Necklaces
Necklaces come in many styles and lengths, hugging close to the neck and hanging all the way to the waist. Most necklaces are simply decorative, but some can serve a specific purpose such as suspending a lorgnette or watch. As the necklace evolved through the years, the popularity of certain gemstones, the decolletage on garments, and even current artistic preferences attached themselves to the humble necklace. Choose from the Necklaces pictorial glossary below to explore this formidable jewelry type.
Vignettes
Necklaces have existed ever since our ancestors began to walk upright. Our desire to adorn ourselves has been evident since ancient times with Paleolithic and Neolithic necklaces made from shells, bones,...
A necklace can be defined simply as an adornment designed to encircle the neck. Upon closer examination, they are actually so much more. Having existed ever since our ancestors began...
Terms & Definitions
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An anchor chain is a cable chain with an additional cross bar. They are named after the metal chains used to raise or lower a ship’s anchor.
A bib necklace is one composed of several strands of beads or gemstones that hang in a bib shape. Bib necklaces can also be a fringe or collar style necklace evoking a bib-like shape.
A Victorian chain style consisting of interlocking links of flat folded metal resembling the binding of a book. An alternative name for this type of link is the Venetian chain.
Brazillian chain (or snake chain) is an articulated chain composed of links designed to move in a snake-like manner. Snake chain has maintained its popularity since its introduction circa 1850.
A cable chain is made from round interlocking links. They come in various sizes and designs and are usually solid. Alternative name: Belcher Chain.
