Looking to
accessorize your evening wear for a cocktail party, or shirt and trousers for a
fun afternoon with friends? Putting on just the right sort of necklace can
complete your look. Necklaces were in existence even 40,000 years back during
the Stone Age. At that time, there was no weaving and even the string was not
invented, so early man used to create necklaces from natural resources like
sturdy wines. The wines were tied together and decked with corals, colorful feathers,
stones, teeth, bones, shells and any other naturally available elements.
With invent
of twines, strings, metal working and cloth working, more intricate and durable
necklaces came into existence. Beads, gemstones and other precious stones were
strung together to form beautiful necklaces. Moving into the Bronze Age when
man learnt to melt metal into various shapes and sizes, metals like gold,
silver, bronze, copper and platinum were used to create solid metal chains and
necklaces to be worn by both men and women. Today in modern times, with
inventions like electroplating and blowtorches, new metals like titanium and
stainless steel have been used to create jewelry. With the help of
electroplating, nowadays we can have gold and silver plated jewelry.
Taxco, a Mexican city is widely famous for
producing brilliant Mexican
silver necklaces and other pieces of stunning jewelry like earrings,
bracelets and rings, all in 925 sterling silver. One can browse through
different designs and patterns of necklaces
online to pick the one of their liking. There are necklaces available in
traditional vintage look with pre-Columbian style with stones as well as in
breathtaking modern designs.
Usually
necklaces are categorized based on their length and adornment type. As per
adornment type, necklaces can be further divided into:
1.
Pearl necklace: It is made up pearls and is adorned
by women. It is of two types, a bib pearl necklace that has stepped sizes of
pearls with multiple strands and other type is uniform pearl necklace with
similar size of pearls.
2.
Diamond necklace: One of the most expensive necklaces
is the one with diamonds in it. Diamonds in a necklace are usually set in gold
or platinum. There are usually ‘Y’ shapes or ‘V’ shape diamond necklaces
available.
3.
Tooth pendant necklace: Such necklaces are usually common
for people living in tribal areas. It is basically a shark tooth in place of
the pendant strung with a leather string.
As per
length type, the necklaces are divided as:
1.
Princess necklace: It is 18in (45 cm) to 20in (50 cm)
long.
2.
Opera necklace: The length ranges between 30in (75
cm) to 35in (90 cm).
3.
Choker: This type of necklace sits high on the neck and varies
between 14in (35 cm) to 16in (41 cm).
4.
Matinee necklace: It is basically a single strand
that rests on top of the cleavage and varies between 22in (56 cm) to 23in (58
cm).
5.
Rope necklace: It is longer than opera necklace.
6. Lariat necklace:
This necklace is longer than rope necklace and usually does not have a clasp.
It is worn by draping it multiple times around the neck into a knot or a loop.
By Geseell Grant - mexicosterlingsilver@gmail.com
By Geseell Grant - mexicosterlingsilver@gmail.com