While quiet luxury was the trend across jewelry (and fashion at large) in 2023, this year has decidedly taken a turn for more maximalist pastures. The likes of Palm Beach chic, mob wife style, and the Brat aesthetic have taken the style universe by storm, and we all can’t stop accessorizing our accessories, whether that means decked-out sneakers or bags with charms galore.
When it comes to jewelry, this has manifested as oversized ’80s earrings, beaded friendship bracelets (perhaps the biggest Eras Tour trend), and necklaces with a plethora of charms. The latter is an especially strong way to make a unique statement—countless over-the-top designs now exist, plus you can always slip a few charms you love onto your chain of choice. Read on to learn all about the charm necklace trend.
About the Trend
For the past few seasons, playful, Y2K-inspired details have been on the rise across the jewelry sphere. Friendship bracelets—whose revival started in 2023 as a way for fans to interact and trade during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour—quickly exploded beyond their initial purpose to become one of the biggest trends (DIY and ready-made alike). Other details, like mermaid-core trinkets and maximalist layering, signaled the wider moment to come.
Charm necklaces (among other charm jewelry) began to hit a fever pitch this past spring and summer, and they’ve only grown as the likes of Gigi Hadid and Olivia Rodrigo embrace the trend while brands continue to innovate. They come as part of a wider rise of charms and personalization across bags, sneakers, and more, unapologetically moving in a more-is-more direction following an era of quiet luxury dominance.
While the thought of a charm necklace may bring specific styles to mind—perhaps a favorite style from childhood or a vacation-ready beaded design—this piece’s unique nature means there are countless interpretations to fit every aesthetic. It’s more than possible to go minimalist or maximalist, retro or modern, and even opt for a style specific to the season or your interests. The modern charm jewelry landscape is for those with experimental and classic tastes alike—after all, we could all use an extra dose of self-expression from time to time.
Ready to join the movement and embrace a bit of elevated self-expression this season? Read on for 12 of our favorite charm necklaces on the market, ranging from customizable options to ready-made designs that tap into the moment’s biggest trends and icons.
Go West: Free People Maxamillion Charm Necklace
Western style has been having a moment this year, so tap into your inner cowgirl or horse girl with a charm necklace full of yeehaw-approved motifs. From horseshoes to playing cards to Wild West snakes, this rustic-meets-modern necklace will have you feeling like you can conquer anything.
Portrait Gallery: The Met Museum European Cameo Charm Necklace
Redefine wearable art with these 19th-century cameo portrait charms. The jewel tones feel classic while making a statement, ensuring you embody modern elegance whenever you put on this charm necklace.
Playful Mixed Metals: Chan Luu Artemis Charm Necklace
Mixed mental have been one of the biggest jewelry trends of the year, and this Chan Luu piece brings together gold, silver, labradorite, and pearl via a vintage-inspired charm format. Eclectic yet cohesive and endlessly chic, this is the kind of design you could also build yourself with a few lucky finds if you so choose.
Coastal Treasures: Don’t Let Disco The Tide-Kissed Trinket Necklace
Carry a piece of the sea with you through every season and locale with this Don’t Let Disco charm necklace. The beaded design means it’s sure to pair well with any friendship bracelets you choose to wear, and the moody palette means it works well for coastal getaways and city moments alike.
Super Graphic Ultra Modern: GreyCatValley Chappell Roan Inspired Charm Necklace
Much of the appeal of charm necklaces lies in their ability to be personalized to your taste and interests, so sometimes a niche Etsy find is the way to go. This one taps into a few of Chappell Roan’s greatest hits: a four-leaf clover for “Good Luck, Babe!”, a wand, rabbit, and wine glass for “Red Wine Supernova,” and a cowboy hat for “Pink Pony Club.”
Luxe Whimsy: Dior Lucky Charms Necklace
Calling all high-society horse girls and anyone who wants to rep a designer brand in charm format: This Dior necklace is too sweet, featuring a logo charm alongside a four-leaf clover, star, heart, and several gems and pearls. With a double entendre of a name, we can only hope this piece manifests positive energy everywhere you wear it.
Major Monochrome: Coach Iconic Charm Chain Necklace
To embrace the playfulness of charms in a slightly more subdued way, try this necklace from Coach. With seven brand signature motifs in the same shade of gold, this piece works for Y2K mall-inspired looks and reimagined quiet luxury moments alike—dinosaur and all.
North Star: Elizabeth Cole Renata Necklace
The evergreen tones and celestial vibes of this charm necklace create a festive yet sophisticated aesthetic that feels ideal for the holiday season and colder months. If you needed another piece to signal that you’re the one who can instantly analyze all your friends’ astrological charts, this is the one.
Personal Statement: BaubleBar Custom Bead Charm Necklace
To help you truly curate a look that fits your aesthetic and personality, BaubleBar offers an easy way for you to build your own charm necklace. Choose between three to five charms across its initial, birthstone, and aesthetic categories, then enjoy all the compliments you get on your one-of-a-kind piece.
Say It Loud: ByChari The Original Spaced Letter Nacklace
This custom necklace allows you to choose whichever letter charms you want, whether you opt for your name or a special word or phrase. Available in gold or silver, this simple yet powerful piece is sure to make a (literal) statement.
Decadent Edge: Mignonne Gavigan Greenpoint Charm Necklace
The chunky gold chain on this charm necklace gives a classic dose of edge, while the large charms blend a modern, maximalist feel with luxe elements like gemstones and a gold finish. The result is an unforgettable piece that’s simultaneously sophisticated and ultra-cool.
Protection Circle: Swarovski Symbolica Choker
Calling all crystal girlies: This Swarovski design brings some extra sparkle to a meaningful, mystical set of good luck charms, all centered around a domed evil eye. A worthwhile investment for anyone who leans into spiritual energy, this necklace seems certain to attract abundance, clarity, and all good things.
