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 The
necklace dates back 43,000 years - cave men and women wore strings
of pebbles, sponges, shells, teeth and bones - any material that
could be easily bored and hung. As civilisation developed so did
the standard of necklaces.
The early Egyptians by about 3,000
B.C. had perfected the artistry of working in gold. The Georgian
period was essentially feminine. Much of the jewellery set out
to flatter necks, and / or ears and many of the pieces of jewellery
came apart and was used multi-functionally as brooches, pendants
and hair-pieces.
An example of inventiveness can
be seen in the "tremblant" or trembling effect applied
to the brooch and hair ornament. Movement was achieved by attaching
the jewel, on a fine spiral spring, to its pin or clasp. The diamonds
shimmered and caught the light when the wearer was sitting still.
Quiet breathing was enough to activate the springs!
 Denoting
strength, resourcefulness and marital status, necklaces still
adorn "primitive" peoples and today are used or worn
in the marriage ceremony of nearly every tribe or culture around
the world.
India had extraordinary fancy necklaces
in "apron collar" styles. Often abundant with jewels
of all kinds - hunks of rubies, emeralds, pearls and sapphires.
During the Art Deco years the belle-epoch
of necklaces, ideas were taken from India and China and used to
create fabulous displays of stones in geometric designs.
Today we have the omega necklet
as a collar style around the neck, simple and elegant from which
can be hung any kind of pendant - South Sea Pearls look delightful
hanging from this style of necklet.
See
examples in our online photo gallery
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