What is the origin of chain necklace?

Jewellery worn around the neck

Daasanach girls wearing necklaces

A necklace is an article of jewellery that is worn around the neck. Necklaces may have been one of the earliest types of adornment worn by humans.[1] They often serve ceremonial, religious, magical, or funerary purposes and are also used as symbols of wealth and status, given that they are commonly made of precious metals and stones.

The main component of a necklace is the band, chain, or cord that wraps around the neck. These are most often rendered in precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. Necklaces often have additional attachments suspended or inset into the necklace itself. These attachments typically include pendants, lockets, amulets, crosses, and precious and semi-precious materials such as diamond, pearls, rubies, emeralds, garnets, and sapphires. They are made with many different type of materials and are used for many things and sometimes classed as clothing.

Historical necklaces

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Neolithic Talc Necklace

Prehistoric neckware

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Prehistoric peoples often used natural materials such as feathers, bone, shells, and plant materials to create necklaces. Evidence of early Upper Paleolithic necklace making in southern Africa and east Africa dates back to 50,000 BP.[2] By the Bronze Age metallic jewellery had replaced pre-metallic adornments.[3] Necklaces were first depicted in statuary and art of the Ancient Near East, and early necklaces made of precious metals with inset stones were created in Europe.[4]

Ancient civilizations

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Broad collar beaded Egyptian necklace of the 12th dynasty official Wah from his Theban tomb

In Ancient Mesopotamia, cylinder seals were often strung and worn as jewellery.[5] In Ancient Babylon, necklaces were made of carnelian, lapis lazuli, agate, and gold, which was also made into gold chains.[6] Ancient Sumerians created necklaces and beads from gold, silver, lapis lazuli and carnelian.[6] In Ancient Egypt, a number of different necklace types were worn. Upper-class Ancient Egyptians wore collars of organic or semi-precious and precious materials for religious, celebratory, and funerary purposes.[7] These collars were often ornamented with semi-precious, glass, pottery, and hollow beads.[4] Beads made from a variety of precious and semi-precious materials were also commonly strung together to create necklaces.[8] Gold that was fashioned into stylised plant, animal, and insect shapes were common as well. Amulets were also turned into necklaces.[9] In Ancient Crete necklaces were worn by all classes; peasants wore stones on flax thread while the wealthy wore beads of agate, pearl, carnelian, amethyst, and rock crystal.[4] Pendants shaped into birds, animals, and humans were also worn, in addition to paste beads.[4]

A polychromatic Greek necklace with butterfly Krishna Roy pendant

In Ancient Greece, delicately made gold necklaces created with repoussé and plaited gold wires were worn.[4] Most often these necklaces were ornamented with blue or green enameled rosettes, animal shapes, or vase-shaped pendants that were often detailed with fringes.[4] It was also common to wear long gold chains with suspended cameos and small containers of perfume.[4] New elements were introduced in the Hellenistic period; colored stones allowed for poly-chromatic pieces, and animal-head finials and spear-like or bud shaped pendants were hung from chains.[6] Ancient Etruscans used granulation to create granulated gold beads which were strung with glass and faience beads to create colorful necklaces.[6] In Ancient Rome necklaces were among the many types of jewellery worn by the Roman elite. Gold and silver necklaces were often ornamented with foreign and semi-precious objects such as amber, pearl, amethyst, sapphire, and diamond. In addition, ropes of pearls, gold plates inset with enamel, and lustrous stones set in gold filigree were often worn.[4] Many large necklaces and the materials that adorned the necklaces were imported from the Near East.

Later in the empire, following barbarian invasions, colorful and gaudy jewellery became popular. In the Byzantine era, ropes of pearls and embossed gold chains were most often worn, but new techniques such as the use of niello allowed for necklaces with brighter, more predominant gemstones.[4] The Early Byzantine Era also saw a shift to distinctly Christian jewellery which displayed the new Christian iconography.[6]

Timeline of non-classical European necklaces

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2000 BC – AD 400: Bronze amulets embossed with coral were common.[4] In Celtic and Gallic Europe, the most popular necklace was the heavy metal torc, made most often out of bronze, but sometimes out of silver, gold, or glass or amber beads.[6]

Bronze 4th-century BC buffer-type torc from France

AD 400 - 1300: Early European barbarian groups favored wide, intricate gold collars not unlike the torc.[11] Germanic tribes often wore gold and silver pieces with complex detailing and inlaid with colored glass and semi-precious stones, especially garnet.[6] Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian groups worked mainly in silver, due to a deficit of gold, and wrought patterns and animal forms into neck-rings. In the Gothic period necklaces were uncommon, though there are a few records of diamond, ruby, and pearl necklaces.[11] It was not until the adoption of lower necklines later in the Middle Ages that necklaces became common.

1400 – 1500: During the Renaissance it was fashionable for men to wear a number of chains, plaques, and pendants around their necks, and by the end of the 15th century the wealthiest men would wear great, shoulder covering collars inlaid with gems.[4] Women typically wore simpler pieces, such as gold chains, or strung beads or pearls.[11] By the end of the period, larger, more heavily adorned pieces were common among the wealthy, particularly in Italy.[11]

1500–1600: Long pearl ropes and chains with precious stones were commonly worn.[4] In the latter half of the century, natural adornments, such as coral and pearl, were joined with enamel and metals to create intricate pendants.[12] Heavily jeweled, delicately framed cameo pendants were popular as well.[11] Chokers, last worn commonly in antiquity, also made a resurgence at this time.[6]

1600–1700: Few men in the Baroque period wore jewellery, and for women necklaces were unsophisticated, often a simple strand of pearls or delicately linked and embellished strands of metal with small stones.[4][6] Later in the century, after the invention of new diamond cutting techniques, priority was for the first time given to the jewels themselves, not their settings; it was common for jewels to be pinned to black velvet ribbons.[11] Miniatures also grew in popularity, and were often made into portrait pendants or lockets.[6]

1700–1800: Portrait pendants were still worn, and in extravagantly jeweled settings.[6] The newly wealthy bourgeoisie delighted in jewellery, and the new imitation stones and imitation gold allowed them more access to the necklaces of the time.[6] In the early part of the century, the dominant styles were a velvet ribbon with suspended pendants and the rivière necklace, a single row of large precious stones.[6] By mid-century colorful, whimsical necklaces made of real and imitation gems were popular, and the end of the century saw a neo-Classical resurgence.[6] In the Age of Enlightenment gowns often featured a neck ruffle which women accented with neck ribbons rather than traditional necklaces, but some women did wear chokers inlaid with rubies and diamonds.[4] Seed pearls were introduced to the United States during the Federalist Era, leading to an increase in lacy pearl necklaces.[13]

1800–1870: The low necklines of the court gowns fashionable at this time led to the use of large necklaces set with precious jewels.[4] In Napoleon's court that ancient Greek style was fashionable, and women wore strands of pearls or gold chains with cameos and jewels.[11][14] In the Romantic period necklaces were extravagant: it was fashionable to wear a tight, gem-encrusted collar with matching jewel pendants attached and rosettes of gems with pearl borders.[4] It was also common to wear jeweled brooches attached to neck ribbons.[4] Some necklaces were opulent in that they were made to be dismantled and reconfigured into a shorter necklace, brooches, and a bracelet.[11] Highly embellished Gothic style necklaces from England reflected the crenelations, vertical lines and high relief of the cathedrals.[11] Empress Eugénie popularised bare décolletage with multiple necklaces on the throat, shoulders, and bosom.[4] There was also an interest in antiquity; mosaic jewellery and Roman and Greek necklaces were reproduced.[6] Machine-made jewellery and electroplating allowed for an influx of inexpensive imitation necklaces.[11]

1870–1910: The Edwardian era saw a resurgence of pearl necklaces, in addition to a dog-collar style of necklace made of gold or platinum with inset diamonds, emeralds, or rubies.[4] The Art Nouveau movement inspired symbolic, abstract designs with natural and animal motifs.[6] The materials used - glass, porcelain, bronze, ivory, mother of pearl, horn, and enamel - were not used for their value, but for their appearance.[11][6]

1910–1970: Chanel popularised costume jewellery, and ropes of glass beads were common. The Art Deco movement created chunky, geometric jewellery that combined multiple types of gems and steel.[6] By the 1960s costume jewellery was widely worn, which resulted in seasonal, ever-changing styles of necklaces and other jewellery.[4] Real jewellery that was common in this period included wholly geometric or organically shaped silver necklaces, and precious gems set in platinum or gold necklaces inspired by the time of the French Empire.[4] Love beads (a single strand of stone or glass beads) and pendant necklaces (most often made of leather cords or metal chains with metal pendants) became popular and were worn mostly by men.[4]

East Asia

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China

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Chaozhu

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Chaozhu

Court necklace of the Qing dynasty

In Qing dynasty China, a court necklace called chaozhu (Chinese: 朝珠), was worn by the Qing dynasty emperors and other members of the imperial family. The court necklace originated from a Buddhist rosary sent in 1643 by the Dalai Lama to the first emperor of the Qing dynasty. The necklace is composed of 108 small beads, with 4 large beads of contrasting stones to symbolize the 4 seasons, and was placed between groups of 27 beads. The necklace was also practical as it could be used for mathematical calculations in the absence of an abacus.[15]

Necklace with longevity lock pendant

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Chinese necklace with longevity lock

In China, there is a custom of wearing a necklace with a longevity lock pendant. These lock charms were sometimes personally tied around the necks of children by Buddhist or Taoist priests.[16] The longevity lock is known as changmingsuo (lit. 'longevity lock') and is an important form of amulet for children for thousand of years in Chinese culture. According to Chinese beliefs, the changmingsuo protect children from evil spirits and bad luck by locking its wearer's soul and life inside of the lock.[17] The changmingsuo is often made with precious materials, such as gold, silver, and jade, and having auspicious words carved on it.[17] This form of necklace continues to be worn in present-days China.

Yingluo

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Girl wearing a Hanfu and a modern-style, pearl

yingluo

(left), 2021

Yingluo (simplified Chinese: 璎珞; traditional Chinese: 瓔珞) was a ring-like neck ornament or fashionable necklace which was originally a Buddhist ornament depicted in Buddhist arts (e.g. sculptures and paintings) in China; the yingluo have roots in ancient India where its earlier prototype is the Indian ornament keyūra.[18][19] The depictions of the keyūra was introduced in China along with Buddhism.[18][19] The depictions of yingluo in China, such as those found in Dunhuang, evolved in shape and styles showing the cultural integration of foreign (non-Chinese) culture and the native Chinese culture due to the special characteristics of its geography.[18] The yingluo eventually evolved from an ornament in Buddhist arts and eventually became an actual necklace by the Tang dynasty.[18] The yingluo then became a classical form of necklace in Chinese society throughout centuries.[18] It continues to be worn in present-day, especially as a common hanfu accessory being used by Hanfu enthusiasts since the Hanfu movement.[20] It comes in variety of styles, shapes, and materials.[20]

Oceania

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Tasmania

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Shell necklaces

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Aboriginal Tasmanian women have been making shell necklaces from maireener (Phasianotrochus irisodontes) shells for at least 2,600 years, with some major collections in museums. The continuation of the practice is being threatened by reducing supply, and sixth-generation Palawa woman Lola Greeno is concerned that the practice will die out.[21][22]

Necklace lengths

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Necklaces are typically classified by length:

Necklace length diagram

Collar

About 30~33 centimetres (12~13 inch) long and sits high on the neck.

Choker

Close-fitting, short, 35~41 centimetres (14~16 in) long.

Princess necklace

45~50 centimetres (18~20 in) long.

Matinee necklace

56~58 centimetres (22~23 in) long.

Opera necklace

75~90 centimetres (30~35 in) long and sits at the breastbone.

Rope necklace

Any longer than opera length.

Lariat necklace

Very long variation on the rope, without a clasp, often worn draped multiple times around the neck.

Gallery

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Other neck uses

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A digital audio player (DAP) designed to be worn around the neck

Non-jewellery items are also used similar to a necklace to be worn on a neck, for example lanyards holding badges and cards.

See also

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Further reading

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• Jewelry 7,000 Years ed. Hugh Tait. ISBN 0-8109-8103-3.
• Jewelry Through the Ages by Guido Gregorietti. ISBN 0-8281-0007-1.
• 20,000 Years of Fashion: The History of Costume and Personal Adornment by Francois Boucher. ISBN 0-8109-1693-2.

References

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Modern day accessories like gold chains have become as regular day wear to some of us wearing clothes. We love to wear our chains and we wear them with pride. To some of us, it’s almost a life investment to rock a nice bling chain. Such as a nice thick Cuban link. The hype of wearing chains goes way back when, it's not just modern day hype. Chains are as much an accessory as may we dare say clothing? pushing it maybe, but you can't deny a nice piece of jewelry, like chain, can make a whole outfit look put together. 

Let's learn some more about chains and discuss which ones we totally dig right now.

Chains go way back!

 

Did you know, chains have basically been passed down to us from our ancestors?! No really, it’s true. Chains date back to at least 2500 BC, when the ancient Egyptians started threading gold and silver together.  Gold was bountiful in ancient Greece, where they started creating pendants to wear with the chains, and by 300 BC the elite upper class wore lavish jewelry with gemstones.

Image courtesy of Pinterest

 

 

In the 1900’s men suits were the staple in men fashion. This is when pocket watches were all the rage, and they were worn hanging from chains. The most cavemen accessory of the time and we must admit, this style was kind of smooth and sharp. The most common style of chain used with these pocket watches style was the Cable link chain or the Flat link chain.

 

image courtesy of Pinterest

It was not long before fashion started to change, along with the times and climates. During the 50’s when pocket watches and 3 piece suits were no longer the popular thing and casual wear was beginning to be a thing. The influence of music and fashion made a big impact during the 60’s when the era of layered chains, and medallions was about to begin it’s debut. Giving some much earned respect and awed to Jim Hendrix and his natural aura of impeccable style.

As technology advanced, so did the process of making chains. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s when chains began to become more extravagant. The 80’s giving birth to making chains a real fashion statement, thanks to the rise of rap and hip hop such a Run DMC, the Beasties boys. 

The Rope chain was a staple back then, just as much as it is today. L.L Cool J was another great example of the big chunky rope chain.

By the 90’s -2000’s hip hop became into an organized industry and more commercialized, and jewelry became a part of their marketing strategy. For example, record labels would compete in billboards flaunting their huge Chain and pendants. The Notorious BIG was can be remembered for his huge Jesus piece chain.

We are still so heavily influenced by this hip hop phenomenon, which has truly become more than just music. Gold chains have become a staple of our hip hop, and urban style culture and t’s an undying trend.

 

IN GOD WE TRUST(Or any other deity of your preference and belief.) 

 

Besides the act of making a fashion statement, chains can also represent religious status. Even these religious jewelry, can be dated back all the way to the Egyptian times, who worshiped many different God’s and  model their jewelry to showcase their devotions. Their designs included the serpent, the beetle,the falcon and the lotus, with their symbolic Ankhs or cross bars.. We still have some of these influences in our jewelry designs today.

Christianity also plays a major role in jewelry contribution, many gold chains feature many of the characters or saints most popular within the bible and culture.Take the most sought after religious chain for example, the Jesus piece. One could argue that this style is almost eternal. It is loved by not just religious fans, many people simply love wearing a gold cross or Jesus Piece. Biggie made his Jesus piece chain one of the most remembered trademarks, among many other rappers who made this piece a must have accessory. 

 

image courtesy of Pinterest

For many, a religious piece is an important gift and sometimes it is the first gift given to a newborn child. Whether it is a simple gold cross chain, for the christian believer, or a Star of David, Hamsa, or Celtic knot to other religious groups it makes for a beautiful and meaningful gift. One can argue that you can’t ever go wrong with a gift of jewelry on any special occasion.

 

 

A Gold Chain....The Gift that last forever

 

It can sometimes be a tough decision trying to find a special gift. However, one can never go wrong with a nice chain. There are so many great selections to make. You can give something meaningful, or something that can just compliment the person style. When it comes to men, a gold chain is a gift that you could never go wrong with. Certain deciding factors include what width, and length besides the style, to get. Always consider the person and their style. We have guides which can help with making these decisions. As well as jewelry experts ready to help.

Even with women, who would not love receiving a nice Tennis Chain? Same can be said for a man of course. As of recent trends, the Tennis chain has indeed became a must have accessory. It makes for quite a nice luxurious gift for either men or women. We have an assortment of these beautiful Tennis chains with pendants and without, or even a stackable set. 

This is just an example of the many different styles we offer, which would make a nice and affordable gift idea, with the holidays coming up. This chains comes with a lifetime guarantee so you're sure to be giving a long lasting meaningful gift worth giving.

 

 

 

Chains are here to stay

We have determined that chains have been around and they will be around for many more years to come. Trends come and go, but gold jewelry has been a staple since the beginning of times. A chain is something that you will be able to pass down from generation to generation. It’s a matter of fashion, culture, class and status and sometimes sentimental value. We are always happy to help you in selecting the perfect size, width or style. Even when it comes to styling or jazzing up your style, we are more than happy to offer tips and more. So pick up one of our gold chains today for you and one for that special someone!