The Name Plate Necklace and Its Many Facets
Name plates, primarily seen in offices and other commercial spaces, serve two primary functions: to identify the occupants of a space (often mounted on walls or door frames) and to establish a brand’s product.name plate necklace These name plates are often shaped as rectangles or other forms of written text, but can also take the form of graphics and artwork. The latter may be used to add a personal touch, such as a teddy bear or a baseball bat to reinforce the individuality of the person identified by the nameplate.
The jewelry industry has embraced the concept of a “name plate” in recent years.name plate necklace A variety of styles are available, including pendants and hoop earrings that can be worn as a single piece or layered with other adornments. Some resemble the traditional nameplates that hang on doors and walls in office environments, while others are made to be more stylish and personalized. These necklaces are generally fashioned out of gold or silver, and can be adorned with stones or other elements to make them even more eye-catching.
In the predominantly Puerto Rican and Italian Brooklyn neighborhood where Marcella Rosa-Salas grew up, jewelry stores across the street from her house would always feature nameplate necklaces in their window displays.name plate necklace “I remember loving them,” she says, “the way they proclaimed your presence to the world.” As part of their series on names and identity for Broadly, Rosa-Salas and frequent collaborator Isabel Flower started investigating the history of this style of adornment. What they discovered is that the jewelry—and the way it’s used by its owners—is richly textured and often has both a racial and class function.
Many people of color, especially Black and Latina girls, wear the necklaces to mark their coming-of-age as women, often purchased with savings earned by assisting around the household or neighborhood.name plate necklace The nameplates are a reminder of the hard work and determination they’ve put in to get where they are, and a sign of their success as women and mothers. The nameplates also function as a talisman against the racism and misogyny they face daily.
For working-class whites, the nameplate serves a similar function, identifying their social status to other members of society.name plate necklace They too are used as a kind of talisman against prejudice, a reminder that they’ve worked to earn their status in the community and the workplace.
Depending on your needs, name plates can be customized to include any number of names and words. They can be engraved in a variety of fonts and shapes, as well as adorned with different stones and gems. A slew of chains are available to pair with them, from simple link styles to edgy chokers. Adding additional charms—such as hearts, flowers, or initials—to the necklace can give it a more playful, sentimental look. If you’d like to gift a friend or loved one with a personalized necklace, choose the option that best matches their taste. Please note, however, that all personalized orders cannot be returned.