All one has to do is watch famous movies in cinema history to see the beauty that a necklace can bring to one's surroundings. Hollywood favorites such as "Pretty Woman" with Julia Roberts had a memorable scene when she was presented with a stunning ruby and diamond necklace. Consider the hit movie "Titanic" and the precious sapphire necklace worn by Kate Winslet as Rose. The diamond-studded necklace known as the Heart of the Ocean was a dazzler featuring a large, rare blue diamond surrounded by small white diamonds. Then, there was Audrey Hepburn's iconic necklace in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Who could forget Holly Golightly's gorgeous necklace with the elegant strands of pearls and large diamond brooch at her neck? The necklace is a timeless and most sought-after piece whether it's costume, vintage or fine jewelry.

Styles of Necklace

A necklace can be described in the simplest of terms as a piece of jewelry that's worn around the neck. When it comes to purchasing a necklace, there are many exquisite types to consider, and these are most popular:

• Pendant
• Choker
• Locket
• Lariat
• Riviere
• Torgue
• Plastron
• Bib

The pendant necklace is a classic and includes a piece of jewelry that one attaches to the chain or necklace. A choker is a short necklace (14 to 16 in.) that fits snugly around the neck. It can be made of various materials such as metal, leather or velvet. A locket necklace is another timeless piece containing a little amulet that can be opened to store a tiny photo or memento. A lariat necklace has a y-shape and no clasp and is worn to accentuate the neck to the decollete. A riviere necklace features a string of precious or semi-precious stones of generally the same size and is worn to enhance a strapless garment or one with a v-neck design.

A torque necklace is another striking piece that has an open front and no clasp. It features a metal collar styling that is made of a bar or ribbon of twisted metal. The plastron necklace is anything but shy. In fact, it's a bold jewelry necklace that covers a wide area of the neckline and typically boasts lots of intricate details. Think back to Beyonce in her "Formation" video. A bib necklace is another statement piece of jewelry as in the plastron, but a bit more subtle. The bib design often shows off beads, pearls or gemstones and creates a lovely collar or neckline of jewelry.

Famous Necklace Brands

There are tons of beautiful options when shopping for necklaces, and there are many amazing brands to look for whether the piece is inexpensive, mid-range or pricey. Some include: 

• Tiffany & Co. This famous jewelry store features high quality and expert craftsmanship. The iconic label has been around since 1837. Necklaces start a bit under $500 and can run into the thousands.
• Cartier. Here is another fabulous brand with timeless articles of jewelry and expensive taste. A chain necklace in yellow gold will cost about $610, and that is the lowest price. The most expensive necklace at Cartier's at the moment is a stunning piece with white gold, onyx and diamonds at $835,000.
• David Yurman. This label is a bit younger (1980) but has quickly been named one of the fine jewelry leaders. Yurman necklaces often boast striking sculptural chains and modern statement necklaces.
• Gucci. The famous fashion house isn't just about elegant clothing and accessories, but the designers also make spectacular jewelry. A delicate 18K gold necklace with a white and red enameled butterfly pendant wears a price tag of $1,650.
• Harry Winston. This famous brand needs little introduction with precious diamonds galore and many red carpet appearances worn on the necks of Hollywood's leading ladies. A Harry Winston diamond necklace is a memorable piece in a lariat, riviere or any other kind of style.
• Chanel is another global design house that brings fine jewelry to the table that accompanies its elegant designer fashion. Whether it's a choice of chokers, chains or pendants, Chanel dresses them up in gold, set with pearls or diamonds.