10 Best Vintage-inspired Bolo Necklaces Retro Creators Love
Why Vintage-Inspired Bolo Necklaces Are Making a Comeback — Even Kids Notice
When my daughter came home from school with a drawing of “Mommy’s cool rope necklace,” I had to smile. Kids have a knack for spotting what stands out, and that day, it was my vintage-inspired bolo necklace. It got me thinking—bolo ties aren’t just for cowboys or retro lovers anymore; they’re versatile, eye-catching, and perfect for women of all ages who want to add a playful yet chic twist to their wardrobes.
It’s not just me saying this: top jewelry YouTubers like Gem Gossip, Pretty Shiny Sparkly, and The Vintage Jewelry Girl rave about bolo necklaces. Their videos often spotlight how these pieces bridge generations, making them an instant conversation starter—whether you’re at a brunch or just picking up your child from school.
If you’re new to bolo necklaces or looking for the next statement piece, I’ve rounded up the 10 best vintage-inspired bolo necklaces that retro creators actually love. Each one is available to order now, and I’ve included practical tips, honest testimonials, and the details you need to find your perfect match.
What Is a Bolo Necklace—and Why Should You Care?
A bolo necklace features an adjustable cord or chain with decorative ends and a slide—usually a bead or ornament—that lets you customize the length. Originally inspired by Western wear (think classic cowboy style), today’s bolos are sleeker, more feminine, and crafted in everything from velvet to sterling silver.
Why do I love them? They’re endlessly adjustable, look great layered or solo, and instantly upgrade even the simplest tee. Plus, they’re comfortable—no scratchy chains or heavy pendants weighing you down.
How I Chose These 10 Best Vintage-Inspired Bolo Necklaces
Before we dive in, here’s what I looked for—criteria you’ll want to consider too:
- Authentic vintage feel: Pieces that echo designs from the ’70s-’90s but with modern craftsmanship.
- Quality materials: Sterling silver, gold plate, genuine gemstones, or vegan leather.
- Versatility: Necklaces that work for both dressy nights out and casual weekends.
- Adjustability: Easy-to-slide closures for all necklines and body types.
- Rave reviews: Recommendations from trusted YouTube jewelry experts.
If you love the look of old-school bolo ties but want something you can actually wear daily (or gift), these are the ones to check out.
1. Madewell Starburst Bolo Necklace
As seen on: Kristina Braly (Pretty Shiny Sparkly)
I first spotted the Madewell Starburst Bolo Necklace in a “Best Affordable Jewelry” video. It’s a delicate take on the classic with a thin gold-plated brass chain, adjustable slider, and two tiny starburst charms at each end.
The slider glides smoothly so you can wear it close to your neck like a choker or loose and draped. The radiant starbursts catch the light—perfect for anyone who loves a little sparkle with their nostalgia.
Features:
- Material: Gold-plated brass
- Length: 30 inches total (fully extended)
- Colors: Warm gold only
- Details: Two 0.5-inch starburst charms
- Price: Around $38
Why You’ll Love It: Lightweight and dainty, this necklace pairs effortlessly with both v-neck sweaters and summer dresses. I wore mine to my daughter’s art show—it made my plain white blouse feel instantly special.
2. Mejuri Bold Bolo Necklace
As seen on: The Anna Edit
Mejuri’s Bold Bolo Necklace is what I reach for when I want something substantial but not overpowering. It has a sleek, boxy chain in sterling silver or gold vermeil, with a solid slider bead that looks ultra-modern but nods to retro design.
Unlike flimsier options, this one feels sturdy—no worries about tangling or breakage. I love wearing it long over turtlenecks or short with a button-down shirt for that subtle Western touch.
Features:
- Material: Sterling silver or 18k gold vermeil
- Length: 22 inches adjustable
- Chain thickness: 3mm
- Details: Polished slider bead, chunky ends
- Price: $148
Why You’ll Love It: This is a grown-up bolo: elegant enough for work meetings, bold enough for date night. The smooth slider never snags hair (a must with long locks).
3. Anthropologie Luna Pendant Bolo Necklace
As seen on: Gem Gossip
Anthropologie nails boho-chic with their Luna Pendant Bolo Necklace—a dreamy combination of moonstone cabochons and tiny gold discs along a silky taupe cord. The crescent-shaped pendant is subtle yet enchanting (my daughter calls it my “moon magic” necklace).
It’s especially pretty layered with chains in varying lengths—Gem Gossip styled hers over a chambray shirt and it looked effortlessly cool.
Features:
- Material: Gold-plated metal, polyester cord
- Length: 36 inches adjustable
- Pendant size: 1.25-inch crescent
- Colors: Taupe/gold/moonstone
- Price: $58
Why You’ll Love It: A soft cord means no pinching or irritation. The shimmer of moonstone makes this feel special enough for evenings but wearable all day.
4. Lucky Brand Silver-Tone Turquoise Bolo Necklace
As seen on: That Vintage Jewelry Girl
For anyone craving Southwest flair (without going full cowboy), Lucky Brand’s Silver-Tone Turquoise Bolo hits all the right notes. The faux-turquoise oval is set in antiqued silver-tone metal with delicate leaf accents and dangling feather charms.
This piece instantly adds personality to basics like tees or oversized cardigans. I wore it to a parent-teacher night and got three compliments before dessert was served.
Features:
- Material: Silver-tone base metal, resin turquoise
- Length: 32 inches adjustable
- Pendant: 1-inch faux-turquoise oval
- Details: Feather dangles
- Price: $49
Why You’ll Love It: The beads slide easily but stay put all day. It’s lightweight but looks substantial—ideal for layering with other silver pieces.
5. BaubleBar Custom Initial Bolo Necklace
As seen on: Miss Louie
Personalized jewelry is always in style, and BaubleBar’s Custom Initial Bolo Necklace is endlessly customizable. Choose your initial (or your child’s!), pick from polished gold or silver plate, and adjust the slider for any neckline.
I got one featuring my daughter’s initial as a Mother’s Day treat—she loves seeing her letter close to my heart.
Features:
- Material: Gold plate or rhodium plate over brass
- Length: Up to 22 inches adjustable
- Customization: Single initial charm
- Details: Sleek box chain
- Price: $68
Why You’ll Love It: Makes a thoughtful gift for moms, sisters, or best friends. The smooth slider means no tugging or hair-pulling—plus, it holds its position all day.
6. Kendra Scott Elaina Adjustable Chain Necklace
As seen on: Kendra Scott Official Channel
Technically not branded as a bolo, but Kendra Scott’s Elaina Adjustable Chain Necklace uses the same sliding closure (and gets rave reviews from pretty much every jewelry vlogger). The signature oval stone pendant comes in dozens of dreamy colors—from iridescent drusy to classic turquoise.
The adjustable chain means you can go from choker-length to long pendant with no fuss. I wore this to my niece’s birthday party and ended up loaning it out after everyone wanted to try!
Features:
- Material: 14k gold/rose gold/rhodium plate, genuine stones
- Length: 18 inches adjustable
- Pendant size: 0.38” x 0.75”
- Colors: Over 30 options!
- Price: $70-$80
Why You’ll Love It: The perfect mix of playful color and grown-up sparkle. Durable enough for everyday wear—even if you’re wrangling little ones at the playground.
7. Free People Western Bolo Necklace
As seen on: Amber Scholl
Free People’s take on the Western bolo is pure vintage drama—think burnished silver hardware, braided faux-leather cord, and chunky turquoise stones at each end. It feels like something you’d find at a desert flea market but is brand-new (and super affordable).
This one always gets noticed—layer it over a plain black tee or tuck under the collar of a crisp white shirt for instant retro vibes.
Features:
- Material: Mixed metal alloy, faux turquoise, vegan leather cord
- Length: 40 inches adjustable
- Pendant size: Two 1-inch turquoise stones
- Price: $38
Why You’ll Love It: Feels substantial but not heavy. The braided cord adds texture and stays comfortable against skin—no itchy spots even after hours of wear.
8. Gorjana Venice Slider Necklace
As seen on: Chloe Wen
Gorjana’s Venice Slider Necklace is minimalism at its best—a slim snake chain with a bead slider that glides smoothly from collarbone to mid-chest length. Available in gold or silver plate, it has just enough shine without being flashy.
I reach for this when I want a subtle accent that still feels special—the adjustable length means it works with every neckline in my closet.
Features:
- Material: Gold plate or silver plate over brass
- Length: Up to 20 inches adjustable
- Chain width: 1mm snake chain
- Details: Polished slider bead
- Price: $60
Why You’ll Love It: Polished enough for work calls but sleek enough for date night. No clasp means no fumbling—you just slip it over your head and adjust.
9. Urban Outfitters Beaded Heart Bolo Necklace
As seen on: Urban Outfitters Instagram Tutorials
For those who like playful color (and maybe want something their kids will love borrowing), Urban Outfitters’ Beaded Heart Bolo is pure fun. Tiny rainbow glass beads are strung along a waxed cord with an enamel heart slide at the center.
This one makes any outfit more whimsical—I wore it to pick up my daughter from school and her friends immediately asked where I got it!
Features:
- Material: Glass beads, enamel heart charm, waxed polyester cord
- Length: Up to 24 inches adjustable
- Colors: Multi-color beads with pink/red/blue heart options
- Price: $18
Why You’ll Love It: Adds personality to basics (think jean jacket or oversized sweater). Lightweight enough for all-day wear—even kids can try it out safely.
10. Maison Irem Gold-Plated Coin Bolo Necklace
As seen on: Lizzie Loves Vintage
Maison Irem’s Gold-Plated Coin Bolo Necklace feels like something right out of an old movie. It features two vintage-style coin pendants at either end of a delicate gold-plated chain that slides smoothly through a bead closure.
It looks stunning layered with other dainty chains or worn alone as a statement centerpiece for low-cut tops and deep v-necks.
Features:
- Material: Gold-plated brass
- Length: Up to 28 inches adjustable
- Pendants: Two etched coins (0.75 inch each)
- Price: $160
Why You’ll Love It: The coins catch the light beautifully and give off serious old-world glamour vibes without feeling costume-y.
How To Pick Your Perfect Vintage-Inspired Bolo Necklace
Consider Your Style Personality
Are you into boho chic? Go for moonstone or natural stones like Anthropologie’s Luna Pendant or Free People’s Western Bolo. Prefer sleek minimalism? Gorjana’s Venice Slider or Mejuri’s Bold Bolo will be your go-tos.
Pay Attention To Materials
Look for high-quality metals like sterling silver, gold vermeil, or brass plating if you have sensitive skin. Soft cords are great if you hate scratchy chains—plus they feel lighter during hot weather.
Think About Adjustability
Check the maximum length—if you love layering or wearing dramatic plunges, longer is better (32–40 inches). If you want something close-fitting for collared shirts or crewnecks, make sure it adjusts down easily.
Match To Your Wardrobe
Pick finishes that complement your closet staples—turquoise pops against neutrals; gold flatters warmer palettes; silver works year-round.
FAQ — Vintage-Inspired Bolo Necklaces
Are bolo necklaces comfortable?
Absolutely! Most have smooth sliders and soft cords/chains that sit lightly around your neck. If you have skin sensitivities, opt for hypoallergenic metals or fabric cords.
Will they stay put all day?
Yes—as long as the slider mechanism is sturdy (like those from Mejuri or BaubleBar), your necklace should stay exactly where you set it until you readjust.
Can I wear them with any neckline?
Totally! That’s part of the magic—you can make them choker-short for high necks or long and drapey for v-necks and button-downs.
Do they work for layering?
Yes! Try pairing your bolo with other chains in different lengths and textures for a modern stacked look.
Are these safe around kids?
Most are! Just avoid super chunky stones if your child likes to tug on jewelry; otherwise soft cords and secure sliders make these great everyday pieces—even if little hands get curious.
Final Thoughts—Bolo Necklaces Bring Generations Together
Vintage-inspired bolo necklaces aren’t just Instagram-worthy—they’re practical, comfortable, and genuinely fun to wear. Every time my daughter asks about mine, I’m reminded that good style really does cross generations. Whether you want something bold or barely-there, there’s a bolo necklace out there that’s perfect for your life—and maybe even your little one will notice!
If you try any from this list (or spot them on your favorite jewelry channels), let me know which is your favorite—I’d love to see how you style yours!