Necklaces

Meanings

Throughout time, necklaces have been used to convey a plethora of meanings. In addition to wealth, status, and beauty, they have been used to convey many spiritual and personal elements. They can also be used to showcase personal style, express relationships and feelings, and convey certain identifications. A few of these include:

• Religious sentiments, such as the crucifix or cross in Christian Jewelry
• Spiritual meaning, as in Native American dream catcher pendants
• Special relationships signified with lockets
• Friendship and family relationship signification
• Anniversary/marriage/union
• Talismanic meanings in rune pendants
• Birth month conveyed with gem stones
• Physical and mental balancing with Chakra neck charms
• Personalized Name chains
• Personal attributes, hobbies, or affiliations
• Awareness neck pieces
• Concept necklaces such as peace, hope, faith, love, or luck

Types of Necklaces

Just as there are a tremendous number of meanings associated with various types of necklaces, there are thousands of different types and materials. The most popular types include chains and pendants made from metals such as gold, silver, titanium, and precious and semi-precious metals. Pearls are another classic favorite loved by women for generations, conveying a classic and subtle beauty. Diamond and gemstone pendants on coordinating gold or silver chains are also perpetually popular

Beads and crystals are also popular styles. Interest in unique handmade and vintage and antique necklaces has skyrocketed in recent years, along with trends towards contemporary Hip Hop neck jewelry styles epitomized by the bling of bright, bold, flashy designs.

What's Hot

Stylish triple strands.

Despite the incredible variety, there are some styles that certainly pervade the necklace scene as piping hot. These include:

• Layered, dual, or three strand neck jewelry
• Chunky, oversized pieces
• Celebrity-inspired necklaces
• Delicate lariats or "Y's"
• New choker styles
• Crystal beads
• Three station and drop necklaces
• Natural beads and organic carvings
• Scalloped and collar neck pieces
• Long ropes/chains
• Colored gold
• Enamel and ceramic
• Open and hammered links in chains
• Floating heart pendant necklaces

Length

The length of necklaces varies depending on the style. The most common length is worn loosely around the neck and falls slightly below the collar bone. Chokers lie tightly against the neck itself. Chains and pearls come in a great variety of lengths, allowing you to choose the look that you desire. Other styles may have optional adjustment levels for a slightly longer or shorter appearance.

Buying Neck Jewelry

Price Ranges

As with most jewelry, necklaces range in price dramatically. Everyday fashion looks in costume and trend jewelry markets such as department and accessory stores might sell for under $10. Necklaces from fine jewelers can range from $100 to tens of thousands of dollars.

Tips on Buying Fine Necklaces

The large number of jewelry retailers and the expansion of auction sites like eBay sometimes allow even normally discerning people to get duped into buying fake neck jewelry that was presented as fine. A few tips for getting real, authentic necklaces are:

• If you see gold stamped GP or EP, it is not real gold, but gold-plate pr electro-plated.
• Be aware that solid gold and real platinum will not tarnish with age.
• In the U.S. real gold is required to be stamped with the manufacturers' trademark
• Buy necklaces only from established jewelers or trusted sellers
• Look for paperwork to accompany your purchase, such as a report from the Gemological Institute of America or an authenticity guarantee from the original manufacturer.

Shopping Links

• Claire's - Fashion Jewelry
• Mira Jewelry - Fashion Jewelry
• Zale's - Fine Jewelry
• J. B. Robinson - Fine Jewelry
• Couture Jewelers - Haute Jewelry
• Tiffany - Haute Jewelry
• Jewelry by Madeline - Handcrafted
• Moon Star Jewelry - Handcrafted