For centuries, one of the most expensive and exquisite jewelry was considered a gold necklace. It has always been not only fashionable, but also a status accessory that showed others how wealthy its owner was.
We will try to tell you what these jewelry are and about the precious stones used in them.
What it is?
First of all, it is worth noting that the word "necklace" - borrowed, came to us from the French language and translates as "wearing a neck", or "collar". A modern gold necklace (photo below) is a necklace of a rather complicated design, consisting of several parts, the largest of which is the central one. It can be either whole or composed of several elements.
A bit of history
Since ancient times, people have sought to decorate themselves. Even the ancient Egyptian pharaohs wore a massive gold necklace, symbolizing power. According to ancient sources, made of many plates and coated with enamel, such an ornament was so heavy that a special counterweight was attached to it on its back so that it could move. Noble warriors of ancient Rome wore similar jewelry, and in the Middle Ages - rulers and wealthy nobles. Necklace became an independent element of jewelry relatively recently - in the XVIII century. At the end of the 19th century, the Danish princess Alexandra introduced a new type of decoration, the so-called “dog collar”, which tightly covered the throat.
Russian features
Already in the XI century, a gold necklace was a privileged decoration of Russian high society and nobility. In the XIII – XIV centuries, such jewelry made of cheaper materials was already widespread among the general population. Russian women's and men's clothing of the XV – XVII centuries was often decorated with necklaces, which meant decorating the gate with precious stones and pearls.
Classification Features
Regardless of what metals the necklace is made of, they are necessarily equipped with a fastener and differ:
- by lenght;
- form;
- tightness to the neck;
- the presence or absence of precious stones, their types and characteristics of fastening.
Length matters
A modern gold necklace can have a very different size: from 32 to 100 or more centimeters. Consider the most common options:
- "Rope" is the longest piece of jewelry, consisting of miniature gold elements connecting precious stones.
- "Opera" is a golden necklace that falls below the chest and is about 85 cm long. A similar type of jewelry is in fashion relatively recently, and the most spectacular model is considered to be several chains, where several links are replaced with bright precious stones.
- "Matine" - as a rule, a gold necklace without inserts, up to 60 cm long, for daily wear. Dress him over a dress or blouse in order to emphasize the elegance of the image. There are brighter, pompous options for going out and celebrations.
- "Princess" - a classic gold necklace for an evening dress with a shallow neckline. The maximum length is 47 cm, and usually it consists of a chain of beautiful and fashionable weaving, with a standardly fixed suspension. This gold necklace, the photo of which is presented below, is ideal for everyday wear.
- "Choker" - a classic piece of jewelry with a length of 35-40 cm, elegantly framing a woman’s neck and lying freely on it. The British Queen Victoria was not indifferent to this kind of necklace, and the Princess of Wales disguised her scar with it. Unfortunately, this jewelry will not work for ladies with a small or short neck. The design of the "strangler" (this is how the word c hoker is translated from English) is the most diverse . In the traditional version, the main decor is based on the front, and just a chain goes to the back. Links in it are of various shapes: round, triangular, oval or fantasy, allowing you to create a strict or feminine image. The girth of this jewelry can be changed thanks to special length adjusters.
- The smallest in length, no more than 32 cm, necklace - "collar". Since it quite tightly wraps around the neck, sometimes it is also called a "collar" . Usually this is a golden necklace with pearls or densely covered with other precious stones. Such jewelry is perfect for a long low-necked evening dress and high hair style, emphasizing the beauty and length of the owner’s neck. In addition to women’s, there is also a man’s collar necklace, which serves as an indicator of the nobility and status of the owner, such as symbolic chains decorating city governors, as well as other noble and aristocratic people.
Considering a gold necklace, the types by which it is presented, one cannot but mention such a prefabricated piece of jewelry as a "transformer". Usually it consists of two separate products, for example, a bracelet and a chain, and have special detachable decorative elements that allow to increase the length.
Regardless of the length and material of which they are made, all necklaces are necessarily equipped with a clasp and fit to the neck with different densities. Several groups are distinguished depending on the shape of these jewelry and the types of fastening of precious stones on them.
External features
The following varieties are distinguished:
- Hoop necklace: it can be made of gold or any other precious material and, as a rule, is decorated with a discreet pendant. It fits snugly around the neck and fits most office-style items for everyday wear.
- "Plastron" (translated from French means "bib"). This is a rather voluminous necklace covering most of the chest and neck.
- "Clasp" is a special type of jewelry, the clasp of which is located in front and is the dominant decorative element.
- “Squalage” - a ribbon of gold or fabric tightly covering the neck, richly decorated with precious stones. In the center it is decorated with a pendant descending into a dimple on the neck.
- "Riviera" is a beautiful decoration, but only for the evening or especially solemn occasions. It can be a gold necklace with diamonds, garnets, sapphires or any other precious stones, fixed so that the junction cannot be seen.
- A necklace obtained by weaving many chains of gold, different in thickness and weaving. Such an ornament can be decorated with pearls, inserts from other precious metals and stones.
Gems
A wide variety of natural and artificial stones can be used to decorate jewelry.
The fair sex of any age will suit a variety of necklaces with diamonds. Such jewelry always looks stylish and status, emphasizing the owner’s wonderful taste.
Necklaces with rubies or emeralds are also considered to be “enduring classics” and testify to the wealth and high position in society of their mistress.
Gold necklace with garnet, a stone of a bloody color, looks less provocative, but nevertheless elegant and elegant. Wearing jewelry with such a stone, the lady declares herself as a strong and independent person, striving for success.
For young, ambitious and purposeful girls, a necklace decorated with pearls or sapphires is suitable. There is an opinion that they help to find their destiny.
Alloy Features
In the manufacturing process of most jewelry, including various types of necklaces, various metals are added to gold to give it greater strength and resistance to damage. Such additives not only improve performance, but also affect the color of jewelry. The sample of jewelry is determined depending on their quantity contained in the gold alloy. Depending on the metals introduced into the melt for making a necklace, it can be of different colors and shades. When fusing gold with copper and silver, they get a yellow color. Increasing the amount of copper will result in a darker shade, while adding silver will make it lighter. When palladium, platinum or nickel is added, white gold is obtained .
To preserve a noble appearance, jewelry is sometimes coated with a special rhodium compound, which must be regularly updated.