When Were Necklaces Invented and By Whom?

Necklaces are among the oldest forms of personal adornment in human history, but unlike many inventions, they don’t have a single known creator. Instead, the necklace evolved gradually as early humans began to express themselves through art, symbolism, and decoration. Understanding when necklaces were invented—and who first made them—invites us to explore the deep origins of human creativity.

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Archaeological evidence suggests that necklaces date back at least 100,000 to 150,000 years, long before the beginning of recorded history. Some of the earliest known necklaces were discovered in places such as Skhul Cave in Israel, Blombos Cave in South Africa, and sites in North Africa, where researchers found pierced shells and beads that early humans intentionally collected, shaped, and strung together. These ancient pieces weren’t just random objects—they were carefully crafted adornments worn around the neck.

Because these necklaces were created tens of thousands of years before writing, we will never know the names of the individuals who made them. However, we can say with confidence that early Homo sapiens were the makers. These early humans used simple tools to drill holes into shells or teeth, then threaded them with plant fibers, animal sinew, or leather. The act of creating something decorative represents a major step in human development—one that reflects identity, social belonging, and a desire for beauty.

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While today we often think of jewelry as a fashion accessory, necklaces likely had deeper meanings for early humans. They may have symbolized status, marked group membership, or served spiritual and protective purposes. A string of shells could represent a successful hunt, a rite of passage, or a meaningful connection to the natural world. In this sense, the first necklaces were not only decorative but communicative.

As human societies evolved, so did the craftsmanship of necklaces. Around 5,000 years ago, ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley began creating more elaborate designs using gold, gemstones, and beads. The Egyptians, in particular, are well known for their wide collars, gold chains, and amulets that held religious significance. These civilizations didn’t invent necklaces, but they elevated jewelry-making into a skilled art form.

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By the time of the Greeks and Romans, necklaces had become symbols of luxury, beauty, and status. Techniques such as metalworking, gemstone cutting, and intricate chain design emerged, some of which still influence modern jewelry styles. Still, the basic idea remains exactly the same as it was in prehistoric times: a strand of meaningful objects worn around the neck.

So, when were necklaces invented, and by whom?
Necklaces were invented over 100,000 years ago by early humans whose names history has lost. They were not the work of a single inventor but a natural expression of human creativity that developed independently across different regions and cultures. From shells and bones to gold and pearls, necklaces have always told a story—one that continues to evolve with every generation.