Types of Necklaces
Necklaces are the perfect accessory to add a hint of opulence or casual style. Learn about the different types of necklaces to help you find a look that suits your personality.
Necklaces come in a variety of styles and lengths. Understanding the differences between a chain, fastener and embellishment will give you more options for finding your perfect necklace.
History
From simple shells on a string to opulent designs studded with jewels, the necklace has served a variety of purposes for many cultures throughout history. It has been a form of jewellery for women since prehistoric times and is one of the most popular forms of neck decoration.
Historically, necklaces have communicated specific meaning in different societies and were often a display of wealth and power. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, for example, men would wear necklaces that resembled collars as a symbol of wealth, often paired with elaborate lace ruffs or gold chains.
Necklaces were also used for more practical purposes in nomadic cultures around the world. Heavy silver necklaces, often including expensive elements such as coral beads and amber and incorporating silver coins, served as portable “savings accounts” for families that could be converted into money when necessary. Today, necklaces have become a staple for both decorative and utilitarian purposes and come in a wide range of styles to meet the needs of all women, regardless of culture or heritage. The cross is perhaps the most iconic religious pendant worn by Christians, while necklaces with beads and pearls are a favourite of fashionistas everywhere.
Materials
There are many different materials that can be used to make necklaces. Some of these include metal, gemstones, wood, plastic beads and shells. They can be simple and elegant, like pearls, or chunky and a little more eccentric, as is the case with beaded necklaces.
Almost all necklaces have some sort of fastener or clasp that keeps the chain together and secure around the neck. This can be a spring Jewelry Set ring, lobster claw or hook and eye fastener. Most people don’t think about this part of a necklace, but it is important to have a good clasp that will hold up against the wear and tear of everyday life.
A common type of necklace is a chain, which can be made out of gold, silver or other base metals. These chains come in various lengths, including chokers and princess lengths. They can also be adorned with pendants and other gems, making them a perfect accessory for any outfit.
Styles
From pearls to beads, wooden to metal, there are a wide variety of necklace styles that showcase individuality and a sense of style. Depending on your preferences, you can go for a simple bar pendant that’s popular with influencers and the Duchess of Cambridge or a beaded design featuring a unique pattern of gemstones, beads and other materials.
Long necklaces like the sautoir style feature ornamental pendants or tassels at the bottom and are paired with scoop neck, v-neck and off-shoulder blouses. For a bold statement piece, opt for a collar necklace with a locket at the front to add an extra layer of adornment to your outfit.
Another fun option are the twisted necklaces, which are constructed of numerous strands that are twisted around each other to create an eye-catching accessory that can be worn with any neckline. If you prefer to keep things short, opt for a choker. Other shorter options include the lariat necklace which features a Y-shaped appearance and no clasp or the collar necklace that is kept tight to the neck and is great for punctuating a turtleneck.
Pendants
Necklaces are a great way to express a person’s individual style. Pendants can feature gemstones, symbols and filigree metalwork and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Smaller types of pendants are called charms and are often worn on bracelets.
The base material for a necklace is usually a chain or cord. Necklace chains can be thin or thick and are made from a number of metals, including silver, gold and copper. Beaded necklaces are also popular and can be made from beads of a single color or in a sequence.
In the past, men wore necklaces as well, but with the rise of hip hop culture in the 1960s, they became more popular among women and have since become a standard accessory for both men and women. Some necklace styles, such as antique gold plated ring lavalieres and bib necklaces, are great for pairing with minimal jewelry, while others, like a crucifix or rosary, are perfect for expressing spirituality and can offer protection from evil spirits. Some people choose to wear religious medallions that have been blessed by a priest, which is a beautiful way to show devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Lockets
Necklaces are often worn for fashion and beauty purposes, but they can also be used as a keepsake. A locket is a small compartment pendant that holds a photo or memento, and it’s one of the most popular necklace styles for sentimental reasons.
There are many different necklace lengths, and knowing the right style to match a certain outfit can make your shopping process easier. Some common necklace lengths include princess, matinee and opera.
Princess necklaces are the shortest style of all, and they sit at the collarbone. They’re the perfect length to pair with a low-cut top or a V-neck dress. A matinee necklace is a little bit longer than a princess necklace and will sit just above your bust. It’s a great option for wearing with a plunging neckline and can be paired with almost any blouse or sweater.
