Take a closer look at history and you’ll find out how necklaces played their part as a form of ornamentation to people. Frequently, they were used to distinguish one culture from another. Originally in gold or silver, you can find them in platinum, rose gold and white gold necklaces.

Archaeologists and historians have proven that necklaces were used as far back as 40,000 years before we originally thought. They have been dug out a cave in South Africa that contained about 41 mollusks and were put together just like a necklace 75,000 years ago.

Prior to this, archaeologists used to believe that the oldest record was from 30,000 B.C. The artifact was made out of animal teeth, stones, claws, shells and bones strung together, akin to the idea of modern necklaces.

In 2500 B.C., gold was used to make necklaces. Evidence was obtained from Ur. Later, Sumerians started to wear neck jewelry out of copper, colored stones and other precious metals.

The ancient Egyptians were more advanced with their designs. They started devising single beaded necklaces, to more intricate designs. They also made wide collar ones – typically used by the affluent individuals in the society. These were usually heavily adorned and became substantial in their outfits.

The classic Greek period of 480 to 300 B.C. approx gave rise to three-dimensional neck jewelry. These were designed with a chain of flat ornaments. When Alexander the Great rose to power, the Greek Empire was flourishing with gold. These were used to make necklaces and still continue to happen today.

Contrary to the Greeks, ancient Romans never really wore jewelry. They established statutes that indicate the amount of gold a woman is allowed to wear or lays to rest with. In the first century, Romans carved jewelry form precious stones in either rectangular or circular.

When the second century ended, piercing came to be. This method created a lace result to golden necklaces. The most renowned design was the chain with varied colored gemstones linked together by gold. Subsequently, putting on a number of necklaces at once became increasingly common among women. This gesture depicted social status. Over the course of the next several years, its popularity started to diminish but redeemed itself by the end of the 14th century.

In the current trend, necklaces are worn by all sorts of people – male or female. One of the most beloved and sought after gifts from children is the stringed macaroni necklace. Every mother appreciates this for they know it depicts sincerity from a child’s pure heart. There are many different explanations why people wear necklaces. One is because of beautification while others wear this for religious relevance. Examples of these are crosses and images of saints.

Necklaces survived the course of our long history. Chances are they will continue to play their part in the jewelry industry. And to retain its versatility, it’ll be ceaselessly restructured. It is not impossible for it to revolutionize further because it has been made out of teeth, animal bones to precious gemstones, from macaroni and shells to simple metal and beads. Only our imagination can take us further.

The introduction of modern metals such as platinum and white gold have made their mark in recent years. White gold necklaces are particularly popular amongst the trendy set.