Necklace Design Activity

The oldest known necklaces date back to around 30,000 BC and were made primarily from shells, bones, stones, animal teeth/claws, and strung on thread.

Necklaces are valued for their emotional significance and personal connection rather than just expensive materials like gemstones or gold; they are a gift for loved ones to express feelings.

Modern necklaces have various uses, primarily personal adornment. Religious medals are also common.

A personalized necklace is a thoughtful gift that reflects the recipient's style and feelings.

To make a unique necklace, understand the recipient's preferences, sketch designs, and choose a final design incorporating those preferences.

The word "bracelet" comes from the Latin word "brachium," meaning "arm."

People have worn bracelets for centuries, with evidence suggesting its use as far back as 7,000 years ago.

Ancient Egyptians wore bracelets made of gold and silver, often decorated with precious stones.

Ancient Greeks wore bracelets as decoration, while Greek and Roman soldiers used them for protective purposes.

Intricate bracelets, especially jade cuffs, were crafted in China as early as 2000 B.C. Gold bracelets with elaborate carvings were also popular in China and India.

European women brought back the popularity of bracelets in the 17th century. They wore ribbons, thin bangles, and chains with charms.

The 20th century saw a wide range of bracelet designs become available, with mass production making them more affordable.

Choosing a bracelet depends on the wearer's wrist size, personal style, and the occasion.

Gold and sterling silver are the most common metals used for bracelets, although silver has become more popular in recent times due to affordability and sheen.

Silver became the go-to metal for bracelets because manufacturers started massively producing silver jewelry, making it more affordable while still offering a precious metal look.

Chain bracelets come in various styles defined by link size and shape, ranging from large links to flat, flush links without openings. They can be plain or adorned with pendants or other decorations.

Bangle bracelets are stiff and don't usually close all the way, giving them a unique, 'spunkier' look compared to regular bracelets that are loose and free-moving.

Charm bracelets are simple chains with large links that can be decorated with charms, which are small pendants representing special events or relationships.

Cultured pearls, though artificial, are popular because they are much more affordable than rare natural pearls and often indistinguishable from high-quality natural ones.

Saltwater cultured pearls are generally considered higher quality than freshwater cultured pearls and therefore more expensive due to the superior quality of the pearl.

Modern bracelets are used as expressions of social causes, group identity, and personal style, often taking the form of colorful rubber bands, dangling charms, or even simple strings.