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Necklaces are articles of jewelry worn around the neck. First necklaces were made of natural materials such as vines, bones or teeth. When prehistoric men learned how to use simple tools they created beads used for making necklaces. Prehistoric stone and clay beads were worked by hand and rubbed or chipped into shape. With time these simple materials were replaced by glass, enamel, metals or gemstones. With advancement of technology jewellers turned to new materials that earlier generations could not properly melt until high-temperature crucibles and blowtorches were developed, such as stainless steel and titanium.

The popularity of necklaces was constantly changing throughout ages and in the 17th century necklaces seemed to be forgotten as a fashion accessory. Women wore ribbons without any additional adornment instead. In the Middle ages the necklaces became an important fashion accessory again and jewellers started to create true works of art. This led to a greater use of chains. Jewellers would link together their work creating collars of gold or other precious materials. Pendants became indispensable part of necklaces.

In different parts of the world necklaces are worn for different reasons, both by women in men. Although necklaces are generally worn for decorative purposes in some cultures wearing a necklace can also have additional meaning.

Necklaces can be categorized according to their length, design or adornment. According to Wikipedia the necklaces can be classified as follows:

By length:

• Cross necklace-can be of any length.
• Chocker–usually between 35centimeters to 41 centimeters
• Princess necklace–the length ranges from 45 centimetres to 50 centimetres.
• Matinee necklace–usually measures 56 centimetres to 58 centimetres.
• Opera necklace–can be between 75 centimetres to 90 centimetres.
• Sautoir or rope necklace–any necklace longer than Opera necklace
• Lariat necklace–very long necklace without a clasp, often worn draped multiple times around the neck.

By the type of adornments:

Diamond necklace–a necklace that incorporates diamonds

Pearl necklace–a necklace that incorporates pearls

Tooth pendant necklace–a necklace with animal tooth attached, often in a form of pendant

Prayer bead necklace–meant to help serve as a focus of meditation or prayer and/or count the recitations or study of religious verses, are sometimes worn in necklace form. Prayer necklaces usually contain beads of any kind.