Once summer rolls around, beaded necklaces make their way back into my daily rotation – even when I’m not on vacation. They’re the quirky and playful, and add a ‘pop of personality’ to even the most casual outfits. A beaded necklace is the perfect way to upgrade your closet for summer, whether you’re planning to spend a summer in the city or soak up the sun by jetting off somewhere hot.
Beaded necklaces are finally having their moment this summer as maximalism makes a comeback for 2026 jewelry trends. What I especially love about this trend is that it’s the perfect gateway into experimenting with layered necklaces. Below, I’m sharing 5 of the biggest beaded necklace trends I’ll be styling in 2026.
Black Bead Necklaces
If you’re a minimalistic girlie and don’t want to abandon your neutral color palette this summer, then a black beaded necklace is your perfect go-to. Beaded necklace featuring moody gemstones in dark hues are trending, especially the styles that mixe black natural beads with metal elements, crystals, or pearls. This black beaded necklace features semi-precious obsidian black beads with a contrasting pearl for edgy and modern kind of look.
Blue Bead Necklace
Blue is one of my favorite colors, so you can guess how ecstatic I was to see Icy Blue dominate the Spring/Summer 2026 runway. This cool icy blue shade is the ‘it girl’ of the summer color palette. I love that this style adds a subtle pop of color that is guaranteed to complement your summer tan (even if it’s from a bottle!). Add it to your daily necklace stack to upgrade it for summer.
Chunky Beaded Necklaces
If you are in need a personality piece to elevate your summer wardrobe - this trend is for you. Chunky beaded necklace is the perfect way to elevate a halter neck dress or to add a touch of bohemian glamor to your date night outfit. I love the ‘Terra’ necklace for its 70s-inspired earth tones that are universally flattering, and so easy to mix and match with your wardrobe. I’ll be styling it with a long-knit dress on my next beach vacation.
Pearl Beaded Necklace
The cool girls are wearing pearls this summer. It’s no secret that I’m firmly in my pearl era, and I love to incorporate them into fun trends like this with an everyday piece like the ‘Mint Sensation Choker’. This choker is my go-to for styling with any basic bikini for a day of sunbathing by the pool.
Colorful beads have been trending for the last few summers, so you’ll want to add a colorful beaded necklace to your collection that mixes them with irregular pearls to dress up your casual outfits.
Shell Beaded Necklaces
I’ve saved the best for last! If you’re not so much intro colorful jewelry and prefer to keep things a little more lowkey, then it’s worth adding the ‘Clio Shell and Pearl Necklace’ to your cart. This summer necklace is an all-in-one and the most wearable piece on this list. I love to wear it with a gold chain and pendant for the ultimate beach look, while styling it solo in the city with a fun tee shirt or a breezy oversized shirt. This charming pearl necklace features miniature natural shells and natural pearls to instantly put you in the summer state of mind.
Whatever your summer plans are, these beaded necklaces deserve a spot on your wishlist. It’s one of the best investment pieces for 2026 and a summer necklace you can easily transition through the seasons by stacking with other gold or pendant necklaces.
Want to learn more about the latest jewelry trends and styling? Check out these posts:
5 biggest jewelry trends of 2026
How to stack necklaces like a fashion girl
3 biggest statement earrings trends
