Being a total jewelry junkie, I’m always drooling over the latest boho-chic accessories. But yikes, those price tags! Like most of us, I don’t have Kardashian-level funds to drop on designer bijoux. Luckily, there’s an affordable way to get that coveted free-spirited vibe without going broke: beaded necklaces.
If you’re not already obsessed with the bohemian (or boho) fashion trend, let me fill you in. Boho style channels ’70s hippie vibes with flowy silhouettes, funky patterns, natural fabrics, and tons of laidback layering. The jewelry follows suit with eclectic, artsy pieces made from casual materials like wood, shells, coins, leather, and—you guessed it—beads galore.
The boho look has been having a major moment for years now, embraced by free-spirits and celebs alike for its glamorous yet undone aesthetic. I mean, who doesn’t want to look that perfectly imperfect mix of chic and carefree? Sign me up! Beaded necklaces are the ideal way to embody that covetable boho spirit without blowing your entire paycheck. Keep reading for all the deets!
Reasons to Love Beaded Necklaces
They’re Ultra Versatile
One of the best things about beaded necklaces is their versatility. You can rock them with absolutely anything! Throw one on over a basic tee and jeans for an instantly elevated look. Layer a longer beaded pendant over a flowy dress or jumpsuit. Or use a vibrant beaded strand to add some pizazz to a crisp button-down for the office. Seriously, beaded necklaces pair effortlessly with both casual day looks and dressier evening ensembles.
I have this gorgeous lapis and silver beaded necklace that I’ve worn a million different ways. Sometimes I layer it with a dainty chain and pendant. Other times I’ll let it be the star of the show over a simple tank or tee. I’ve even fancied it up for weddings and parties with a metallic dress! Getting that much mileage out of an under-$30 piece is the dream.
They Add Texture and Color
In addition to being incredibly versatile, beaded necklaces are an easy way to liven up any outfit with fresh textures and hues. The natural materials and earthy tones give total bohemian vibes. Think: gemstones, shells, ceramic, wood, fire-polished glass, and African trading beads in rich jewel tones or sun-faded neutrals.
For example, I recently bought a strand of chunky turquoise nugget beads that I can’t get enough of. The pop of azure blue looks so striking against my collection of neutral basics like white tees and tan sweaters. It definitely helps me feel much more put-together than if I was just wearing a plain outfit.
They’re Endlessly Customizable
Here’s another great aspect of beaded necklaces: You can switch up the looks endlessly by combining different strands together. One day you might layer a long pendant with a choker, and the next day you can mix and match your favorite beaded strands.
I have so much fun restyling the beaded jewelry I already own into fresh new combinations. When I get sick of a necklace, I’ll let it rest for a bit, then pull it back out later and suddenly fall in love again by layering it with something new. It’s a genius budget-friendly styling hack!
Boho Vibes on a Budget
Let’s be real: authentic bohemian-style jewelry made by artisans from high-quality gemstones and cultural trading beads can get extremely pricey. However, many of the mass retailers like ChicSparklers.com offer stylish, well-made beaded necklaces with a similar vibe at much more affordable price points.
Yes, the beads may be man-made materials rather than rare stones, and the craftsmanship may not be one-of-a-kind. But for the cost of one “real deal” piece, you can snag several super cute, on-trend beaded strands in all your favorite colors. And truthfully, most people won’t even realize you’re not wearing high-end jewels.
As a savvy yet trend-obsessed shopper, that’s my sweet spot! I can indulge my passion for accessorizing while staying on budget.
Popular Jewelry Pie Chart
How to Style Affordable Beaded Necklaces
The true magic of boho beaded necklaces is how easily they can be dressed up or down depending on how you style them. Here are a few fun ways to wear your affordable beaded jewelry like a free-spirited fashionista.
Layer Different Lengths and Styles
This is probably my number one tip for nailing the boho look: layer, layer, layer! Mixing different lengths and styles of beaded strands creates that quintessential bohemian vibe of carefree, eclectic layering.
Start with one mid-length pendant or Y-shaped necklace as your base piece. Then experiment with adding a shorter choker style above it. Finally, throw on one or two long beaded strands to cascade down at different lengths. You can even incorporate a body chain or anklet for extra flair.
The best part is there are no set rules! You can layer different beaded designs with contrasting colors, textures, and bead shapes. Don’t be afraid to mix woods and metals, coins and stones, seed beads and pearls. That’s what gives your look that gloriously global, one-of-a-kind appeal.
Pair with Simple Tops
For me, the easiest way to show off a pretty beaded necklace is by keeping my top simple. Basic tanks, tees, pullovers, and button-ups provide the perfect neutral canvas to let the necklaces take center stage.
For example, I love throwing on my turquoise beaded strand with an off-the-shoulder ribbed top. Or I’ll pair my rustic wooden beads with a slouchy v-neck sweater for an ultra-cozy yet pulled-together weekend look. The beads instantly make even the most basic piece feel a bit more special.
Accessorize Casual Looks
On the flip side, beaded necklaces are also a great accessory for dressing up a casual ensemble like jeans and a tee or tank. A vibrant tassel pendant or multi-strand beaded bib puts the finishing touch on outfits that would otherwise just feel sloppy.
For instance, whenever I wear my trusty high-waisted skinnies and a graphic tee or tank, I make sure to layer on a couple beaded necklaces to pull it all together. One long blue lapis strand paired with a shorter turquoise choker is one of my favorite combos. It makes the basic separates feel totally elevated and chic rather than sloppy or juvenile.
Glam Up Dresses and Maxis
Don’t save your beaded jewelry just for laid-back daytime outfits, though! Bring those babies out for special occasions too. Beaded necklaces add fabulous bohemian touches to sundresses, slip dresses, maxi dresses and more.
For weddings or date nights, I absolutely adore pairing boho beaded strands with an effortless floral midi dress or tiered maxi. Going bolder with bright colors or sparkly metallics lends an extra festive touch. And don’t sleep on fringe! A fringed beaded necklace instantly elevates a simple slip or linen dress to new levels of chic.
One of my signature looks is styling a turquoise tassel lariat necklace with an ivory maxi dress and strappy sandals. It gives total boho goddess vibes while looking supremely elegant and polished. Just add a fab sun hat and cute woven clutch for the full glamorous festival experience!
Affordable Beaded Necklaces We Love From ChicSparklers.com
Speaking of boho festival vibes, I’ve found some incredible beaded necklaces at crazy affordable prices from ChicSparklers.com. They have such a gorgeous, on-trend selection! Here are some of my absolute faves that will have you looking like a million bucks without spending it.
| Name/Description | Type |
| Catalina Cove Choker Necklace | 14″ Gold plated chain with turquoise chip beads and cowrie shells |
| Wanderer Y Pendant | 28″ Antique gold chain with turquoise and mother of pearl beads |
| Cali Sunset Tassel Lariat | 60″ Lariat style with pink jade, orange jade, and ivory tassels |
| Bohemian Bounty Layering Set | Set of 3 strands: silver discs, turquoise heishi, and mother of pearl nuggets |
| Jewel Rainbow Bib Necklace | Beaded bib necklace with multi-color ombre stones and tassels |
| Sedona Sands Beaded Strand | 40″ Strand of graduated sunstone nuggets and gold spacers |
| Canyon Creek Lariat | Gold chain lariat with burnished terra cotta beads and charms |
Catalina Cove Choker Necklace
This dainty 14″ choker is the perfect little pop of color! The bright turquoise chip beads give such a fun boho surfer girl vibe, especially paired with the textured cowrie shells. I love wearing it alone with a plain white tank and denim shorts for a casual summer look. But it’s also super cute layered with some of my longer beaded pendants.
Personal Anecdote: I actually snagged this choker on sale for only $12 and I’ve gotten SO much use out of it! Multiple times people have complimented me on it, thinking it must be from some pricey boutique. The quality is fantastic for the price.
Wanderer Y Pendant
How gorgeous is this Y-shaped pendant situation? The turquoise and iridescent mother of pearl beads have the most lovely earth tones and shimmery hints. At 28 inches, it hits right at that sweet spot between a choker and longer strand.
It’s extremely versatile worn alone, but I especially love layering it with the Cali Sunset tassel lariat for a full-on bohemian goddess lewk. The antiqued chain gives it this authentic vintage-y vibe too. Definitely a must-have!
Cali Sunset Tassel Lariat
Speaking of that tassel lariat, how stunning are those shades of pink, orange, and ivory? I’m obsessed! The vibrant ombre colors make such a beautiful statement piece, whether worn hanging long or wrapped and knotted.
It has this incredible 60″ length so you can play around with different ways to style and drape it. I tend to knot it at my collarbones when wearing over a dress or jumpsuit. But I also adore wrapping it around twice as a multi-strand choker necklace over a plain tank or tee. So many styling options!
Personal Anecdote: I actually got this as a birthday gift from my bestie and I swear I’ve worn it almost weekly since then. It goes with so many different looks and never fails to get compliments. Definitely a special piece in my jewelry rotation!
Bohemian Bounty Layering Set
For those who want that effortless layered boho look without having to do any guesswork, this 3-strand set is perfection. It comes with a sleek silver disc strand, a turquoise heishi bead strand, and a luminous mother of pearl nugget strand.
They’re all slightly varied lengths so they layer together like a dream. And you can easily add in any other beaded pieces you may already own. It instantly turns a basic jeans-and-tee situation into a totally pulled-together, bohemian-inspired ensemble.
Jewel Rainbow Bib Necklace
One of my absolute favorite styles is this beaded bib or statement necklace. The ombre rainbow of jewel-toned stones is just so vibrant and eye-catching! Whimsical pom pom and tassel accents give it extra boho flair.
I tend to wear this one most often with solid-colored tees, tanks, or summer dresses. It looks phenomenal against both basic neutrals as well as rich jewel tones like emerald, plum, or sapphire. The shorter bib length helps frame your face and collarbones so nicely.
Sedona Sands Beaded Strand
For those who prefer more subdued, earthy tones, you’ll love the rustic beauty of this sunstone strand. Warm shades of tan, terracotta, and woodsmoke make up the graduated sunstone nuggets.
At 40 inches, it has gorgeous draping length. But you could easily wrap it doubled or even tripled around your neck for a chunky layered look. The mixed metallic accents and spacers give it lovely depth and shine.
Personal Anecdote: I have an embarrassingly large collection of neutral basics like linen pants, tan shorts, olive joggers, you name it. This sunstone beaded strand helps add some much-needed warmth and visual interest. It’s definitely a year-round staple piece for me!
Canyon Creek Lariat
Last but not least, how fun is this southwestern-inspired lariat situation? The warm terra cotta beads have a beautifully rustic, hand-made vibe. And you’ve gotta love those cute mixed metal charms and burnished chain.
I highly recommend this one for festivals, beach trips, or really anytime you want to lean into that classic ’70s bohemian aesthetic. It looks phenomenal paired with a crocheted crop top or floral maxi dress. But you could easily dress it up with a sleek black jumpsuit too!
Tips for Caring for Beaded Jewelry
With just a little TLC, your beaded necklaces can last for many seasons of boho-chic styling. Here are some simple tips for keeping them looking their best:
Gently Clean and Avoid Water
The number one rule with beaded jewelry: try to avoid getting it wet! Things like showering, swimming, and dishwashing can cause the beads and strings to degrade much faster over time. If your necklaces do get lightly splashed, gently wipe them down with a soft cloth.
For a periodic deeper clean, use a very lightly dampened microfiber cloth to wipe down the beads and metal components. You can also use a clean makeup brush to remove any dust or oil buildup in the tiny crevices. Just be sure not to fully submerge the piece.
Store Properly to Prevent Tangles
Beaded necklaces have a tendency to get tangled into annoying knots and kinks when not stored with care. The easiest solution is using individual soft pouches or zippered bags for each piece when not in use. This prevents the strands from getting twisted up together in your jewelry box.
You can also invest in a hanging necklaceorganizer made of fabric or clear pockets. This allows the beads and chains to dangle freely without crimping. If you do end up with a stubbornly tangled necklace, deploy some necklace untangling tools or use a little hair conditioner to help loosen things up.
Be Gentle While Wearing
Try to be mindful of your beaded beauties while wearing them too. Remove before exercise, housework, or other activities where they could snag and stretch out the strings. Avoid putting on pullover tops without unclasping first. And be careful of catching tassel pendants on fabrics.
If a strand does start to look twisted, gently roll the beads between your fingers to realign it. You can also drape longer pieces over a vase or bottle to help retrain the shape while stored.
Quick Repairs for Stretching or Breakage
Despite your best efforts, strands can still stretch out or break over time. For pieces with stretchy cords or strings, try to secure any knots with a dab of jewelry glue or clear nail polish. This prevents it from continuing to loosen up.
If the strand did snap entirely, you may be able to do a simple repair with some jewelry pliers, glue, and patience. First, restring any loose beads. Then tie a double knot to reattach the two ends wherever it broke. Dab with glue or polish to secure the knot in place.
For beaded necklaces on chains or unwoven strands, look into getting it re-strung by a professional jeweler. Many bead shops also offer this service inexpensively. While not ideal, sometimes you may just need to accept the cycle of life for cheapie beaded jewelry.
Ditch the High Prices, Not the Cute Style!
Becoming a bohemian queen shouldn’t require going broke! As much as we all love the free-spirited vibes of artisan-made, authentic global jewelry, realistically most of us need more budget-friendly options for regular wear.
That’s where affordable beaded necklaces come in! These chic yet inexpensive strands from retailers like ChicSparklers.com allow you to fully embrace the boho-chic trend without splurging on every single piece. Mix a few statement-makers with more economical basics and layer, layer, layer to your heart’s delight.
With styles ranging from bright and colorful to neutral and earthy, there’s an affordable beaded necklace out there for every fashion vibe and outfit. So treat yourself to a couple new pretties to elevate your looks! After all, you deserve to feel fabulous and stylish no matter what your budget is.
Wearing jewelry that aligns with your free-spirited, bohemian soul shouldn’t be a luxury. Let those boho vibes shine through with all the layered necklace looks, crafty accents, and eclectic vibes your heart desires. Getting that covetable “model off-duty” aesthetic is now delightfully within reach!