A History of Pendants

I love history... there is something so fascinating about it. I love a lot of things and enjoy reading a few topics - and I just find it really interesting to learn and understand where and how everything that I'm fascinated with began.

I have a huge, huge love for jewelry. I love it all. So much, in fact, that I actually self-learnt to design and create handmade pieces.

 I live in jeans and they're usually paired with a black or white blouse. What usually makes it stand out is a nice statement pendant. But when and where did they begin? When did they get fashionable? Let's take a look at its history.

Celtic knot pendant - Striped agate and copper

Necklaces and pendants have been around adorning the necks of women and men since the Stone Age. They were a lot more simpler then... made out of stones, shells, seeds and even animal cones and teeth.

Sea glass wrapped in copper

The pharaohs in ancient Egypt upgraded their pendants. They usually wore pendants of a very large size which depicted commemorative scenes and contained things like flies, servants and scarab beetles.

Herringbone Weave - Pearl and rose quartz in gold tone copper

The Middle Ages saw more religious and devotional pendants. And as time passed these got upgraded to more decorative than religious with the onset of the Renaissance Period.

Swirl pendant - Rajasthani Jade and gold 

There are many categories of pendants:

Amulets

Talismans

Locket

Medallion

Functional pendants

among others to name a few...

Caged pendant - crystal with coral and sandstone in copper

The thing I love most about pendants is that unlike a necklace you can turn it into a choker or a really long piece that almost reaches your belly - just as long as you have a chain, cord or ribbon that passes through.

Tree of life pendant - coral and silver tone copper

WHAT IS THE LOOP AT THE TOP OF THE PENDANT CALLED?

The part of the pendant that goes over the chain is called the bail or bale. This holds the piece to the chain. Most bails are attached to a metal pendant. However, some connect directly to a gemstone.

Caged pendant - jade caged in copper

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PENDANT AND A CHARM?

Generally speaking, a pendant is an ornament meant to hang from the neck on a chain or ribbon. A charm is an ornament meant to be attached to a bracelet and to hang from the wrist. A charm is usually smaller than a pendant, so it doesn't get in the way while using the hand or arm

Tree of life pendant with silver toned copper and apple green baby pearls

If you are a jewellery fan, you should have at least a few of these 7 types of pendants:

CASUAL PENDANTS - These are versatile, fashionable and classic; and add a touch of dazzle to your everyday look.

GEMSTONE PENDANTS - Look glamorous effortlessly with a gemstone pendant. They come in bold as well as subtle designs, and exude an aura of captivating charm. These vibrant coloured stones will be sure to grab attention with their sparkly, vivid appearance.

PEARL PENDANTS - Pearls are the quintessential jewellery item that will never go out of style and will last for generations. They symbolise purity and offer love, wealth, protection and luck to the wearer.

Tree of life pendant with copper and sea glass.

HEART PENDANTS - Heart pendants symbolise love. Now although these are nice to look they're really not my type. At least not the gemstone cut into a heart shape. But I do like and own a plain silver heart outline pendant. After all... a heart is still a heart.

CROSS PENDANT - There are such a variety of cross pendants to be found. From precious metals with inlays to filigree crosses with gemstones to even the simple wooden cross - there is literally something for everyone.

STATEMENT PENDANTS - These make a distinctive style statement and are very popular with the young 'it' crowd. They are perfect to blend for everyday and very easily create a signature look. These pendants are quickly gaining popularity with their contemporary chic designs and easy mix between tradition and modern.

HAMSA PENDANTS - Hamsa is an ancient Middle Eastern talisman symbolizing the “Hand of God.” Across beliefs, it’s a protective sign that protects the wearer from the evil eye and misfortune. This pendant is believed to offer success, happiness, health, and prosperity to the wearer. The five fingers of the hamsa hand remind its wearer to use their five senses to praise God. The Hamsa hand often contains an eye symbol, which is a powerful talisman against the evil eye. Hamsa pendants are designed meticulously with sterling silver, pearls, gold, and semi-precious gemstones.