Dog tags have a storied past. Although the true purpose of the dog tag may be a tad morbid or distasteful, their popularity is evident. Making the jump from military item to must-have fashion accessory, the lowly dog tag has a rich and varied history that dates back to Civil War times.

Although no dog tags were officially issued during the Civil War, soldiers were crafting their own identification tags. Some tags were as simple as a piece of paper pinned to a uniform, while others were well crafted pieces made from wood or metal. Additionally, the magazine Harpers Bazaar began selling soldier pins, which were nothing more than metal identification tags. The purpose behind these identification tags was so a soldier’s family could be notified in the event of his death. The number of unknown soldiers during the Civil War ranks an astounding 42 percent of all casualties, so it was no surprise that soldiers were taking a step to ensure that they could be identified. Later on, these tags also began to contain medical information so that a soldier’s medical history could be affirmed even if he was unconscious.

The birth of the modern dog tag came in 1899, thanks to Chaplain Charles Pierce, who demanded that all combat kits include a round identification disc. Fourteen years later, the Army made the issue of identification tags mandatory, although the entire forces did not wear these discs until 1917.

These simple identification tags proved to be a great asset for identifying the dead and the wounded. During World War II, these identification tags were given a more spirited name, the dog tag. Presumably, the name infers to the same tag hangs around a dog’s collar. This period of time also saw a change of shape. The circle identification tags of Chaplain Pierce’s day were replaced with an oval tag with embossed information.

Although dog tags are typically worn by those in the military, the civilian sector has found these tags incredibly enticing. Today, it is certainly not uncommon to see all types of individuals wearing dog tags. From the punk rock scene to those looking to wear serious jewelry, but still want the unique shape of the dog tag, these small oval tags are everywhere.

Famous fashion houses and even highly reputable jewelers are including dog tags into their latest collections. Furthermore, celebrities are quickly nabbing up all types of dog tags and wearing them around town. Dog tags are not just for wearing around the neck anymore, as many are included into bracelets, anklets, or even earrings. Furthermore, the traditional oval shape of the dog tag is being replaced with round, heart shaped, and even square tags that hold the same purpose. Although there are many different types of dog tags available, all of these items hold something similar: their personalization options. Undoubtedly one of the main reasons why individuals indulge in these military reminiscent tags, your dog tag can say virtually anything, making the dog tag a piece of jewelry with unbelievable options for customization.