Chains Jewelry

 Necklaces are those unique pieces of jewelry that we all love.  They can be just a straight chain necklace or they can have some different designs to them.  There are many different kinds of designs to choose from for a chain necklace as well.  There are also three types of gold used to make necklaces today.  The are yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold.  All of which are usually fourteen karat in nature.  This is a malleable type gold but it is also strong enough not to get misshapen.  With all the choices today for cute, dainty, or nice chains, it is no wonder women have more than one in their jewelry box.

Chain necklaces started being worn around seventy five thousand years ago.  The first cavemen strung mollusks together and it is believed that this hanging ornament was worn around the neck.  Scientists have also found some necklaces that have teeth, bones, claws, and some stones. 

Gold started being used in 2500 BC in what is known today as Iraq.  The ancient Egyptians also used gold in their jewelry and they evolved the chain necklaces from the string type to chokers and broad collar type necklaces.  The dead were often buried with their treasured jewels and necklaces. 

In ancient Roman times, gold chain necklaces could only be worn by women and buried with the deceased.  They started to embellish their jewelry with gemstones and other shaped stones.

In the end of the second century, gold piercing became a popular thing to do.  It brought about a gold chain necklace that had a lace like quality to it.  They also added different colored gemstones between the chains.  Chain necklaces also had different designs and different beads, stones, and charms placed on them.

During the second and third centuries, it also became a way of the women to wear many chain necklaces at once.  This was to represent their status of wealth.  If they had very ornate and decorated necklaces, they were of the upper class.  The lower classes might wear just a plain chain. 

There are many different types of chains as there are people who want to buy them.  A Mariner’s chain can be expected to have some type of sea animal on it usually a dolphin.  A Byzantine chain has heavy layers of chain and connects each layer in the middle.  The Hugs and Kisses necklace is made of X’s and O’s.  The braided necklaces which takes several chains and braids them together.  There are just so many different combinations out there for you to try.

A charm that you will see a lot on a necklace is a cross or star of David.  Many people like to wear these religious symbols on their necklaces to ward off evil, bad luck, and the devil. They are two of the most widespread selling charms today.

The most famous chain necklace out there is one that money cannot buy.  It is made of some string and some macaroni and is often given as a birthday, Christmas, or Mother’s Day gift from a child.  Sure there are no gemstones in this one, but look at the hard work and sentiment placed into making the necklace itself.  No mother’s set would be complete without one.

Get out there and discover what you really like.  Is it the yellow gold or the white gold?  Is a simple chain or some made together?  Is is a big thick chain or a simple small one?  See what fits your personality and style and you will be well on your way to filling up your jewelry box with even more treasures.