How to Update an Old Beaded Necklace

There are so many ways to transform an old beaded necklace into a beautiful accessory you’ll love wearing. Here are some ideas. Do you have an old, beaded necklace that could use an update? Maybe it’s a necklace with beads that’s been passed down through the generations but doesn’t look quite right with any of your clothing or maybe you found it at an antique store and haven’t been able to find anything in your wardrobe to go with it. Don’t give up on that necklace yet! There are a variety of simple ways to give that old, beaded necklace a much needed face lift. Here’s how to add some style to your necklace:

Layer it.

Sometimes a vintage beaded necklace looks too plain when worn as a single strand. Try wearing it with other necklaces of different lengths to give a multi-strand look. Team it up with other beaded necklaces or try it with some interesting chain necklaces of different lengths. You can completely change the look of a necklace by wearing it in the context of other jewelry. 

Change the length.

This is another effective way to give an old, beaded necklace a fresh appearance. Try removing some beads and creating a stylish choker out of a traditional vintage necklace. If you want to make it longer, add chain in the back to give the necklace additional length. If you don’t feel comfortable shortening or lengthening the necklace, have it done at your local jewelry store or bead store.

Add a unique pendant.

An otherwise boring necklace can be instantly transformed with the addition of a unique pendant. To find the right pendant, visit local bead stores, antique malls, and jewelry stores to see what’s available. Bring along your necklace so you can get an idea of how the pendant will look when attached. You may need to restring the necklace to attach the pendant or you can have it done at your local jewelry store.

Turn it into a bracelet. 

One of the simplest solutions for an old, beaded necklace that’s a bit uninspiring is to wrap it several times around your wrist and then clasp it. Voila! You have an instant vintage looking bracelet. A boring old necklace can look pretty hip when worn on your wrist.

Completely remake the necklace.

This isn’t as difficult as you might think. To do this, take your necklace down to your local bead store. Place it on a bead board and select interesting beads to place between. 

Necklace Trends for Winter 2009

Necklace trends are anything but demure for winter 2009. In fact, they just might steal the show. Here’s what to look for. Nothing dresses up a plain blouse or knit top faster than a necklace and the necklace will take on new importance for fall and winter 2009. If you could
sum up the trend in neckwear for the upcoming winter/holiday season in two words it would be “statement necklace”. No longer relegated to accessory status, the necklaces for this season have come out of hiding and are stealing the show as headline acts. If you love jewelry, this is the year to express yourself with your own statement making neck piece. Here are some of the best necklace trends going into 2009:

Necklace trends 2009: Bold and chunky

Necklaces take on a life of their own with bold, chunky beads with tons of personality. These necklaces look best with simpler clothing that doesn’t steal their thunder. Slip on a long fitted, knit sweater and pair of trendy wide legged pants with boots and wrap it all together with a chunky, beaded necklace. Keep the earrings simple. With a statement making pieces, there’s such a thing as jewelry overkill.

Necklace trends 2009: Pearls, pearls, pearls

Yes, pearls are big news for fall and winter 2008-2009 but these pearl strands are anything but demure. The simple, single strand pearl necklace may not make the fashion cut this year. Instead, envision draping yourself in ropes of pearls that hang down to your waist. This is a bold look that works best when other accessories are kept to a minimum. Surprisingly, some fashion sites are even showing pearls for men this year ranging from black pearls to creamy shades. Who
would have thought?

Necklace trends 2009: Layers of metal chains

This look will be hot well into the spring of 2009. Look for multiple strands of thin chains intertwined into one necklace, often incorporating beads and charms to give an offbeat, eclectic look. Chains in multiple metals from silver to copper adorn eye catching necklaces designed to play up the contrasting softness of warm winter sweaters. Layering is key and if you don’t want to spend money on a new necklace, look through your jewelry box for interesting chains and create your own customized, layered look. You’ll be right in style.

Necklace trends 2009: Bib necklaces

You’ve probably seen this necklace trend worn by celebrities at special events. Cascades of stones or beads hang down in long chains form a central strand creating various

Necklace Trends for Winter 2009

Necklace trends are anything but demure for winter 2009. In fact, they just might steal the show. Here’s what to look for. Nothing dresses up a plain blouse or knit top faster than a necklace and the necklace will take on new importance for fall and winter 2009. If you could
sum up the trend in neckwear for the upcoming winter/holiday season in two words it would be “statement necklace”. No longer relegated to accessory status, the necklaces for this season have come out of hiding and are stealing the show as headline acts. If you love jewelry, this is the year to express yourself with your own statement making neck piece. Here are some of the best necklace trends going into 2009:

Necklace trends 2009: Bold and chunky

Necklaces take on a life of their own with bold, chunky beads with tons of personality. These necklaces look best with simpler clothing that doesn’t steal their thunder. Slip on a long fitted, knit sweater and pair of trendy wide legged pants with boots and wrap it all together with a chunky, beaded necklace. Keep the earrings simple. With a statement making pieces, there’s such a thing as jewelry overkill.

Necklace trends 2009: Pearls, pearls, pearls

Yes, pearls are big news for fall and winter 2008-2009 but these pearl strands are anything but demure. The simple, single strand pearl necklace may not make the fashion cut this year. Instead, envision draping yourself in ropes of pearls that hang down to your waist. This is a bold look that works best when other accessories are kept to a minimum. Surprisingly, some fashion sites are even showing pearls for men this year ranging from black pearls to creamy shades. Who
would have thought?

Necklace trends 2009: Layers of metal chains

This look will be hot well into the spring of 2009. Look for multiple strands of thin chains intertwined into one necklace, often incorporating beads and charms to give an offbeat, eclectic look. Chains in multiple metals from silver to copper adorn eye catching necklaces designed to play up the contrasting softness of warm winter sweaters. Layering is key and if you don’t want to spend money on a new necklace, look through your jewelry box for interesting chains and create your own customized, layered look. You’ll be right in style.

Necklace trends 2009: Bib necklaces

You’ve probably seen this necklace trend worn by celebrities at special events. Cascades of stones or beads hang down in long chains form a central strand creating various