How familiar are you with the pieces of jewelry that we all adore and wear daily? For example, did you know that there is a difference between a necklace and a pendant? There is, and the difference might surprise you!
Whether you are looking for the perfect gift for your best friend, or a family member, there is something timeless about a necklace or pendant. And when your heart is attached to the recipient of this timeless piece of jewelry, or you know it’s time to treat yourself, it’s just got to be perfect.
So what is the difference between a necklace and a pendant, and how do you select what is right for you or the ones you cherish in your life?
Necklaces vs. Pendants
A necklace is a piece of jewelry worn around your neck, and a pendant is an item that is hung off of the necklace itself.
The only question remaining is, can you have a necklace without a pendant or a pendant without a necklace?
A necklace is a necklace whether it has a pendant or not, but a pendant is merely a trinket in a drawer or jewelry box unless it has a necklace, bracelet, or anklet to hang from!
And while there may not be a plethora of hard and fast rules when it comes to jewelry, a pendant must technically be able to be removed from the chain, or strand it hangs from in order to officially be considered a pendant.
Different Types of Necklaces
There are many different kinds or types of necklaces to choose from, and we love each of them and the beautiful diversity they add to our collections and showroom.
Cascade
A cascade-style necklace is comprised of multiple strands, cascading down across the wearer’s collarbones and chest, and is currently a very popular style. They can be simple, or be a statement piece that can really start a conversation.
Choker
A choker is worn on the neck above the collar bones and can be very elegant and simple, or ornate with multiple rows of gemstones or other enhancements. Chokers have been worn by royalty, trendsetters, and everyone in between, and rise and fall in popularity with the times.
Single Strand
There’s nothing quite as enigmatic and versatile as a single-strand necklace! Single strand necklaces can be created from everything under the sun, including pearls, precious stones, semi-precious stones, and more. They can be looped around the neck, or worn long.
Opera
Ppera is the most dramatic of the lengths and styles of necklaces that we are covering in this guide. Opera-style necklaces are meant to be worn long and be eye-catching.
Princess
The Princess sits best, just below the collarbones to highlight the wearer’s best features. And it is also a very popular length for daily wear, due to the fact that it’s an appropriate length for the workplace, the backyard, and formal events too.
Chain
A simple chain is perhaps one of the most popular pieces of jewelry around the world, and through the decades, and can be made out of many different types of metal and feature many different kinds of chain designs.
Pendants
Pendants are versatile and can add to, enhance or become the main event depending on your personal style and the design characteristics.
A diamond pendant or pendant made out of other precious or semi-precious stoneswill alwayso be a timeless eye-catcher and breath taker.
A locket can also make a great pendant! Keeping a small treasure or image around your neck and close to your heart is a classic way to wear a pendant, and never goes out of style.
Some pendants can also be interchangeable with other types of jewelry in your collection, including bracelets, anklets, and even some earrings! Pendants can be designed to coordinate with other necklaces and jewelry pieces, expanding and diversifying your entire wardrobe overnight.
Which is Right for You?
As a gift for a loved one or for yourself, the right choice is the one that best complements the lifestyle, personal style, and preferences of the wearer. Not every necklace is appropriate for every occasion, and not every necklace has a pendant!
When we are working with our clients, we love the amount of variety and choices that necklaces and pendants provide, and we’d love to see you online or in-store!
Are you in the Nashville area? We have a location that’s perfect for you a short drive away in Franklin, TN.
Visit us in-store and enjoy browsing our selection of necklaces and pendants here.
