Learning the lingo, like how a lavalier differs from a dog collar, can help tremendously when shopping for a vintage piece. They apply to new necklaces as well, since these terms define pieces which continue to inspire design even today. See these examples of necklaces styles and find the right one for your jewelry collection. Variations of the bib style have been found in seventh-century Greek and Roman jewelry. This extremely old style has been revived periodically throughout history to accompany low-cut evening gowns. Modern terminology classifies this as a type of “statement” necklace. Variations of bib necklaces include the fringe necklace or waterfall necklace. Other variations include those with a gem-encrusted ribbon. Lace was popular in the 18th century and black velvet in the 19th century. Alternatively, some chokers have stones set in a metal frame, whether of the fine or costume jewelry variety. Originally quite narrow, choker bands continued to widen throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Collar necklaces can be made of any number of materials including beads and metal components linked together in both fine and costume jewelry styles. Sizes range from half-inch karat gold pieces embellished with gemstones to statement-making rhinestone styles measuring several inches in width.
The dog collar necklace is a variation of both the collar and choker necklace styles.Half-collar necklaces simulate the look of a collar without having the expense and weight of elements completely encircling the neck.
This type of necklace originated in the mid-1800s. It’s reported that Queen Alexandra of Denmark (1844–1925) wore a dog collar necklace to hide a scar on her neck. The festoon necklace became popular during the Georgian period (1714–1830s), carrying over into the Victorian era (1837–1901). Some of the more elaborate fashionable black necklaces (not meant for mourning) made during this period incorporated swags of jet beads. Bohemian garnets and other materials were also used. Festoon necklaces were popular during the Edwardian era (1901–1910) as well. These featured a return to more delicate chains in the designs or elements reflecting the garland style with ribbons, flowers, and bows. Though named for a mistress of Louis XIV, the style is usually associated with turn-of-the-20th-century jewelry. The lightness and delicacy of the lavalier perfectly complemented the frothy, pastel-hued fashions of the Edwardian era. It remained popular into the 1930s although materials and colors became bolder, moving into the Art Deco era. A variation of the lavalier is the négligée. This term is used when dangling pendants are of unequal length. The earliest documented pendants were worn as talismans to protect the wearer or to bring good luck. Most ancient and modern cultures have their own versions of this type of necklace. Religious symbols such as the Christian cross and Jewish Star of David are also commonly found incorporated into pendant necklaces. A pendant necklace can be made of chain, cord, leather, or ribbon as long it incorporates a hanging feature fashioned of most any material, including metals, gemstones, and glass. These necklaces can vary in size and length from dainty and small to large and ostentatious. When the style first developed, in the late 17th or early 18th century, the settings were closed-back. Later versions featured open settings so that the effect was a continuous, shining stream around the neck. Some ornate examples have additional gems dangling from the main necklace. The style experienced a revival in the early 1900s and continued in popularity through the 1920s with “flapper” necklaces. These were sometimes worn dangling down the back to accentuate a low-cut evening gown. The House of Chanel is well known for modern renditions of this style. These include long strands of simulated pearls and “chicklet” necklaces featuring unfoiled glass stones linked together in a chain-like fashion. The term “torsade,” meaning ’twist’ or “cable” in French, is an old style, and examples have been found in ancient Egypt. Today the term is often associated with the thick, short, multistrand necklaces popular in the 1980s such as those made by Ciner of glass beads. A torsade can also reference a bracelet style also comprised of multiple strands of beads, pearls, or chains twisted together and fastened around the wrist.
