Necklaces

Since the dawn of mankind, people have been making and wearing jewelry for a variety of reasons, both for everyday wear and for special occasions. The symbolism, use and utility of jewelry have varied over time and according to local cultures.

What is the history and origin of the necklace?

Traces of the first necklaces as we know them date back one hundred thousand years. The first people to make necklaces used whatever was available nearby: stones, bones, etc. The Egyptian era marked a turning point in necklace-making techniques and design. Necklaces became more aesthetically pleasing, and new stones with color and light, such as gold and diamonds, were used.

The first rather heavy and imposing jewels, probably belonging to warlords and rich and powerful women, were made of gold in the Middle East 2,500 years B.C. J.-C.. Jewelry made of coloured stones, attributed with therapeutic virtues to distinguish oneself socially and remind one of one's rank in society. Gold jewelry was only available to rulers and merchants, as a reminder of their power and wealth.

Between 500 and 300 years ago, the Greeks were the first to use pendants on necklaces.

In Europe, during the Middle Ages, the choker, a type of very round necklace with spikes, gradually became part of people's cultural habits. Made from pearls or metal, they were adorned with precious stones, usually as a complement.

The Renaissance saw the development of the cross-shaped pendant, which remains a classic to this day, as jewelers have revisited it over the years.

Silver necklaces and silver pearls became popular in East Asia, particularly India. In Tahiti, Hawaii and the islands, women develop fresh flower necklaces worn as head jewelry for special occasions.

Fresh flower necklaces are an integral part of island rites, ceremonies and traditions.

In ancient times, necklaces were heavy and impractical. Later, during the Middle Ages, the great lords adorned their outfits with necklaces made of precious stones. The Romans, for example, sought out precious materials and atypical colors..

It wasn't until the 16th century that classic necklaces began to appear, more discreet and elegant than pendants, with medallions suspended from a chain.

What are the different types of necklace?

Necklaces today fall into several categories:

• The choker: a necklace that owes its name to its graphic, tight circle around the neck. On average, it measures a maximum of 40 cm and a minimum of 36 cm. A choker necklace pairs well with a V-neck top or cowl-neck dress. The choker necklace can also be worn with a Bardot neck top or dress, with ruffles to emphasize your bust.
• The long necklace: averaging over 90 cm in length, this necklace was very fashionable in the 1920s, when women wore long, fancy necklaces superimposed on each other to give volume and structure to their décolleté.
• The sautoir necklace, measuring 55 cm, is one of the most popular and versatile, easily worn with a daytime look, over a turtleneck sweater or an evening look with a V-neck floral dress.
• The uniform necklace: also known as the choker, the informed necklace is so named because it calls for pearls of the same size with a maximum margin of 1 mm. It's a very distinguished necklace, averaging 40 centimeters in length.
• The princess necklace: between 45 and 50 centimeters long, this is a chic, refined necklace to match many outfits in your wardrobe.
• The opera necklace: between 70 and 91 centimeters. An icon of jewelry, a symbol of glamour and sensuality, the opera necklace is made for special occasions, wedding ceremonies and engagements.

Take advantage of our collection of inexpensive, colorful and feminine fashion necklaces that you can easily match with the clothes in your women's dressing room.

We've fallen for our best-seller, the golden shamrock necklace with black stone, very elegant, it dresses up your neck and offers a pretty décolleté. This golden trefoil necklace with black stone pairs perfectly with a long-sleeved boat-neck top or a Bardot-neck blouse to show off your shoulders, sober high-waisted white pants and a pair of nude wedge espadrilles.

In summer, you can wear our double-chain gold necklace with stone with a sleeveless white crop top, loose-fitting high-waisted jean shorts and a pair of puma sneakers like the Cali Puma Dream on sale at our online boutique.