Initial necklaces have been around forever, but do you know the background of them and how they have evolved over the years? Many things are customizable these days. From mugs and bathrobes to clothing pieces, it seems like almost every object in our lives can be personalized and imprinted with our name on it. When it comes to jewelry pieces, most people would tend to customize their full name on them, just to make them more one-of-a-kind. However, if you’re looking for something more mysterious and allow the other party to guess your name, initial necklaces are the way to go.
Origin of Initial Necklaces
Initial necklaces can be traced back to the 1500s when Anne Boleyn, who was the Queen of England from 1533 to 1536, was seen wearing them on her neck. However, initial necklaces originate way further than that. The Greek and Roman rulers can be credited for the invention of initial necklaces and other initial jewelry pieces, which were inspired by their initials on coins back in those times. Moving on to medieval times, local artisans and craftsman would always mark their initials on the products they made and sold as a form of branding. This allowed their products to stand out from others while advertising themselves at the same time. During this period, initials were displayed everywhere - from flags and kingdom symbols to household items like lockets, silverware, and mirrors. It seems that this practice of marking our name on objects has never gone out of style throughout these years.
Are Initial Necklaces Still Trendy?
Let’s get this out of the way: initial necklaces will never go out of style. It’s a classic and investment-worthy piece that can last a lifetime and even be passed down to future generations. It is arguably one of the most timeless pieces that an individual can possess in his or her closet. Some parents may even gift an initial necklace to their child as a birthday present or to commemorate their child’s 100th-day celebration. Therefore, don’t worry about it being old-fashioned!
What Initials Should I Include on My Necklace?
When it comes to engraving your personalized necklace or any other customizable jewelry, there are no rules to follow. You can do whatever you want, as long as the initials convey a certain meaning and have connections to the wearer. These are the common initials seen on necklaces:
- Personal initials: This is by far the most common type of initial necklaces, and involves engraving your name or birth date, or month. If you’re looking for a present that can do no wrong, this is the option to go with.
- Initials of loved ones: Whether it’s for a friend or family member, engraving a loved one’s initials on your necklace or jewelry is a great way to remember them and keep them close to your heart.
- Initials of role models: Some people may want to honor the person they look up to the most. Role models can be anyone that inspires you, from teachers to famous personalities such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Martin Luther King Jr.