The necklace is the oldest article of jewelry known to man. The earliest examples were found in caves in South Africa and were made of sea shells strung together by vines or animal sinew. This was in the late Middle Stone Age, which was between 75,000 and 100,000 years ago. Why did early men and women feel the need to make jewelry? Because personal adornment has always been an important part of what it means to be a human being.

Modern necklaces are made from a myriad of materials and are often arranged or classified according to length. Like most articles of jewelry, they are more popular with the fairer sex, though not by much.  Most men feel comfortable wearing a gold or silver chain with a crucifix or other religious symbol attached as a pendant. However,  their options pretty much end there. Men almost never wear necklaces that feature colorful gemstones, lockets or pearls. These ornaments are typically reserved for the girls.

Chains for men are also less likely to differ much when it comes to thickness or length. But there are at least six popular types of necklaces for women that are known by their length, including the choker, princess, matinee, opera, sautoir and lariat. They range in length from about 14 inches (choker) to well over 35 inches (lariat)!

Materials

Most necklaces are made of precious metals, like silver or gold, and often contain a series of linked chains that are flexible and strong. Chains for women are generally thinner and more delicate than those for men. As we mentioned, these necklaces can also feature gems and pearls. The most valuable necklaces often incorporate diamonds.

Diamonds

Contrary to popular belief, the price of diamonds has fallen precipitously over the past century or so. They are now within the budget of most average consumers. This does not include the diamond eternity necklace, which often features hundreds of hand-set diamonds all the way around the chain. These accessories typically start at around ten thousand dollars. That is far too expensive for most folks.

A more practical and affordable gift for the holiday season is a diamond pendant attached to a nice necklace. These pendants can be found in almost any shape, including crosses, hearts, and butterflies.  There are also holiday-themed pendants like snowmen and snowflakes, which are sure to turn a few heads at the office Christmas party.

Metals

The recent rise in the price of gold as a commodity has had a profound effect on the jewelry industry. Gold is now the most expensive decorative metal, even pricier than platinum, which has flummoxed most experts. After all, platinum is 30 times rarer than gold! It is for this reason that gold jewelry sales have slowed. Shoppers are far more likely to buy silver ornamental accessories, especially around the holidays. Not only is it much cheaper, but silver has a longer and strong association with Christmas.

When it comes to necklaces, silver is the metal of choice for holiday gifts. Argent ornaments are attractive, affordable, and stylish. Holiday-themed pendants, like the aforementioned snowman or snowflake, can be attached to any standard silver chain. Silver bells made of sterling silver are another popular pendant during the winter months.

Beaded silver necklaces are also quite popular. The beads can be used to form the necklace or can depend from it, like pendants. Even though they are often worn more regularly during the holiday season, a beaded silver necklace is an extremely versatile accessory that can compliment nearly any outfit.

Pearl Necklaces

Natural pearls are extremely rare and are graded by the same standards used on precious gems.  The price of a natural pearl necklace can be tens of thousands of dollars. In other words, they are out of the reach of the average consumer. Fortunately, there are now cultured pearls, which are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. In fact, the difference can only be determined by x-ray! Just like natural pearls, cultured pearls are beautiful and strong and are most commonly used in necklaces.

The reason pearl jewelry makes such a great holiday gift is its versatility. The pale off-white color of pearls can be worn with bright and vibrant shades or more understated tones. And cultured pearls are relatively inexpensive. It is a possible to find a nice nacreous necklace for only a few hundred dollars. Necklaces for the holiday season can be purchased safely and affordably from reputable jewelers on the internet.