Symbol Pendant
2011
Silver Necklaces with an Illustrious Past: Handmade Silver Necklaces with Pendants
Gold and silver necklaces come in all shapes and sizes: some have gemstones, and some do not; some are long and can be wound around the neck several times, and some are “chokers” that like close to the base of the neck. But one of our favorite sorts of handmade silver necklace is the pendant necklace. But where do they come from? Who first thought of placing a pendant on a silver necklace, and wearing it around the neck?
Like most things in human history, silver necklaces have their origin in something that once had talismanic meaning. As far back as the Stone Age, men would tie an unusual stone or piece of wood around their neck to ward off evil or deter enemies. Later, the teeth of an animal would be strung at the base of a cleaned animal sinew, as indication of a man’s prowess as a hunter. At some point in time, women began wearing such “handmade necklaces”, too, as a symbol of the status of their husband.
As precious metals, such as silver, were discovered, these, too, began being used to fashion silver necklaces – from which the colorful rocks found on or just below the earth’s surface were strung for beauty. The ancient Egyptians were known for their fine metalwork, and while the Greeks adopted leather armbands and necklaces decorated with silver.
In ancient Rome, Christians wore a fish charm (called “ichthys“) on a string of silver or leather under their robes, which they used to identify themselves to other Christians or to participate in Christian worship activities, where were initially forbidden under Roman rule. Similarly, Jews wore silver and gold amulets on necklace chains into which they inserted passages from Jewish law written by scribes on tiny slips of parchment. In this way, they meant to keep the law literally and figuratively close to their hearts.
Even into modern times, the pendant on most handmade silver necklaces had a “purpose”, as it was used to hold a painted or photographed portrait of someone beloved, or a lock of that person’s hair. Sometimes, the pendant from a silver necklace worn by a woman was actually her watch – similar to the pocket watch worn by men – a convenience adapted by women before the advent of the wristwatch.
It’s difficult to say when the pendant became purely ornamental, and lost its connection to practical or symbolic purpose. “Useless” though they may be, however, handmade silver necklaces are nevertheless prized today for fashion, fun, and as status symbols. Pendants exist in every shape and size, made from every material: silver necklaces may be adorned with a gemstone pendant, or one of gold; with a wooden or leather or feather pendant, or one of plastic; the pendant on a handmade silver necklace may be something serious – like a cross, a Star of David, or the name of Allah – or it may be something decorative, such as a carving in ivory or jade.
But in whatever guise they appear, handmade silver necklaces have evolved into a fashion accessory no woman should be without!
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