Molly Smith's Arabic name necklace on Love Island is still trending - let me tell you why

Love Island 2024 has kicked off with a Joey Essex shaped bang (sorry, spoiler!) and while I sit and wait to see who is the wearer of the new Love Island necklace we're all going to want, I'm still pretty sure we're all obsessing over previous Love Island necklace moments, from Gemma Owen’s necklace to Samie's coveted chain and more recently, Love Island All Stars' Molly Smith’s name necklace. Yes, I'm HELLO!'s resident Love Island necklace connoisseur

Since Molly's necklace is the most recent one we wanted, its never too late to look back and buy it, since it was a classic design and way more affordable than, say, Gemma Owen’s iconic Tiffany necklace. 

Molly wore the gold chain almost daily in the South African Love Island villa, and even wore it for the final where she was crowned the winner with her now boyfriend Tom, and a scan of her socials shows it’s nothing new – she’d been wearing the necklace for months, including while loved up with ex-Callum in their Manchester home. 

© Instagram

Molly’s necklace, called the Custom Arabic Name Necklace, featured a classic gold link chain with Arabic calligraphy, spelling ‘Nelly’ after her dog, a Pomeranian she used to share with her Love Island ex. (They have another dog, Winnie, who Callum has custody of; Molly has custody of Nelly, FYI).

The Series 6 Love Islander has caused something of a stampede among LI fans, with searches of ‘arabic name necklaces’ increasing by 64%, according to jewellery brand PRYA. 

How I chose the best Arabic name necklaces like Love Islander Molly

• Style: I’ve tracked down lookalikes of Molly’s necklace, which offer similar options to Molly’s.
• Price: As Molly’s necklace is reasonably affordable, I’ve included a range of price points. Some are less expensive than Molly’s, but some are pricier which reflects the metal they’re made from.
• Availability: As I said, this is a trend that’s spiking right now and many necklaces like Molly’s are out of stock. I’ve only included those that are available at the time of publishing.

Fancy coupling up with a necklace like Molly? I've found a few for to gravitate towards...

Arabic name necklace – why we love the trend

According to jewellery brand PRYA, the Arabic name necklace trend first came into the zeitgeist around 2021. "While we can’t deny that Arabic name necklaces have been around for years, sported by many a stylish Arabian woman and several celebrities, we didn’t see this trend explode until 2021 when it became the hottest trend for celebrities and influencers.

"Some of the biggest names in fashion, beauty and music have been seen sporting this elegant style. The Kardashians, as always the trendsetters, have been wearing Arabic Nameplate Necklaces for years, with both Kim and Khloe rocking the classic style." Other celebrities they have cited as wearing an Arabic name necklace include Rihanna and Beyonce, who wore one in her Las Vegas show three years ago.

And of course, Molly’s name necklace isn’t a new trend as shoppers, including me, have been enjoying personalised jewellery for years. I first became attuned to the trend after Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw’s famous ‘Carrie’ necklace, which she wore throughout the seasons, plus the sequel And Just Like That.

That nameplate trend has since evolved into name necklaces becoming the norm, and I myself have a number of personalised pieces of jewellery, ranging from a necklace spelling my daughter’s name to initial studs and bracelets. For me, it’s like a constant reminder of my loved ones and if someone asks me the meaning behind the necklace, it gives me the chance to chat about my daughter. 

Ophelia Alickaj, founder Crystal Haze Jewelry, reflects on the style: "The name necklaces are often made of words that are essential parts of our lives and that we will hang on to for a long time. It is a nostalgia moment as this style of necklaces usually are made of statements that you stand for your whole life."

Kirsty Brown, Senior Jewellery Designer at Abbott Lyon, added: "Unlike off-the-shelf pieces, personalised jewellery tells a story, capturing the special memories and relationships into a tangible symbol that can be worn and cherished for life. 

"In today's world, where being real and authentic matters, personalised jewellery is all about giving something that has a true meaning behind it with thoughtful consideration and care at the core of every piece. It goes beyond mere adornment; it symbolizes love, friendship and shared experiences, etched into every carefully chosen detail. Trends may evolve and change but personalised jewellery will endure because it's all about those deep and meaningful connections that really make life special."

I see it as no longer a trend, but a classic piece of forever jewellery, perfectly capturing a moment in time, an ode to someone who means enough to the wearer to well, wear their name. And if it’s your own name you’re sporting, like SATC Carrie, then you do you.