The concept of the necklace is probably about 75,000 years of age. In April 2004, scientists discovered mollusks in South Africa that were probably used for neck jewelry and were estimated to be from around the Stone Age.
The usage of gold in necklaces dates to around 2500 in the Middle East, particularly in modern-day Iraq. The ancient Sumerians began to use alternating patterns of colored rocks, gems, and metals around 500 years later.
The Egyptians were also avid wearers of the necklace. Usually very thick and heavy, the necklaces of the ancient Egyptians were usually complicated and intricate. They were mostly worn by the wealthy, and usually buried with their owner in the tomb.
The ancient Greeks (480-300 BC) normally wore necklaces with detailed pendants, usually resembling a head, seed, or acorn. The later civilization of the ancient Romans discouraged the wearing of jewelry, and there were laws and regulations that limited the amount of gold that could be worn or buried with a corpse. Later on, however, Roman jewelry began to flourish and was a prominent part of the culture.
During the second and third century, wearing more than one necklace simultaneously was the trend. In accordance with common cultural themes, the type/quantity of necklaces worn usually implied some sort of social or financial status of the wearer.
Necklaces are probably the most popular pieces of jewelry worn to date. There are different types of necklaces, like chokers, chains, and long necklaces that reach the hips. There are also different ways to manipulate a simple chain, most commonly with the usage of the pendant.
Pendants can encompass any possible attitude of the wearer (like tattoos) or simply be a pretty compliment with no particular symbolism. But, they are not necessarily a must. There are many beautiful necklaces that are just a decorative, symmetrical chain all the way around.
Whatever the necklace, it never fails to compliment a bare neck or add to a slew of multiple necklaces. Easy to wear and fun to mix, the necklace is probably the significant type of jewelry that ever existed.
