Antique Necklaces

Necklaces must have been the first attempts at personal adornment by man. Antique necklaces would surely go back to a time 40,000 years ago. In such prehistoric periods necklaces were made of animal bones, mollusks, hand polished stone and animal teeth. It was much later that beaded necklaces came in like the one in lapis lazuli from Northern Afghanistan in 3000 BC, or the 600 BC Tibetan necklace in blue beads.

Museums record of a 700 BC necklace in gold and amber with 6 hanging pendants probably anchors and a 300 BC antique green stone necklace from North Africa. There are other antique necklaces on record like the 300 BC necklace with a pendant in lavender resin in a very beautiful setting of marcasite with a single crystal stone and the 313 AD necklaces during the time of Constantine the Great. These latter necklaces had very colorful stones and reflected a strong Roman taste.

Today authentic copies of antique necklaces are readily available. These copies of originals are made with great care in ensuring the use of near original materials, which include semi precious stones and pearls. The base metal is further coated with a 22 carat gold plating to give the jewelry a finish and wear resistance.

You can easily buy historical necklaces like the French necklace in sterling silver called Roses of the Three Graces dating back to the late 18th century. The symbol of three women carrying cupid wrapped in a garland of roses is copied from an original sculpture in porcelain. The Sumerian's flourished between the twin rivers of Euphrates and Tigris in the period during 4000-1792 BC. They were great craftsmen and could work on gold, copper, silver and bronze. You can buy an authentic Sumerian necklace from 2500 BC in lapis lazuli and gold.

Necklaces will forever remain the centerpiece of feminine jewelry. A large number of modern jewelry seeks to recreate the designs in antique necklaces such is their lasting popularity. A synthesis of ancient designs and modern technology is now emerging.