Necklaces
Necklaces are popular among all ages, cultures and gender. Necklaces can be classified in many different ways and for different reasons. Size, materials, form, meaning and symbolism, or fashion and age are a few of the main ways necklaces can be differentiated.
Necklace Size Classifications
The most common types of size classifications are
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Name
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Size
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Description
|
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Collar
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12”-14”
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Worn tight and high up on the neck. Typically mutli-strand
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Choker
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14”-16”
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Worn tight around the neck, but lower down just above the collar bone. Typical single strand,
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Princess
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17”-19”
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Worn just below the collar bone. Great with pendants. Most popular length
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Matinee
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20”-24”
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Worn down to the breast bone. Versatile for casual or business
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Opera
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28”-34
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Worn in many ways, for dramatic effect. Can be simplified by double loop around neck for more elegant look
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Rope
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35” – 45”
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Worn in various ways, usually knotted in front or multiple loops around neck. Also worn as a multi-strand bracelet
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Lariat
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Over 45”
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Worn with multiple knots in front or multiple loop around the neck, or a combination
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Necklace Meanings & Symbolism
This is probably the most diverse of all the categories, as it covers all aspects of life. Over the ages, necklaces have been used as symbols for everything from wealth and status to religious and spiritual icons through to forms just for beauty and style.
A few of these include:
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Category
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Description
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Wealth
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Status
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King’s crown
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Ceremonial
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Town Mayor’s ceremonial chain
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Religious
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Catholic crucifix
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Spiritual
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Native American Dream Catchers
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Tradition
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Neck rings in Kayan where their necks are “stretched”
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Relationships
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Marriages, unions, anniversaries, friendship
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Expressions
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Peace, hope, Love
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Interests
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Personal attributes, hobbies or affiliations
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Necklace Materials
Necklaces have been made out of almost any and every material that is available. We provide a list of material categories with some examples of materials.
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Category
|
Example |
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Precious Metals
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Gold, Silver, Platinum
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Other Metals
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Stainless Steel, Copper, Brass, Titanium, Pewter
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Precious Gems, Stones & Crystals
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Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires
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Other Gems, Stones & Crystals
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Agate, Tiger Eye, Zircon
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Animal Origin
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Hair, Bone, Leather, Feathers, Wool,
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Plant Origin
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Wood, Seeds, Bark, Hemp, String, Flowers
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Ocean Origin
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Coral, Shells, Pearls, Bone,
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Manufactured Materials
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Ceramics, Glass, Plastics, Rubbers
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Other materials
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Candy, pasta, corn
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