian foods – in this case, Skye McAlpine’s addiction to juicy fruits, especially luscious cherries.

Monica Vinader

Monica Vinader’s collaboration with Insta-fabulous florist, Willow Crossley, was born out of a shared appreciation for dahlias. Cue a vibrant mixed hand-cut gemstone necklace with 18k recycled gold vermeil petal charms.

Bea Bongiasca

The queen of neon jewels, Bea Bongiasca, has done it again, with a rock crystal and ombre glass beaded necklace that is guarantee to put a smile on anyone’s face.

ITÄ

Inspired by the Puerto Rican and Turkish heritage of friends Inesita Capó and Äfet Burcu Salargil, ITÄ’s jewels all have a glorious, sunshine-infused spirit that is perfect for summer. Alongside pieces that nod to the craftsmanship of the first peoples to live in the Caribbean or an ancestral love of gold, the Macu beaded necklaces are an ode to the talismanic powers of the Turkish eye of protection.

Ananya

Devised as a way to keep semi-precious gemstones (and their associated healing powers) close to the skin, Ananya’s polished gemstone Chakra necklaces are a loving tribute to her Indian grandparents’ belief in fortune tellers.

Matilde Jewellery

Inspired by the crystalline waters around the coast of Portugal, Matilde Jewellery’s hand-made Mar and Aria crystal and gemstone beaded necklaces were made for summer holidays.

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