Different types of necklaces...

Perhaps the most ancient type of ornament worn by women, the necklace goes back to southern and eastern Africa in 50,000 BP. Over the centuries, it underwent several evolutions in terms of design and material used. Initially, necklaces were made up of feathers, bones, shells or even teeth. Today, they can be found in an incalculable number of designs made up of precious and semi-precious stones. Find below a list of popular types of necklaces to wear.

CHAINS: A chain necklace only consists of a chain or two and is both versatile and elegant. It adapts itself to every outfit, be it a casual top paired with jeans or an extravagant gown. It comes in a variety of different sizes and materials. Chain necklaces are great for layering and look good with all necklines.

LAVALIER: A lavalier necklace consists of a chain and an elegant pendant with a long chandelier-like design. The pendant usually ends with a single gemstone drop. Lavalier necklaces are about 14 to 19 inches long and look especially beautiful on a deep neckline. They are perfect to pair with formal dresses.

PRINCESS: Princess necklaces radiate luxury and royalty. They are encrusted with precious stones which may or may not lead to a central larger design. Usually around 18 inches long, they sit elegantly just below the collarbone. One cannot go unnoticed when wearing a princess necklace. They are commonly worn at weddings and special events and look best with strapless gowns.

BIB: A bib necklace covers the neck just like a bib does. It is made up of a dramatic and wide design that covers the upper region of the chest below the collarbone. It also gives a narrowing effect on the neck. Bib necklaces can be found in a multitude of impactful designs with and without gemstones.

CHOKER: As the name suggests, a choker is worn clasped close to the neck and is usually 14 to 16 inches long. Chokers look especially gorgeous with U-necks and off-shoulder necklines. There is no end to the designs and materials used to make chokers. They can feature gold, silver, lace, ribbons, velvet and more.

OPERA: Opera necklaces are known for making a statement and are typically 30 to 36 inches in length. They accentuate the neck with their lavish appearance and look stylish with turtle necks and formal blazers. They are often made of pearls or other precious gemstones and are worn either looped around the neck or hanging down.

COLLAR: A collar necklace resembles the neckline of a crew-neck t-shirt. Its length ranges between 12 to 14 inches and it sits gracefully right above the collarbone. It may feature a single or multiple strands of elegant gemstones. When adorned with outfits showing off the neckline such as deep necks or boat necks, they look incomparable.

MATINEE: A matinee necklace is one of the more graceful categories of necklaces. It is usually 20 to 22 inches in length and falls between the collarbone and the bust, making it ideal for layering. Matinee necklaces are often made with pearls but also with other precious gemstones, and may feature a pendant. They are great to wear with professional and casual wear.