My friend, Linda, gave me a book, 500 Necklaces, put out by Lark Books.  It’s a photo gallery of necklaces from designers around the world and gives a truly amazing perspective on what makes up a necklace.  Some pieces are post-modern, space-age ornaments like Rebato, 2004 by Jesse Mathes.  It’s composed of silver wires that are worn like a collar–the spokes enclose the head so the wearer looks like a mechanical porcupine. 

Others like Lure/Allure.  Pointed Bobber by Robly A. Glover uses objects of daily use to challenge assumptions about what is or isn’t jewelry.  Stars, 1997 by Klaus Burgel is made from 18-karat gold wrapped around tektite.  Some pieces have a more classical look to them like Dieter Nowak’s Untitled piece formed of sterling silver.

Overall, it really opened my eyes to how artistic a necklace can be.  While some of them could be worn, others were really more suited for an art gallery.  However, even the most bizarre pieces retain a bit of tribal aura.  All art draws on ideas that have come before.