Primitive necklaces made of shells, stones, bones and teeth strung on thread have been recovered by archeologists from caves in South Africa. As early as 2500 B.C., gold made its debut in the Middle East and was used to fashion neck jewelry. Within 500 years Sumerians had added intricate designs of colored stones, precious gems, and accents of silver and copper to these adornments. “Broad collars” of magnificently beaded patterns were introduced into the wardrobes of both men and women of ancient Egypt.

During the height of the Greek Empire, three dimensional pendants were popular and, as gold was plentiful, it was used freely in necklaces and other forms of jewelry. However, by the time the Roman Empire emerged, the wearing of jewelry was frowned upon and the weight of gold used was regulated by law. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries the popularity of jewelry surfaced once more and multiple necklaces were in vogue. Although necklaces fell in and out of popularity for a few hundred years, by the late 14th century the beauty of an adorned neck was enjoyed by women of all social classes.

Today a woman’s heart can be won with a lover’s gift of gold and silver often set with precious gemstones or the macaroni necklace of a four year old. The beauty of a necklace is in the eyes of the beholder and women are free to express their taste in jewelry in a very personal way.