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January 10th, 2014

A History of Necklaces

Many people are surprised to learn that the invention of the necklace actually predates the invention of the first writing in Near Eastern civilisations. The earliest known necklaces hail from the Stone Age, making them some 40,000 years old, and they were crafted entirely from natural materials such as vine or animal sinew. These flexible lengths could then be adorned with shells or similarly decorative paraphernalia to present more striking visual themes. The scope for more advanced necklaces relied heavily on the development of weaving and string; although it was the progress represented by cloth working and metalworking that truly drove the craft onwards.

Metalworking first appeared around 8,700 BC, and when combined with twine and string it allowed necklaces to achieve increasingly complex and intricate forms. Greater control over the casting of specific shapes first appeared in the Bronze Age, when freshly melted metals were used to create a range of distinct necklaces for both prestigious male and female persons alike. It was also this level of expertise that brought about the first known chains. When this proficiency with metal was joined by additional trade skills such as gemcutting and glassblowing, necklaces began to reach the decorative heights that they have sustained into the present day.

A variety of metals such as natural copper, gold, silver, electrum and even platinum were used by ancient jewellery makers to fashion necklaces, but modern day technology has allowed new metals to be introduced which more dated techniques would have been unable to melt or develop. When one factors in electroplating, a process that allows a more coherent metal coating to be achieved, and laser etching to make even the finest of detailed carvings a reality, it is not surprising that modern necklaces are so varied in form.

The word ‘pendant’ comes from the Latin word ‘pendere’, meaning ‘to hand down’, and this immensely popular type of necklace was actually one of the first necklace designs to see regular use. Because a pendant is essentially a piece of jewellery suspended by a necklace style ‘loop’ it was well within the capabilities of prehistoric man; although contemporary pendants have naturally improved exponentially in terms of aesthetics. Here at Banks Lyon Jewellers we have a vast array of pendants available to buy; from hugely desirable Pandora pendants to Links of London pendants with their inimitable styles. We also supply an assortment of unaffiliated jewellery, such as the beautiful pendant pictured throughout this blog, so any preference can easily be catered for.

This wonderful pendant is a sparkling extravaganza in 18 carat white gold, and it adheres to a totally original design. A 16 mm halo of white gold coolly encompasses a free hanging diamond centrepiece, and the surround of this gemstone has also been chosen to harmonize with the external disc. A montage of brilliant cut 0.94 carat diamonds are also lavished upon every surface of the metalwork, its barrel and its loop, and this magnificently made piece of jewellery is comfortably secured by a double trace link chain of smoothly polished matching white gold. Furthermore, this gorgeous adornment is in stock today at Banks Lyon.

For 36 monthly payments of £85.00 and a 20% deposit, this exquisite 18ct White Gold 0.94ct Diamond Halo Pendant can be yours. Such is our specialism in the area of luxury jewellery that we can also work alongside you to create a genuinely unique item according to your own specifications. This bespoke jewellery design service is supported by years of proven experience, so none of your jewellery desires need ever be unsated. To find out more, and to take the next step towards owning a truly iconic piece of jewellery, call us now on 01524 38 48 58.

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