Types of Necklaces
A necklace is a piece of jewelry designed to be worn around the neck. It can be a chain with pendants on it or it can simply be a string of beads or precious or semi-precious gems. Often, necklaces feature both of these elements in combination to create a dazzling and luxurious accessory.
The earliest known necklaces date back to ancient times. Egyptians favored wide collars similar to the torc, while ancient Greeks wore gold chains with pendants. By the time of the Middle Ages, necklaces had become less voluminous and were crafted in a variety of materials. Early European barbarian tribes favored intricately detailed gold pieces and were fond of inlay patterns and animal forms in their designs. By the late medieval period, the choker was popular, as were pendants that resembled crosses.
There are a wide variety of necklaces available on the market today. The most common is the collar necklace, which is worn tight and high on the neck. These are usually crafted from leather, velvet or metals and may be plain or feature a decorative element in the center. They are a classic choice for goth and punk aesthetics.
Another type of necklace is the bib necklace, which features an upper section that stretches across the collar bone. These can be crafted from different materials, with some featuring pearls, gemstones or diamonds. The bib necklace is also a favorite of emo and goth style fashionistas.
A riviere necklace is a short style that features a line of rhinestones or pearls graduating in size set into a metal setting. This necklace was a fashion staple during the early 1900’s and is also popular in modern jewelry. A lavalier necklace is similar to a riviere necklace except that it features one pendant or tassel. This style of necklace became popular in the 1800’s when French aristocrats elevated these necklaces into status symbols.
The tassel necklace is another type of necklace that features a long, slender and sometimes asymmetrical design. It is crafted from a mix of components including metallic chains, glass beads and thread, leather or silk for the tassel part of the necklace. The tassel necklace is a bohemian style, although it can also be seen in more refined styles that are considered to be more contemporary.
A talisman necklace is a piece of jewelry that features a talisman pendant, a charm that is believed to bring good luck to the wearer. Traditionally, talismans were used to protect against evil spirits and other negative energies but in recent years have been seen as a fashionable and stylish way to add a bit of personality and spirit to an outfit. The longevity lock, or changmingsuo in Chinese, is another type of necklace that has been used in China for thousands of years as an amulet to keep children healthy and happy. These locks are crafted from various types of material and typically have auspicious words written on them to offer protection from bad luck and disease.