Early History of Necklaces
The first necklaces were primarily made from organic materials such as bones, feathers, teeth, and shells. Examples of these were found in a Neolithic burial in the Alps around 4200-3400 B.C.E. Other early necklaces were made with twisted metal, called torque, which ancient Celtic people wore in Ireland and Scotland between 1800-1500 B.C.E. During the Gothic period of 1150 to 1450 C.E., necklaces were not very popular. Today we wear necklaces to promote ideologies that the wearer is passionate about, or to make us feel pretty, whereas initially they were for celebratory, religious, and funerary purposes. In some 14th century to early 17th century societies, necklaces with gemstones and bulky gold were a sign of prestige, power, and wealth. Eventually necklaces replaced brooches, the jewelry most worn during the middle ages.
Trends
Necklace trends follow the style of necklines for European and American cultures. At some point necklines were very high, but that didn’t mean we went without. With plunging necklines, more elaborate necklaces were worn. Even men wore a wide, bejeweled or enameled gold link necklace called a carcanet that resembles a high collar. “It was worn by men as a status symbol in the 15th through 17th centuries, encircling the base of the neck over a men’s doublet and under the elaborate lace ruff, or worn with gold chains wrapped around the neck, or hanging over the shoulders down the front of bodices and doublets (Torntore, Susan J.; History of Necklaces and Pendants; lovetoknow.com, retrieved on 11.05.2021). During the 60’s hippies often wore beaded necklaces, coined love beads, until the disco era arrived when men switched to straight up gold chains. Once hip hop music entered the scene, diamond encrusted pendants were the thing to wear.
Materials
Pearls, gold, and diamonds have held the test of time, with diamonds being the most expensive symbols of wealth, glamour, and prestige throughout history. Pearls were a popular choice among Roman women during the renaissance and early 18th century. An early innovator of pearl necklaces in England was Queen Elizabeth I. Although a constant stay in anyone’s wardrobe, pearls have always been a consistent go-to for professional women and brides. Even men in our current culture are wearing pearls around their neck. Yellow gold has always been to go-to metal of choice while white gold goes in and out of style more frequently. Today you will find a larger variety of metals to choose from with a selection of finishes, for example oxidized sterling silver which comes off with a dark gray finish.
Necklaces in African and Asian Cultures
Although the history of jewelry tends to be about western cultures, it still applies to Asian and African cultures as well. Silver necklaces with beads made of coral, amber, or silver coins were considered “savings accounts” for trading or when some form of payment needed to be made. Wealthy Hmong women wore many silver coin necklaces as a status symbol of wealth, especially during courting rituals.
In India, it was common for women to purchase gold jewelry but not wear it unless it was their wedding day. Often times this wealth was the only thing women had access to in some countries, once again a marker for wealth and family prestige in similar cultures.
In conclusion, necklaces have come and gone, but for the most part, it is here to stay. Today you can easily have options in white gold with yellow gold becoming more popular again. No matter if you like contemporary or vintage representations, you will be able to find something you or your loved one will appreciate. It is always our goal to find something that the recipient will cherish for years to come.
Sources
Torntore, Susan J.; History of Necklaces and Pendants; lovetoknow.com, retrieved on 11.05.2021.
A Fascinating Look Into The History of Necklaces; GirltalkHQ.com (May 18, 2020); retrieved on 11.05.2021.