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What kinds of necklaces did women wear during the Renaissance?
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jewelry
Stomacher brooch with emeralds and enamel flowers on gold, from the treasure of the Virgin of Pilar, mid-17th century; in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
During the Renaissance, women rarely wore a single necklace, instead favoring a layered approach that combined different styles and materials to display wealth and status. Common necklace types included:1
- Chokers: Women frequently wore choker-style necklaces made of pearls, which were often worn with or without a pendant.1
- Gold Chains: A longer secondary necklace made of gold, sometimes featuring gems, was typically worn alongside the choker.1
- Bodice Necklaces: A third necklace was often hooked to the clothing at the shoulders. This piece typically formed a double loop, was lifted in the center, and fastened to the bodice with a jeweled pin.1
- Medallion Necklaces: Popular designs included wide gold bands decorated with embossing that formed medallions, often featuring large mounted stones in the center.1
These necklaces were frequently paired with elaborate pendants, which evolved from religious subjects to decorative, high-relief figures such as animals, mythological creatures, and ships, often utilizing baroque pearls for their unique shapes.21