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Necklace

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A necklace is a beautiful piece of jewelry worn around the neck.

Dasaneh girls
Dasaneh girls

People use them for many different reasons. Some wear them to show they are wealthy or have high status. Others use them for religious ceremonies or magical purposes. They can even be used for funerals. Most necklaces have a main part called a band, chain, or cord. This part wraps around the neck to hold everything in place.

Chain length
Chain length

Many of these bands are made from precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum.

Many necklaces feature extra decorations called pendants. These are items that hang from the main chain. You might see a locket, an amulet, or a cross. Some pendants are made of beautiful stones like diamonds, rubies, or emeralds.

Greek - Necklace with Butterfly Pendant - Walters 57386
Greek - Necklace with Butterfly Pendant - Walters 57386

Other pieces use pearls, sapphires, or garnets. Some necklaces are even made of simple materials like glass or pottery. In some cultures, people use beads to make long, colorful strings. These can be very simple or very fancy with many details.

Humans have been making necklaces for a very long time. Evidence from southern and east Africa shows people made them 50,000 years ago.

Back then, people used natural things like feathers, bone, shells, and plants. By the Bronze Age, people started using metals instead. Ancient Egyptians wore large, colorful collars for celebrations. In Ancient Greece, people made delicate gold necklaces with animal shapes. The Romans also loved wearing gold and silver with stones from far away.

Different times and places created very unique styles. In Europe, Celtic people wore heavy metal neck-rings called torcs.

Torque à tampons Somme-Suippe Musée Saint-Remi 120208
Torque à tampons Somme-Suippe Musée Saint-Remi 120208

During the Renaissance, wealthy men wore large collars that covered their shoulders. In China, the Qing dynasty emperors wore a special court necklace called a Chaozhu. This necklace has 108 beads and can even be used for math.

同心湖のほとりで写真を写す漢服愛好家ふたり
同心湖のほとりで写真を写す漢服愛好家ふたり

Another Chinese tradition uses a longevity lock pendant to protect children from bad luck.

Necklaces connect the past to how we live today. In the 1900s, designers like Chanel made "costume jewelry" popular. This means jewelry made from less expensive materials like glass.

2021657 200354 Museon
2021657 200354 Museon

Even though materials change, the joy of wearing them stays the same. Some people still wear ancient styles like the Greek or Roman looks. Others enjoy modern, geometric shapes made of steel or silver. Whether made of gold or simple string, necklaces are a way to express who we are.

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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Dasaneh girls.JPG
Dasaneh girls.JPG
File:Neolithic talc necklace - PRE.2009.0.237.1.IMG 1833-black.jpg
Neolithic talc necklace -...
File:Broad Collar of Wah MET DP307898.jpg
Broad Collar of Wah MET DP307898.jpg
File:Greek - Necklace with Butterfly Pendant - Walters 57386.jpg
Greek - Necklace with Butterfly Pendant -...
File:Necklace with Pendant Cross MET 40502.jpg
Necklace with Pendant Cross MET 40502.jpg
File:Torque à tampons Somme-Suippe Musée Saint-Remi 120208.jpg
Torque à tampons Somme-Suippe Musée...
File:2021657 200354 Museon.jpg
2021657 200354 Museon.jpg
File:同心湖のほとりで写真を写す漢服愛好家ふたり.jpg
同心湖のほとりで写真を写す漢服愛好家ふたり.jpg
File:Chain length.jpg
Chain length.jpg
File:Cowon iAUDIO T2.jpg
Cowon iAUDIO T2.jpg
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