Like most other fashionable objects, necklace styles come and go and then come back into fashion again. Many of the styles shown below have been worn for decades, if not centuries, and have a fond place in the hearts of today’s jewelry collector.
Bayadère Necklace
Photo courtesy of Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry (www.langantiques.com)
This necklace style consists of two twisted strands of small pearls or beads, either of the fine jewelry or costume variety. It was sometimes worn alone as shown here, but often held a pendant or tassel embellishment. Read more…
Bib Necklace
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
A bib necklace usually imparts drama into the wearer’s wardrobe, like the turquoise version worn here by model Heidi Klum with a very simple blush toned gown (click on photo for a full size view). It’s typically large and showy, and the style has been around for centuries. Read more…
Choker Necklace
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
This popular type of short necklace fits snugly around the neck, like the one worn here by actress Lorraine Ashbourne (click on image for full size view), but can also be worn at the base of the neck depending on the exact style. The choker actually dates back to ancient times, and has never completely gone out of style. Read more…
Collar Necklace
Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images
Did you know at one point in time most necklaces were referred to as "collars?" While centuries old, this style still very popular today with both designers making jewelry and those who love this form of adornment. The one shown here is worn by Brazilian supermodel Ana Beatriz Barros (click on image for full size view). Read more…
Dog Collar Necklace
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
While modern “punk” necklaces of this variety really do resemble leather dog collars adorned with spikes, the one worn here by actress Kristin Wiig (click on photo for a full size view) features a less literal modern yet feminine design. Antique examples of this type of choker tend to be even more dainty and elegant, but can also make a bold statement. Read more…
Lavalier Necklace
Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions
This necklace style became very popular around 1900 and remained so throughout the Edwardian era. But, did you know it was actually named for for a mistress of Louis XIV long before that? Read more…
Pendant Necklace
Scott Halleran / Getty Images
A pendant necklace can be formed when an ornament of most any type is suspended from a chain, cord or ribbon. For example, Madonna is shown here wearing a Christian cross pendant style necklace. This example is rather understated when compared to the cross necklaces she popularized as the "Material Girl" of the 1980s. Read more…
Rivière Necklace
Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images
The name of this necklace actually translates to “river” in French and refers to the way it flows gracefully around the neck. It can be comprised of genuine gemstones, like the diamond example shown here, or rhinestones. Read more…
Sautoir Necklace
Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for AFI
This necklace style is exceptionally long, often made of stones linked together in a chain like fashion or beaded, and sometimes features tassels. The term sautoir is used today to describe any extra long necklace, like the Chanel pearl examples worn by actress Gail O'Grady here (click on the photo for a full size view). Read more…
Torsade Necklace
Photo courtesy of Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry (www.langantiques.com)
Decade after decade, jewelry artisans and designers replicate this style featuring multiple strands of pearls or beads twisted together. Can be made of fine jewelry elements like the antique version shown here, or costume jewelry components. Read more…
