Necklaces have a long history dating back 75,000 years when mollusk shells were strung together in South Africa. Originally made from stones, bones, and shells, necklaces later incorporated gold and gemstones in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Throughout history, necklaces indicated status and were worn by both men and women for decoration, religion, and gifts. Today necklaces remain a popular and versatile form of jewelry made from diverse materials.

2. The necklace is a piece of jewelry that can be traced back throughout
history as being worn by both men and women. They were often used
as ways to make a distinction among many cultures.
Historians and archeologists have discovered that the necklace
originated maybe forty thousand years before originally believed. In
South Africa they have excavated a cave that had over 41 mollusks
that were strung as possible neck jewelry nearly 75,000 years ago.

3. Earlier archeologist had believed the oldest known finding was from
30,000 B.C. It was made of stones, animal teeth and bones and claws
and shells strung onto thread, similar to the concept of today's
necklaces.
Later, in 2500 B.C., necklaces were being made from gold. These gold
choker and adornments were discovered in Ur. Later Sumerian's
began using beaded neck jewelry using examples of colored stones,
copper and other metals.

4. The ancient Egyptians were more evolved. They grew from simple
stringed bead necklaces to the more complicated patterns. They also
had the broad collar and pectoral type necklaces that both men and
women wore, especially the wealthy and royalty. Many of these
necklaces were buried with them. These necklaces were often richly
ornamented and were a big part of the dress attire.
Mostly three-dimensional necklaces were created during the classic
Greek period of around 480 to 300 B.C. These necklaces were hung
from a row of flat rosette type beads.

5. Gold was abundant during Alexander the Great period of ruling the
Greek Empire. They used gold to make necklaces and many other
types of jewelry for many centuries.
Now the Ancient Romans frowned on wearing jewelry. There were laws
that dictated how much gold a woman could wear or be buried with.
During the first century, the Roman style of jewelry started using
gemstones cut in circular or rectangular shapes.
The end of the second century brought about piercing. This technique
produced a lace like effect to gold necklaces. The most popular style
was the chain with different colored gems connected by links of gold.

6. Later on, it became popular for women to wear many necklaces at once.
This would indicate her level of wealth or her class. For a few years,
the popularity of necklaces waned until the late 14th century when
they regained popularity.
Now necklaces are popular among all classes of people. The favorite gift
from kids to their mothers is the infamous stringed macaroni
necklace. All mothers love these since they are a gift from their
child's heart.

7. Necklaces are worn for a variety of reasons. One of them is for
personal decoration. Another reason people wear necklaces is for
religious significance. Necklaces with images of Saints or a simple
cross are among these.
Necklaces have been around for many, many years and will most likely
remain a type of jewelry that can be constantly redesigned to stay
versatile and trendy. They have been made from everything from
animal bones and teeth to rare gemstones, from shells and macaroni
to beads and simple metals.

8. Source:
http://www.nelly-jewellery.com/
Article:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-the-Necklace&id=1596471