When Taylor Swift tells us to “make the friendship bracelets / take the moment and taste it”, our innate schoolgirl spirit forces us to oblige.
You only need to look to Swift’s new beau Travis Kelce crafting his very own friendship bracelet featuring the digits of his phone number to (rather successfully) win her attention, or the star-studded The Eras Tour attendees Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Garner and Paul Rudd trading homemade beaded creations with pit-dwelling fans to see that friendship bracelets are back and better than ever.
Previously popular among Nineties and Noughties kids, friendship bracelets have been worn as a symbol of affection for decades. Whether handmade or purchased from a local jeweller, touting a sparkling pendant featuring one half of a broken heart that can only be made whole with its sterling silver sister was all the rage from primary up until secondary school.
Plastic Scoubidou bracelets were lovingly woven in intricate styles and tied stiffly and uncomfortably around one another’s wrists - though we’d never object if one was bestowed upon us in our favourite colours.
Summer camps had children weaving kaleidoscopic fabric creations as soon as little hands were nimble enough. Before summer’s end, chevron-patterned bracelets were stacked up to elbows; sodden with a cumbersome mixture of chlorine and sun cream.
Nevertheless, Taylor Swift fans have shown us how to elevate the handmade friendship bracelet trend by sharing their whimsical, lyric-clad, beaded designs on social media.
For those inspired by the re-emergence of delicate beaded friendship bracelets like those traded between Swifties, we’ve curated a selection of elegant designs to gift your best pals. Keep scrolling for unbreakable bonds.
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Astley Clarke Biography 18ct-gold vermeil malachite friendship bracelet
Known as the “stone of transformation”, malachite helps to ward off danger and clear the chakras. Gifting your best friend a bracelet crafted with this precious stone is a sign that you truly want to see them shine.
Buy now £90.00, Selfridges
Anni Lu Gold-Plated Nuanua Beaded Bracelet
Anni Lu elevates the classic beaded friendship bracelet with this beautiful, rainbow-hued 18ct gold plated piece. Handmade with an adjustable lobster clasp, subtly match your best friends with this lovely piece.
Buy now £45.00, Liberty
Monica Vinader Linear Friendship Bracelet
The red string has different significance in different cultures and religions. For instance, in Hinduism, it symbolises good luck and protection. Meanwhile, in Buddhism, it is considered a spiritual reminder to stay connected to one’s higher path. Whichever way you look at it, a lucky red friendship bracelet is a brilliant gift for your platonic soul mate. The 18ct gold vermeil bar can be engraved for no additional cost.
Buy now £135.00, Monica Vinader
Solid Gold Rainbow Dolce Vita Bracelet, 9ct
Friendship bracelets but make it luxury. Handmade in Italy from solid 9ct gold, the ‘Dolce Vita’ bracelet by Soru serves as a reminder to live your sweetest life with your best friend.
Buy now £320.00, Soru
Birthstone Chain Bracelet
Made with 18ct recycled gold-plated vermeil on recycled sterling silver, these beautiful birthstone pieces from Missoma make for brilliant friendship bracelets. Wear your own birthstone, or wear your best friend’s – either way, you’ll be demonstrating a unique and strong bond.
Buy now £105.00, Missoma
TBalance Crystals Yin Yang Gemstone Bracelet Pair
For those looking to gift a friendship bracelet to the ‘ying’ to their ‘yang’, look no further than TBalance. These crystal-adorned bracelets have been crafted with moonstone and black onyx. The former is a feminine stone and lucky charm linked to the tides, while the latter is said to help shield negative energies.
Buy now £85.00, Liberty
Abbott Lyon Charm Builder Bracelet
Build your own highly personalised friendship bracelet with the help of Abbott Lyon’s charm builder. You can choose the chain design and size and select your favourite, meaningful charms – with a few designed by Stacey Solomon.
Buy now £59.00, Abbott Lyon
Daisy Personalised Date Bracelet
Daisy Jewellery offers a versatile friendship bracelet which can be personalised to commemorate a shared, important date in both of your lives. The 18ct gold plated bracelet is also available in sterling silver.
Buy now £89.00, Daisy Jewellery
Crystal Haze Best Friends 18ct gold-plated cubic zirconia bracelet set
Keep it classic with an old-school broken heart best friend bracelet set. This pair from Crystal Haze, however, is slightly more luxurious than your old set from Claire’s. Available in three enamel finishes, these bracelets are crafted from 18ct gold-plated brass with cubic zirconia embellishments.
Buy now £45.00, Selfridges
3 Pack In My Era Beaded Friendship Bracelet
Managed to snag some Eras Tour tickets for you and the besties, but don’t have the time or patience to craft your own friendship bracelets? Skinny Dip has got you covered with this trio of beaded Swiftie bracelets.
Buy now £18.00, Skinny Dip London
Bottega Veneta
Elevate your friendship bracelet game with this beautiful luxury option by Bottega Veneta. Crafted from leather and sterling silver, the chain knot design symbolises an everlasting friendship and unbreakable bond.
Buy now £680.00, Selfridges
