Necklaces and women's chains

Women's necklaces

Do you know that feeling? You dress up for a special occasion, but something's missing? That certain something that makes you stand out is simply not there.

Women's necklaces enhance any outfit and subtly or strikingly set you apart from the crowd.

Because there's a chain style to match every top, and a suitable material and design for every occasion. So your outfit isn't just beautiful, it's perfect!

Necklaces in History and Today

Jewelry has existed for as long as humankind. The first necklaces in the Stone Age consisted of seashells strung on chains. Some were even painted, as evidenced by traces of pigment. In the past, jewelry and necklaces primarily served to display one's status, but they were also expressions of happiness and vitality in the face of humankind's awareness of mortality. Over time, the arbitrary choice of colors and materials for necklaces developed a symbolism that revealed the wearer's social standing. In some cultures, for example, only the chief and the medicine man were permitted to wear jewelry. Later, there were specific chains for emperors and kings, and even today, a substantial chain signifies, for instance, the status of a university rector—it is an official chain, similar to those worn by some mayors. Today, necklaces are primarily associated with women, but in the past, chains also adorned men in certain positions. Valuable necklaces are also considered an alternative investment today, thus still serving as status symbols. Another historical significance of men's and women's necklaces was their use as grave goods. In Egypt, in addition to the jewelry worn by the deceased during their lifetime, extra pieces of jewelry were even crafted specifically for burial. Jewelry such as an amulet with a scarab beetle also held religious or magical significance. This practice persists today: women's necklaces are still touted as talismans and lucky charms, for example, in esotericism. Gemstone necklaces are believed to possess healing powers, and believers express their faith with a cross or an Om symbol on a necklace. Today, a women's necklace is primarily decorative. Of course, women's necklaces are still sometimes presented as status symbols, in these cases the truly expensive gold necklaces adorned with brilliants and diamonds. However, even less affluent women enjoy wearing necklaces; they are an important accessory and are often chosen to match earrings, rings, and bracelets.

There are also simple, understated pendants. In addition, there are statement necklaces made of costume jewelry; these also cover large parts of the décolletage and aim to do one thing above all: stand out. Ethnic and tribal necklaces with pearls, stones, shells, and other natural materials are also popular. There's also the cool, casual option, such as the surfer necklace with a surfboard or shell pendant for the beach; these necklaces are often also available in men's styles. For women's necklaces, the boho and vintage look shouldn't be overlooked, which can also be romantically playful. Hippie necklaces with peace signs and flowers are also popular with both women and men. Long necklaces, often very delicate and made up of several layers, are also appealing to women and beautifully complement a solid-colored top. Choker necklaces and necklaces, as well as the richly laced and stone-decorated Gothic necklaces, are also worth mentioning. And let's not forget the numerous jewelry pendants offered today, from the classic cross, locket, and heart to all sorts of figures and motifs, right up to the latest trend of round discs or dog tags, which can be personalized with an engraving. This is another reason why people like to wear necklaces these days: whether men's or women's necklaces, with a personal engraving they make an ideal gift and remind us of our loved ones, whom we thus always carry with us. Be it a husband, partner, best friend, or the names of one's own children.

Further differences between the chains include the The material is chosen to match the style, or depending on skin compatibility in case of allergies, such as nickel. Necklaces are available in stainless steel, 925 sterling silver, gold-plated or pure gold, brass or copper, as well as jewelry wire, cords, leather, cotton, or rubber. Each material has its own appeal and underscores a particular style, be it sophisticated, elegant, classic, or casual, modern, vintage, or tribal. Those allergic to silver or brass, for example, will likely opt for gold or cotton. In rare cases, perspiration reacts with brass, causing it to turn green. If this happens to someone, it's advisable to avoid brass jewelry altogether or to wear only silver-plated or gold-plated versions. Brass and copper are often the core components of gold-plated or silver-plated women's necklaces. These are less expensive than pure sterling silver but look just as beautiful. However, they should be protected from water, so remove them before bathing or showering to keep them looking their best.

Various styles of classic women's necklaces

In contrast to Collier , which refers to a rather wide neck ornament, often decorated with pearls and gemstones, and the wide choker Made of metal, these delicate chains are crafted from silver, gold, or stainless steel. Depending on the shape of the individual links and how they are assembled, they bear different names. The most well-known and popular form of necklace is undoubtedly the... Snake chain , characterized by its wafer-thin silver construction. In these women's necklaces, the individual chain links lie so close together that they resemble a delicate silver band. Available in various thicknesses to match any pendant or as a subtle silver chain. Also well-known is the Tank chain These could best be described as follows: oval to round chain links that lie inside one another, but whose top and bottom surfaces appear flattened because each link is twisted 90° inwards. These chains are often solid and available in various widths; they are usually worn without pendants. A variation of this is the Figaro chain : This curb chain features links that are more oval and elongated than the others, integrated at regular intervals. This creates an interesting pattern that can also be worn without a pendant and is used as a men's and women's chain. Also very well-known are... Anchor chains , which, as the name suggests, resemble the normal chain of a ship's anchor, i.e., oval and closely interlocking chain links. In the Round anchor chain These links are round instead of oval. In a Chain of peas The rounded chain links are not quite as tightly interlocked and are always arranged as follows: one link stands vertically, the next lies horizontally. In the ball chain The round spheres are connected to each other relatively rigidly by a wire; they look like small beads strung on a cord. King's chain It is of particularly high quality and not easy to manufacture; in its case, many intertwined chain links form a wide band that was actually worn by kings in the past. Wheat chains They are formed from tightly connected links that, viewed from above, resemble an ear of wheat; they are often worn as pendants. Roller chains These are necklaces made of round, interlocking chain links. Another special feature is... Plate chains , which carry small rectangular plates with two holes between the normal chain links; the plates are connected to the remaining chain links at the holes.

We would not want to leave out more exotic chain styles made from other materials, such as the one that fits close to the neck. Choker necklaces , often in a Gothic style with lace or velvet, also in a traditional style. Made of metal Neck ring They are manufactured, rigid and placed around the neck; they are also relatively tight-fitting. Multi-strand necklaces , which often cover the entire area between the neck and chest, are also Waterfall Chains They are called [missing name]. If the chains are not necessarily multi-stranded, but large and conspicuous, they are called [missing name]. Statement necklaces . There are also adjustable necklaces made of cotton or leather; these women's necklaces usually feature a pendant. In the case of a Y-chain One end is pulled through the round end and then protrudes downwards, resulting in a Y-shape.

What if my metal chain has gotten tangled?

A knot in a silver or gold chain can sometimes be quite difficult to untie, especially with force. Firstly, the precious piece could be damaged, and secondly, this often tightens the knot even further. Untangling women's necklaces requires a delicate touch, or, if all else fails, a visit to the nearest jeweler where a professional can assist. Before resorting to such measures, however, it's worth trying the following: apply a few drops of cooking oil or dish soap to the affected area, wait a few minutes, and then carefully try to loosen the knot again. Alternatively, lay the chain flat on a table and gently insert a needle or toothpick between the knots, slowly loosening and widening the area until the knot comes undone. Sometimes, using two needles simultaneously can be helpful. If you have difficulty with fine needles, use straight pins, as these are easier to grip by the head.

Adjustable women's necklaces

Adjustable necklaces are very practical, as they ensure a perfect fit for any neckline, and the length can be varied to suit different necklines and styles. Adjustable necklaces often feature a lobster clasp and an extension chain. However, other creative solutions exist, such as a two-knot system for cotton cords that allows for length adjustment. Very long necklaces often don't require a clasp at all, as they can simply be wrapped around the neck several times without one.

Which necklaces are suitable for men?

These days, a lot revolves around... Women's necklaces are popular, but history also includes many men's necklaces. For men, simple silver or gold chains are suitable, whether curb chain or anchor chain, and of course, the king's chain. If the chain is combined with a pendant, wheat chains and snake chains also work well. Dog tags or crosses are popular pendants for men. Looking for something more casual and sporty? In that case, men often choose surfer necklaces or necklaces with cotton cords and stone or wooden pendants. Motifs like the Tree of Life, the Vegvisir, or the All-Seeing Eye are also popular choices for men. Leather cord necklaces with cool pendants also emphasize a masculine look. Pendants with real teeth, such as a shark tooth, are also popular.

Shell and gemstones in women's necklaces

For women, anything that adorns and sparkles is incorporated into necklaces. Sparkling elements include glitter beads, glass crystals, Murano glass, cubic zirconia, and of course, real diamonds. Natural materials include shells such as the iridescent paua abalone, shimmering white mother-of-pearl, the spiral Shiva eye, multicolored mother-of-pearl, whole seashells, and coral. Gemstones and pearls are also very popular for necklaces. The white pearl necklace is practically a classic among women's necklaces. Chips of mother-of-pearl, gemstones, or Murano glass, faceted stone beads, Murano glass beads, and mother-of-pearl discs are often strung on jewelry wire for fashion necklaces. Gemstones such as lapis lazuli, rose quartz, tiger's eye, turquoise, malachite, jade, smoky quartz, moonstone, labradorite, jasper, carnelian or chalcedony are also often used to make special pendants, especially in hexagonal shapes.

Which necklace goes with which top/neckline?

Large, eye-catching necklaces, like the currently popular statement necklaces or voluminous waterfall necklaces, look wonderful with a turtleneck sweater, especially if it's a solid color. For a regular shirt, close-fitting necklaces like a choker or a chunky pearl necklace are particularly suitable. For an even bolder look, you can wear a so-called collar necklace – a necklace that forms the shape of a shirt collar, but made of jewelry. Delicate chains with filigree pendants work well with a waterfall collar, but they should always end before the voluminous collar begins. With a blouse, delicate necklaces also look great, perhaps combined with a beautiful pendant, for example, in a color that complements the blouse. Large chokers look fantastic with round, deep necklines. With a straight bandeau top, you can either wear a close-fitting necklace or deliberately choose a long necklace that extends over the top; both work well. For a very pointed, deep neckline, a Y-necklace is ideal. Waterfall and statement necklaces look beautiful with deeper V-necks. For a top that's only off-the-shoulder on one side, you can wear very eye-catching and playful necklaces, as this look is already striking and alluring. With a wide boat neck, it's really important to wear the right necklace shape to visually elongate your neck; long necklaces are ideal here, either multi-strand and delicate or long pearl necklaces. Do you have a square neckline? Then wear a square necklace shape, or a necklace with a square pendant; this perfectly complements the look. For a sweetheart neckline, such as that created by a corset, round and heart-shaped pendants that end just above the top are suitable. For men, it's much simpler: they don't wear their necklaces directly on the neck like a choker, but relatively close to the neck. Long necklaces on men are almost exclusively associated with rappers in the hip-hop scene. So it's considerably easier for the gentlemen, but you ladies now have our guide to help you find the perfect necklace for every top. And who knows, perhaps you'll discover your favorite piece with us, as we offer a very wide selection of various women's necklaces in all categories.