The necklace hosts a charm or decoration that hangs from it. The embellishment featured on this chain is termed, “pendant.” Pendants are able to slide onto any kind of necklace chain because they have a loop feature that allows for an easy on and off function.
What Do Pendant Necklaces Mean?
Literally, pendant means, “to hang down.” It comes from the Latin word, “pendere.”
There are also many different kinds of pendants that can be worn to symbolize different things. For example, if one chooses to wear a cross pendant, it can signify their belief in God or a certain faith. An elephant pendant can invite good luck in, as some believe. Evil eye pendants ward off evil spirits and negative thoughts. Hearts symbolize the obvious-love; and an infinity pendant signifies a forever friendship or never ending bond with a spouse or child; connecting them throughout all time.
These are just a few symbolic examples, but many exist today to choose from.
What is the History Behind Pendant Necklaces?
Believe it or not, but pendants are the oldest type of jewelry. Necklaces since the beginning of time were known to hold shells, stones, and even beads. One of the oldest cultures to date who adored the pendant necklaces were the Egyptians.
They often wore hieroglyphs around their neck in order to showcase rank, who they were, an honor they’ve received, for style, or for decoration during a special ceremony. It wasn’t uncommon for Egyptians to be put to rest wearing all of their pendants and other jewelry since they believed in taking it into the afterlife with them.
The Romans and Greeks wore pendants that had a foil leaf design, and women during this time often wore serpent pendants.
Later in time, especially during the Victorian era, locket pendants became extremely popular. These pendants were able to open to reveal an image, making them advanced for their time and highly treasured.
Throughout History
Amulets were worn to protect whoever was wearing it from evil influence. A Talisman pendant was worn because the wearer believed it possessed special powers and so did those who wore it.
Medallion style pendants worn throughout history were coin shaped and were granted during recognition or religious ceremonies across a wide range of cultures. Whistles were also considered to be a type of pendant necklace worn by shepherds and guards who were responsible for keeping watch over land, animals, or even those captured.
Today, pendants come in many artistic and functional styles. They can be colorful, feature gems and jewels, beads, and feathers; and even serve as a work accessory, such as a usb pendant necklace to always have on hand and pop into a computer. How modern!
What are Pendant Necklaces Made From?
Pendant necklaces are made from all kinds of metals-from silver, to gold, tungsten, to titanium. There are many rose gold pendant features, as well as stainless steel. Some pendants can be gold plated, and others made from plastic. It's not uncommon to see glass pendants today, or simple sterling silver pendants that are able to be etched with ease.
Today’s jewelry trend features minimalist styles of jewelry. Taking a step away from large, overly ornate pendants, pendant necklaces are designed with small features and dainty details. It’s not uncommon to see a pendant necklace with a tiny gem or small stone hanging from it.
Where Can Pendant Necklaces be Worn?
A pendant necklace is perfect to be worn on a daily basis, granted its design is simple and classic. It’s not uncommon to see men and women wearing a cross or other religious symbol, or even a locket. Oftentimes, these pendants serve as family heirlooms and are passed down from one generation to another.
Brides tend to wear these special necklaces, especially if they are ornately carved and decorated with gems on their wedding day. Monogrammed pendants have grown over the years in popularity as well, as have birthstone pendants. Wearing these kinds of necklaces to work, when lounging, or for any occasion is common and widely acceptable.
For special events, diamond pendants and other precious stones and rare jewels are often worn around the neck to accommodate a formal celebration with friends and family, or when the wearer itself is being honored.
For example, many famous celebrities and singers were large, highly decorated pendants to award shows or to perform in because they are so beautiful, statement making, and eye catching.
How Do I Wear a Pendant Necklace?
A Pendant necklaces looks amazing when paired with a scoop or v-neck top. It allows for the perfect placement of the pendant against the clothing and the skin. Men often wear a pendant necklace with a button down shirt or even a crew neck tee.
When wearing a sparkly pendant necklace for special events, consider wearing a dress that has a crew neck or boatneck, to allow the decorated piece to look striking and stand out.
Pendant necklaces have been around for an extremely long time. Since the creation of the necklace, pendants were hung from these rounded chains to decorate the decolletage, serve a purpose, or mark an individual.
What do you want your pendant necklace to say about you? Choose a high quality piece and wear it proudly to your day to day events and for your special occasions.