Types of Pendants Types of Pendants

Purchasing sterling silver jewelry from a chain store or a jewelry retailer can be overwhelming, especially when you are selecting a particular type of pendant from the various types of pendants that are available, that too within a variety of different gemstones and vermeils. In order to simplify your quest of purchasing a particular pendant from the various styles in pendants, like religious pendants, birthstone pendants, and teardrop pendants, we have made a comprehensive guide on pendants.

This guide will also help you improve your shopping experience as a buyer – because you will know what you are buying, from the wide array of choices that you are being offered – enabling you to not feel any buyer’s remorse when you bring the desired pendant home. So, without waiting any longer, let us start with the first basic question, which is what are pendants?

What Are Pendants?

What Are Pendants What Are Pendants

Pendants are a significant category within jewelry and unlike rings and bracelets, they are typically designed as loose-hanging pieces of a jewel that are attached to a chain, necklace, or chord, serving various aesthetic purposes when worn around the neck. Technically, a pendant can be defined as a decorative jewelry piece that hangs from a chain or necklace, and it generally features a loop or bail for attaching the pendant to the chain. The term “pendant” is derived from the Old French word “pendr” and the Latin word “pendere”, both of which mean “to hang down.”

Use of Different Types of Pendants in Human History

Use of Different Types of Pendants in Human History Use of Different Types of Pendants in Human History

Pendants have been used by various ancient civilizations, and throughout history, different types of pendants, like amulets, talismans, lockets, and medallions, have been used by mankind. Different pendants served different purposes. Let us discuss some of the notable historical examples which showcase the use of pendants in various cultures:

Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle pendant was worn by many because it symbolized birth, death, rebirth, and transformation. Generally worn by Pharos and nobles, it was believed that this pendant ensured safe passage into the afterlife, and protected the wearer from evil influences. In addition to the scarab beetle pendant, the Eye of Horus was also worn as a pendant, which was worn by royalty in order to symbolize protection and royal power.

Ancient Greece and Rome

The pendants found in archaeological excavations indicate that the pendants that were used by Romans and Greeks were inspired by mythology. For instance, Greek warriors generally wore pendants shaped like gods such as Athena or Zeus, believing that they would offer protection in battle. Similarly, Roman soldiers and statesmen wore medallion-style pendants that featured images of emperors or gods in order to appear authoritative.

Indian Culture

Historically, Indians used to wear pendants that featured religious symbols like Trishul, Om, and Swastika, and they also wore pendants that featured particular deities and yantras. These helped them to express their faith and spirituality. In today’s times, modern Hindus like wearing chakra pendants, which are a type of chakra jewelry – these pendants have one gemstone for each of the seven chakras.

Fun Fact: The Difference Between an Amulet, Locket, and Medallion

You might not know that amulet, locket, and medallion are three types of pendants that are famous from antiquity. An amulet is a pendant that offers protection against evil influences. The locket is a pendant that opens to reveal a personal item, like a photograph. And a medallion is a coin-shaped pendant, that is often awarded for some special achievement or for religious blessings.

Different Types of Pendants that are in Trend

Different Types of Pendants that are in Trend Different Types of Pendants that are in Trend

There are different types of pendants that you can purchase from a jeweler – but we believe that as an informed buyer, you do need to know the different types of pendants that are currently in trend. So, let us discuss some of the most popular pendants one by one, starting with birthstone pendants.

    • Birthstone Pendant:

Birthstone pendants are pendants that incorporate gemstones that are associated with a particular month of the year. Each month has at least one or more designated stones that offer healing benefits to the person born in that month, and these stones can also be worn so as to bring in good luck and protection. Birthstone pendants can come in different styles, from simple designs with a stone set in the middle to intricate settings that have additional intricacies and decorative elements.

    • Classic Pendants:

A. Solitaire Pendants: Solitaire pendants feature a single gemstone, which is generally a diamond, that is set in a simple design, allowing the stone to take center stage. Although simple, these pendants are suitable for both special occasions as well as everyday wear.

B. Locket Pendants: These pendants are designed to hold mementos and small photos. When opened, they reveal the cherished item present inside them, making these pendants deeply personal.

    • Personalised Pendants:

Personalized pendants are customized pendant pieces that feature engravings such as names, initials, and significant dates, which are used to express the individuality of the wearer in a unique way. Most often, they are given as thoughtful gifts.

    • Gemstone Pendants:

These pendants feature vibrant gemstones such as sapphires, ruby, garnet, Citrine, amethyst, etc. The gemstone pendants come in a wide variety of styles, from dainty pendants that look minimalistic to statement pendants that look bold, and because they are adorned with gemstones, they look absolutely stunning.

    • Religious Pendants:

The religious pendants generally feature symbols of faith like the Star of David, the cross, the medallion, or the swastika symbol, and these pendants hold spiritual significance that is intertwined with religion for many people. Generally, they are made out of precious metals like gold and 925 sterling silver, and they are also set with beautiful gemstones.

    • Teardrop Pendants:

These pendants are characterized by their teardrop shape, and the shape of teardrop pendants maximizes the visual impact of the gemstone that is set in the pendant. The gemstone, which can be faceted as well as cabochon, creates a striking focal point that draws in attention of the people who look at your neck.

    • Heart Pendants:

Heart pendants, when gifted by a loved one, symbolize the love and affection that person has for you, and this is why these pendants are timeless gifts for partners as well as family members. These pendants come in a variety of designs – some have solid metal, some have intricate designs, and some feature beautiful sparkling gemstones. And the best part about these pendants is, they can be worn on both casual as well as formal occasions.

Final Thoughts

We have discussed a lot about pendants – you now know what pendants are, the different types of pendants that have a special significance in human history, and some of the pendants that are quite trendy nowadays. Having said that, we would like to ask you, are you searching for wholesale gemstone jewelry and 925 sterling silver jewelry in order to take your retail stone to new heights? We, Rananjay Exports, offer various kinds of gemstone jewelry, and some of our most notable jewelry collection includes plain silver jewelry, birthstone jewelry, and zodiac sign jewelry. Order different types of pendants from Rananjay Exports – India’s biggest wholesale gemstone jewelry manufacturer and supplier – and receive the jewelry your customers will cherish for years to come.