What is a necklace? This is a type of jewelry worn around the neck. Beads are one of the most ancient ornaments. They have been worn since Paleolithic times. Today they are predominantly worn by women, but in ancient times they were also worn by men.
A bit of history
Then people made this jewelry from various stones (they learned how to extract amber) and even from shells. Men hung beads made of animal teeth and bones as trophies. After a while, necklaces began to be made from precious metals, from silver and gold. The beads were elliptical in shape. Almost every ancient woman had a necklace of stones.
In Egypt, for example, rich, prosperous people wore just huge gold jewelry. They were decorated with various precious stones. Such a necklace even covered the collarbones.
Beads are one of the most popular ancient jewelry. They changed their shape, length, composition. At the moment, there are a large number of these decorations. Very massive and large and only a couple of beads. Not only can they be worn around the neck, but also as a bracelet on the arm or leg.
Beads –a universal decoration that can emphasize all the advantages of a woman and hide her flaws. You can visually make the neck longer or give the splendor of the chest. The main thing is to choose the right jewelry.
Findings
What is a necklace? People knew the answer to this question in antiquity. Excavations were carried out in Africa 10 years ago. Exhibits were found that are more than 70 thousand years old. The beads looked like shells with a small hole for the thread. Even in those days, people already knew how to make such products. Even today, in the underdeveloped cities where the tribes live, such beads are still made. Sometimes made of bones or teeth, each such bead has its own special meaning. Something brings good luck, and something cures ailments.
Even archaeologists found stone beads and from those materials that were easy to process. It was amber, pearls and others. It is amazing that so many years ago people could make jewelry from such expensive stones without understanding their value. After a while, when metal came into use, jewelry was made in the form of bent rings. Accessories made of gold could also be found, but in ancient Egypt they knew how to make beads even from glass. Sometimes they were made unusual. To do this, they used a glass bead and filled it with fish scales, the decoration looked like pearls, but not real ones.
Such finds can be found in any country. In ancient times, necklaces were not only decoration, but also a talisman. They showed the status of a person in society, sometimes they were a medicine. Pearl necklaces with gold were considered greatluxury, not everyone could afford them. If the beads were made of precious metal or stone, then they could pay.
Types of necklaces
Let's look at the types of necklaces:
- Beads - a necklace in which there is a thread, beads are strung on it. They can be made of metal, glass, pearls, other precious stones. This type of decoration is still popular today
- Velvet - looks like a ribbon that was worn around the neck. A variety of stones and decorations were attached on the fly. It was popular in the 18th century.
- Necklace is an adornment of their precious metals and stones. It is slightly looser than velvet, but also fits snugly around the neck.
- Jazeran - looks like a chain, but very large with additional decorations. Such a product was worn in several layers, around the collar. It was popular in the 16th century.
- Collar is a men's jewelry that looks like a wide gold chain with additional inserts.
- Pendant - a type of necklace that has a chain on which a pendant or medallion is attached. Popular today.
- Choker - looks like a collar. Fits close to the neck. Can be crafted from a variety of materials.
- Monisto is an ornament worn on the chest. Consists of several layers of beads and pendants.
- Sautoir is a men's jewelry, looks like a wide gold chain, with precious stones.
Features of creating jewelry
Such a product as beads is now very popular. You can buy them at any store orjewelry salon. Such an ornament looks like identical beads strung on a thread. This is the classic version. Modern designers have a great imagination, and at fashion shows you can find the most amazing necklaces in the form of beads from different metals, precious and not, from stones, glass, plastic and much more. With flowers, there are also no restrictions. So the beads can be matched to any wallet, taste and color.
When a craftsman makes beads, he makes sure that their appearance is attractive. To make glass beads, the master takes a glass tube and quickly cuts it into beads, then picks up identical beads and assembles the jewelry. The same goes for gemstone jewelry. When making beads from pearls, beads of approximately the same size are selected so that they do not have any distortion.
The ideal material for making jewelry is amber. This stone is very plastic, lends itself well to processing, and also has a wide range of shades. Beads from it can be made absolutely any shape. The master only processes the edges and shapes, and the stone does the rest for him. It is famous for its natural beauty.
Beads can be made from coral. They look like sticks strung on a thread. The larger and rounder the beads made of this material, the more expensive the jewelry will cost.
Beads made of natural materials are considered fashionable. For example, from ivory or solidified lava. Plastic is a versatile material, it can be used to make decorations of any shape, size and color.
Gems from which jewelry is made, their properties
Gem jewelry has certain properties. There is a whole encyclopedia where it is written what each stone does. Thus, you can choose jewelry for yourself. Consider the properties of some stones:
- Agate - This stone ensures good physical shape and he alth until old age
- Turquoise is a stone for the eyes. People wearing this stone must have good eyesight.
- Emerald - can help distraction or bad memory.
- Hematite - can help with wounds or bruises.
- Amber is a universal stone. Can relieve headaches, treat throat. Previously, not everyone could afford to buy expensive amber beads. It is known to be worn by many for thyroid disease.
- Coral beads - attract the opposite sex.
- Carnelian - according to its name, it is able to treat heart diseases.
Tips
What is a necklace in the old days? It was a symbol of protection. With it, you can be more successful and happier. In the period from the 16th century, this decoration began to be considered exclusively for women. In that era, each rich lady picked up a separate piece of jewelry for each outfit. But before it was huge, expensive jewelry. Minimalism is welcome now. Any jewelry factory will be able to produce beautiful, attractive accessories. And every modern woman can afford to wear beads under anyimage.
Conclusion
Now you know what a necklace is, what types of such jewelry are. In the article, we examined their features, also provided photos of stone jewelry. We hope you found this information helpful.