Another in our series of different jewellery types, today we'll walk you through the different types of necklaces for women. We also have guides on different types of chain necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Read on to learn about necklaces.
Different Types of Necklaces for Women
Necklaces are a beautiful item of jewellery with a long history. They may have been one of the earliest types of adornment worn. Often serving ceremonial, religious, magical, or funerary purposes, necklaces were often a symbol of wealth and status. Today, you can still get very expensive necklaces made of precious metals but necklaces can be worn by anyone, not just the rich and powerful.
Style
There are countless styles of necklaces but all hang around the neck of the wearer displaying decoration from simple to super maximalist.
Chain Necklaces
The most basic style of necklace is the chain necklace. These necklaces feature a band without decoration that rests around the neck. The beauty is in the style of the chain rather than gems or jewels. We've discussed in more detail the different types of chain necklace styles previously, but here are some of the most popular. Box chain, Cuban, Figaro, Snake, Herringbone, Rope and Curb Chain. Some are quite thin and delicate, while others feature a chunkier link style. They come in a variety of metals, but gold and silver chains are the most common.
Pendant Necklaces
Pendant necklaces are as popular as chain necklaces but are usually more ornate. A pendant necklace can feature a chain necklace, but could also be created using materials other than metal. The pendant details are the main feature of the necklace and could be any kind of design. Some pendants are small and dainty, while others may feature a big medallion styled pendant. Some may be a metal shape while others feature gems and imagery. The possibilities really are endless when it comes to pendant necklaces.
Decorated Necklaces
A decorated necklace could include many things but the main difference between a chain or pendant necklace is that elaborate decoration is part of the chain. A decorated or ornate necklace could feature gems, unique shapes or different materials throughout the length of the necklace. The majority feature designs that are front heavy so the focus is forward-facing but some use decoration to cover the full piece. As with chains and pendant necklaces, the options and designs are endless.
Personalised Necklaces
Falling somewhere between chain and pendant necklaces, personalised necklaces normally feature a chosen word or initial suspended on a chain. They can be hung like a traditional pendant but can also be suspended between two ends of the chain to create a more chainlike effect. Personalised name necklaces are very popular but they don't just have to feature a name. They could say any word that is close to your heart or has a specific meaning to the wearer. This makes them a wonderful gift for lots of different people.
Length
A necklace can also be categorised by how long it is. Chains can come in any length desired but there are fairly standardised sizes with specific names. This is a list of the most common necklace lengths with their titles, though there will always be some variation across manufacturers and retailers.
- Collar - 36cm
- Choker - 41cm
- Princess 46cm
- Matinee 51cm
- Opera - 61cm
- Rope - 70+ cm
Fastening Type
Another difference between necklaces will be the type of fastening used. There are many different necklace clasp types. The most common is a lobster claw fastening that uses a lever to allow the 'claw' to be attached to a loop on the other side of the necklace. However, there are others that are used to attach the ends of necklaces together, including:
- T-bar or toggle.
- "S" hook, fish hooks and hooks and eyes.
- Spring ring and fold-overs.
- Barrel and screw fastenings.
Shop Necklaces
At PRYA we feature a large range of necklaces. Our collection includes chains and pendant styles in a variety of lengths, thicknesses and designs. Our necklaces are all crafted from high-quality stainless steel, plated in either 18K gold, silver or 14K rose gold. We also have an extensive range of personalised name necklaces, custom initial necklaces and custom pendant necklaces such as zodiac symbols and world-language options. Shop our necklace range today.
