I used to think bead necklaces just projected old lady. And then I became fascinated with examples by Dior and Sherman, whose chain strung bib is today’s jewel.

Beads tend to “chew” through silk or cotton cord and then the necklace falls apart. With chain … it doesn’t happen. And this was done in a web pattern, making this design even more unusual.

I’ve seen this design in black (which I also have) and these clear beads. And Banana Republic knocked them off a few years ago and I bought that too. Really, you can never have too many beads!