Remember those candy necklaces you could pick up from your local sweet shop for just a few pennies – carefully nibbling off their sugary, pastel-coloured beads until just a string of elastic remained? The recent boom in nostalgic accessories – think Mary Janes, bag charms, and hair clips – means that beaded necklaces are hitting the sweet spot too.

Much like the do-it-yourself bag charm craze, our feeds have been flooded with at-home adaptations of the beaded necklace. And a trip to a haberdashery or second-hand store means you can have a go at curating your own string of sweets. 

Seeking a professional instead? Viral brand frkl is an expert in buildable, customisable jewels. Their approach allows you to mix and match beads, charms and pearls, to create a signature stack. Its Candy Pop collection includes technicolour resin, pill and disc-shaped beads, while its newly launched Candy Bead necklace features a carabiner clasp for hooking extra charms onto. 

London-based fine jewellery studio Roxanne First, adds a touch of luxe to the beaded necklace game. All of the brand’s pieces are made from solid gold (absolutely nothing is plated or gilded), plus its stones are precious and ethnically sourced (see another jewellery brand pioneering traceable gemstones). Key designs include quartz, agate and amethyst gummy bear charms – plucked from the sweet shop shelves – dangling from beaded chains; and personalised alphabet necklaces studded with diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubys.

Jewellery brand Milne Watson, also offers a bespoke service, where you can design you’re own piece with her expert guidance, ensuring it’s truly one-of-a-kind. Founded by a former interior designer, the brand’s charms include wooded animal figurines, glass fruits and antique beads sourced from around the world. 

But for those who prefer a more minimalistic approach, brands such as Completedworks, and Sophie Buhai offer beautifully simple singular beaded necklaces. Perfect for those seeking a subtle touch of nostalgia whilst elevating any summer shirting. 

At a time when fashion can sometimes feel all too serious and restrictive, beaded necklaces offer a refreshing breath of playfulness. Whether you're revisiting childhood memories or looking for a new mood to update your summer wardrobe, the beaded necklace is a versatile piece that brings a touch of wit and whimsy to any outfit. Stack yours with other necklaces, chains, cords, and charms for a layered look, or wear on its own for a super-sweet statement.