What’s not to like about necklaces? They can be classy, quirky, dressy to simple with a sentimental value.
Even though personally I don’t wear many necklaces, except the time I am really dressed for a wedding or a big function, I love making necklaces. They are sometimes time consuming than say compared to a ring or a earring but you can make them as creative or as grand as you want and it will sell. Sometimes, making a necklace is very easy. All you need to do, is to make a nice pendant and add a length or cord or chain to it – Viola a new creation. Yes, it is so easy that you really have to critique yourself and constantly edit to make sure that it meets the standards of a good necklace design. Also unlike in earrings you don’t have to match shapes or sizes or that two pieces are alike. You could create an unique piece every time.
As I make necklaces all the time I thought I would share with you the names of different necklace lengths in English and in Indian Languages (some in Hindi and some in Tamil) and how to pair them with the right clothing style
Necklace Styles and their lengths
Collar (Kaarai – Tamil) (12-13 in./30-33 cm) This sophisticated formal necklace fits snugly around the base of the neck and could be made of one or many close-fitting strands and may or may not have a focal. Collar length necklaces goes well with strapless clothes, or tops/ dresses with V neck or sweetheart (with a focal)
Choker (Addigai – Tamil, Guluband – Hindi) (14-16 in./36-41 cm) A little more relaxed than the collar, The choker usually falls above the neckline. The classic pearl necklace falls into this category
Princess ( Kantha – Sanskrit) (17-19 in./43-48 cm) A popular style due to its comfortable length – can be worn with sarees, Kurtis, shirts or dresses. Most beaded necklaces normally come at this length or the matinee
Matinee (20-24 in./51-61 cm) This necklace falls just above the bust line and goes well with strapless clothes, or high necklines. A good length for bib necklaces. The traditional Rani haar usually comes at this length
Opera (hara/lambanam – Sanskrit)* (28-36 in./71-90 cm)This necklace falls just below the breast bone and draws attention to your chest. It can be worn as single or double strand (at that length) depending on the outfit it is paired with. When combined with a bold pendant it looks great on a plain or simple bordered saree as it creates a formal, sophisticated yet traditional look.
* I am not very sure if the hara belongs to the matinee, opera or rope length as its cited differently in different periods in Ancient Indian history.
Rope (36 in./90 cm and longer) . Think 1920’s and you’ll think of long and lovely ropes of pearls around the neck. Its a great way to dress up a plain old dress or a LBD and will put you in the spot light instantly
Names of necklace styles you never knew existed
Festoon – intricate necklace with interlinked chains and pendant drops.
Lavaliere – pendant suspended on a chain with a drop below the pendant. Named after Duchess De la Valliere mistress of king Louis XIV of France
Negligee – asymmetric pair of bead drops dangling from a fine chain
Parure – a Set where the pendant matches with earrings, bracelet,pin or brooch sometimes even a tiara. Partial sets are called demi-parure
Riviere – necklace with graduated set of stones that are evenly matched
Sautoir – long rope necklace that falls to or below the waist and ends with a tassle or pendant
Torque – rigid wire or hollow metal tube worn close to the neck
Torsade – parallel strands of normal beads that are worn twisted. The beads can be threaded together or looped
Sources:
McLoughlin David, Jewellery solutions – how to care, repair and restore your jewellery
I hope you found it interesting
Cheers
Divya N
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