What Does A Necklace Symbolize?: 20 Meanings
Beautiful jewellery pieces are much more than just an accessory – they’re also a great way to express yourself and show how you feel.
Necklaces have been worn by people throughout human history to convey messages of love and devotion, so what does it mean when someone is wearing a necklace?
From cultural significance to personal expression, this blog post will delve into the world of necklaces and their symbolic meanings behind them.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or wondering why your loved one holds theirs in high regard, as experts in fine jewellery here at Didosh, we’ll explain what a necklace symbolizes and all the different ways they can tell stories worth sharing!
Let’s start with the mini takeaway before we get into more detail.
- Protection
- Wealth
- Power
- Love
- Unity
- Feminity
- Purity
- Wisdom
- Health
- Maturity
- Reminder from loved ones
- Leadership
- Tradition
- Courage
- Faith
- Loyalty
- Fertility
- Memory
- Good luck
- Self-expression
Ok, so with the mini answer in place, let’s head straight in and find out more about what it means to wear a necklace by looking at its origins.
History of wearing necklaces
Necklaces are perhaps the most ancient form of adornment known to humankind, with evidence of wearing necklaces dating back to 40,000 years ago.
Originally believed to ward off evil spirits and provide protection, necklaces were considered powerful symbols that could bring abundance and prosperity.
Researchers discovered a crude necklace made from mussel shells in a cave in Morocco that pre-dates the earliest known jewellery by 10,000 years!
Ancient Egyptians used necklaces to signify rank within their social hierarchy, with gold being reserved for Pharaohs and wealthy merchants.
Over the centuries, necklace designs evolved from simple strings of shell beads and bone or thorns to intricate works of art made from precious materials like gold, silver and gemstones.
Necklace styles and fashion also changed along with the culture - in Ancient Egypt elaborate buckles decorated with lapis lazuli were a favourite, while Renaissance Italy saw grand pendant neckpieces encrusted with pearls become highly desirable.
Today, we have every kind of necklace imaginable - from dazzling diamond collars to subtle layered dainty chains.
Wearing necklaces has remained a timeless tradition, enabling us to express ourselves and add personality to any outfit.
So what does this timeless piece of jewellery symbolize?
What does a necklace symbolise?
Necklaces have been used as symbols of faith, power and love for centuries.
A timeless symbol
From matrons in ancient Rome wearing talismans to ward off evil, and an evil eye bracelet to protect the wearer from negative energy, to diamond necklaces being modern-day expressions of commitment and adornment, the necklace is a timeless symbol.
Over time it has become part of our culture and a representation of status or sentimentality. Whether it's silver or gold, ornate or minimalistic, a necklace can be a visual expression of personal identity.
A story without words
It tells a story without words and speaks to an individual’s interpersonal relationships – with their family, friends, beloved or even themselves.
Wearing a necklace can be an outward sign of the power you hold within and it's an interesting way to express the hidden parts of ourselves that we don't usually get to show off in everyday life.
A reflection of you
It also can mean freedom, courage and strength, as well as being an expression of your own unique style.
A necklace is more than just jewellery, it can be seen as a reflection of our true selves.
When we wear one around our necks its meaning reflects what we value and offer those who know us the best insight into who we are.
“A necklace is more than just jewellery, it can be seen as a reflection of our true selves.”
A thoughtful gift or heirloom
A necklace is often associated with gifts between lovers, as something special to show love from one person to another.
Often necklaces are even inherited within families, carrying the sentiment of history or a cultural journey. They become a significant way of passing down a family’s unique heritage.
Spiritual and cultural significance
In jewellery-making across different cultures and eras, necklaces often feature charms talismans and gemstones that carry spiritual significance like good luck and protection.
No matter what materials are used to make them—whether it's gold and luxury diamonds or silver —necklaces are timeless expressions of sentiment that can bring special meaning to both the giver and recipient.
A reminder to our loved ones
They’re also the perfect way for us to remind our loved ones that we’re thinking of them, even if we can’t be together.
If you prefer a bold gold and diamond pendant style evil eye or a delicate 18ct rose gold diamond curved bar, necklaces remain a powerful symbol of love which will always be cherished.
So now let’s look at our favourite 20 meanings of wearing a necklace and some of the symbolic ways you might wear yours.
What does a necklace symbolise? 20 meanings
1. Protection
In some cultures, wearing a necklace is believed to provide protection against harm or evil spirits.
2. Wealth
Necklaces are seen as symbols of prosperity and financial stability.
3. Power
Jewels can be interpreted as marks of power or status within a society, especially if they’re passed down from generation to generation.
4. Love
When given by someone close to us, necklaces can signify love and appreciation for the wearer.
5. Unity
Multiple people wearing the same necklace can represent a strong bond between them.
6. Femininity
Necklaces are often seen as symbols of femininity, especially those with intricate delicate designs and softer colours.
7. Purity
In some cultures, pearls or other white gems is seen as signs of innocence and virtue.
8. Wisdom
Necklaces associated with religious figures or other ancient connections are often interpreted as symbols of wisdom and enlightenment.
9. Health
Many cultures believe that certain necklaces can ward off disease or bring good luck to their wearers health-wise.
10. Maturity
Wearing a necklace at a certain age is seen as proof of maturity in some cultures.
11. Reminder from loved ones
Giving a necklace before a special trip or a new journey in life is a reminder of loved ones
12. Leadership
Particularly when worn by rulers or leaders, necklaces can symbolise authority and power.
13. Tradition
Many families have heirloom pieces of jewellery that are passed down through generations, representing the continuity of tradition and family values.
14. Courage
Wearing a necklace with an inspirational phrase or message can be a source of courage and motivation in tough times.
15. Faith
A person’s faith and beliefs can often be signified when wearing necklaces which feature religious symbols or scriptures
16. Loyalty
When given by someone special, a necklace can symbolize the loyalty they feel towards you.
17. Fertility
In some cultures necklaces are given. to newborn babies as a way of wishing them fertility and prosperity in life.
18. Memory
Necklaces are often given to remember special occasions or moments in a person’s life, such as graduations, weddings, anniversaries and other major milestones.
19. Good luck
Many cultures believe that wearing certain types of jewellery can bring good luck and protection from harm.
20. Self-expression
Finally, necklaces can be used to express a person's individual style and personality.
Whether you opt for something plain and simple or extravagant with lots of details, there is sure to be a necklace that reflects your unique self!
What does a necklace symbolize? - To finish
No matter why you choose to wear a necklace, it is always sure to add a touch of style and elegance to any outfit.
We hope this list of our favourite meanings has been helpful in understanding the symbolism behind necklaces and you might have discovered one of the reasons you wear yours!
So before you head off don’t forget to pop by our store to find our incredible range of traditional and contemporary Turkish-style necklaces to bring meaning to your and your loved ones' lives!
For more necklace info check out our helpful article Do Necklaces Break Easily? Types and How To Fix Them