A Summary of the History of Necklaces from Past to Present

Necklaces were first made from organic materials, like bones, feathers, teeth, and shells. Examples of these were found in graves from Neolithic burial sites in the Alps around 4200-3200 B.C.E. Twisted metal was also used to make necklaces like those worn by the Celtic people of Ireland and Scotland between 1800 and 1500 B.C.E. The Gothic period of c. 1150 to c. 1450 C.E. saw a decline in necklace popularity, however, which only rose again during the Victorian period of 1837 to 1901 C.E., when they became symbolic of romantic love and beauty rather than celebratory, religious, or funerary purposes.

If you are looking for more fun facts about necklaces, this article will satisfy your curiosity! Here, you will learn more about the history of necklaces and how they evolve into the fashion accessories they are today.

A Summary of the History of Necklaces from Past to Present

B.C.E. Times

Necklaces have been found in tombs of the people of the Jōmon period (14,000 to 400 B.C.E.). These ancient people of Japan made necklaces of shells or horns.

Necklaces were first made from organic materials, like bones, feathers, teeth, and shells. Examples of these were found in graves from Neolithic burial sites in the Alps around 4200-3200 B.C.E. Twisted metal was also used to make necklaces like those worn by the Celtic people of Ireland and Scotland between 1800 and 1500 B.C.E.

Gothic period of c. 1150 to c. 1450 C.E. saw a decline in necklace popularity, however, which only rose again during the Victorian period of 1837 to 1901 C.E., when they became symbolic of romantic love and beauty rather than celebratory, religious, or funerary purposes.

Renaissance Period

Necklaces began to be worn as fashion accessories in the 17th Century, during the Renaissance period. They started to be worn by women for more than one purpose—they began to be worn as adornments, fashion accessories, and jewellery.

18th Century

During the 18th Century, men began to wear necklaces as well, and they became popular with both men and women. There was an "Industrial Revolution" in Europe, and the concept of mass production was developed, which led to more affordable jewellery.

19th Century

Necklaces were evolving into the more ornate jewellery pieces that we know today. They were made of precious metals and stones, and the designs became more elaborate. The 19th Century was the "Golden Age of Jewels," and it saw the rise of the bejewelled aristocrat and the rise of the new rich.

Conclusion

Necklaces have been worn by cultures all over the world since the earliest days of humanity. They are an adornment, a fashion statement, a symbol of power, a powerful talisman, a religious symbol, a memorial to the dead, and even a piece of jewellery—and they have been all of those things throughout the ages. The history of necklaces is a rich and varied one, full of meaning and mystery.