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A necklace is an article of jewellery; which is worn around the neck.
Necklaces are frequently formed from a metal chain; often attached to a locket
or pendant. Necklaces can also be manufactured with cloth, and they sometimes
contain rocks (particularly gems), wood, and/or shells.
Many christians wear a cross or crucifix necklace which can differ in shape,
size, material and color. However, others who are not Christian may wear a cross
merely out of decoration.
History
Necklaces have been worn throughout history, by both men and women, and have
been used as marks of distinction in many cultures, including the ancient Hebrew
culture. Necklaces, handsome and richly ornamented, were a principal part of the
dress, both of men and women, among the ancient Egyptians; and some idea of the
number of jewels they wore (remarks Sir G. Wilkinson) may be formed from those
borrowed by the Israelites at the time of the Exodus, and by the paintings of
Thebes. They consisted of gold or of beads, of various qualities and shapes,
disposed according to fancy and enriched with jewels.
Necklaces of gold thickly set with gems were worn by the Greeks and Romans of
both sexes. There was a famous necklace of the most costly precious stones upon
the statue of Vesta in Rome, to whose vengeance Zosimus attributes the tragic
end of Serena, Stilicho's widow, who had despoiled her of it. By the command of
Honorius she was strangled.
The necklace taken from the neck of the Hindoo King Jaipal, captured by
Mahmud (A.D. 1001) was composed of large pearls, rubies, etc., and was valued at
two hundred thousand dinars, or a good deal more than a hundred thousand
pounds.
Homer mentions a necklace curiously wrought of gold interwined with amber,
which Eurymachus presented to Penelope.
Types of necklaces
Bib Necklace
A bib necklace is multiple
strands of stepped pearls.
Choker
A choker is 35 cm to 40 cm (14" to 16") long and sits on the
base of the neck.
Dog Collar
A dog collar necklace consists of multiple strands of
pearls that lay close to the neck.
Graduated Necklace
A graduated necklace consists of a single strand
of pearls that has a large pearl in the middle, with the pearls gradually
becoming smaller toward the clasp.
Matinee Necklace
A matinee necklace is 55 cm to 60 cm (22" to 24")
long and sits at the top of cleavage.
Opera Necklace
An opera necklace is 75 cm to 90 cm (30" to 36")
long and sits at the breastbone.
Princess Necklace
A princess necklace is 45 cm to 50 cm (18" to
20") long. It is between choker and matinee length.
Sautoir or Rope Necklace
A sautoir or rope necklace is any
necklace longer than opera length.
Uniform Necklace
A uniform necklace consists of pearls that appear
to be all the same size, although normally there is a slight difference towards
the ends so they appear to be in proportion.
Other Possibilities
- Affair of the diamond necklace
- bracelet
- choker
- collar
- Figaro chain
- livery collar
- The Necklace
- omega chain
- torc
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