Necklaces and pendants are timeless pieces of jewellery. And, while everyone knows what a necklace is, not everyone is aware of the number of details and styles this iconic jewellery comes in.
So, let’s break down everything you need to know about your necklaces and pendants.
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Difference Between Pendant & Necklace
While some may use pendant and necklace interchangeably, these two terms do have different meanings. A pendant is a part of many necklaces as the embellishment or main decoration. The pendant is stylized – often to match the necklace – but it can always be removed. If it is not removable, then it’s considered a part of the necklace itself.
The necklace itself is a piece of jewellery worn around your neck. It can often be adorned with pendants but does not require one. Another way to consider this is that pendants always need necklaces to be worn, but necklaces do not require pendants.
The Breakdown of Your Necklaces & Pendants
The pieces and parts of a necklace can vary greatly depending on its intricacy and design, but there are a few terms and components most, if not all, necklaces have. We’re going to walk you through the major parts, including some terminology you may encounter when considering a necklace or pendant.
Length
The length of a necklace can vary greatly. When we talk about length, we always measure the necklace itself, excluding any pendants, drops, or other adornments.
Collar or Choker: Necklaces between 12 to 16 inches are termed chokers and collars. Collars are stiff necklaces defined by the rigidness of the metal, whereas a choker is a more flexible metal fitted just as tightly.
Princess Length: The most common necklace length, the princess length generally falls just below the collarbone. Most often, this measures between 16 to 18 inches.
Matinee Length: Falling a little longer than a princess length, the matinee tends to fall right at or above the bust. This most commonly measures 20 to 22 inches.
Opera Length: For a little extra glamour, the opera length measures between 24-28 inches.
Rope Length: Measuring 30 inches or more, rope-length necklaces are incredibly long and versatile, as you can wear them as a single strand or double wrap them for a layered look.
Pendant and Necklace Styles
While some pendant and necklace styles are tied to their length, others are defined by their design. Some necklace styles – like the pearl strand – are always a classic choice while others are a matter of personal preference. Consider which style of necklace best fits your aesthetic.
Riviére (or Tennis) Necklace: Defined by their single row of gemstones that wrap the neck, riviére necklaces come in a variety of lengths, metals, and setting styles. The gemstones can come in a variety of sizes and may graduate in size. When the stones remain the same size, it is called a tennis necklace.
Lavalier (or Pendant/Drop Pendant) Necklace: This necklace style is the most common, featuring a necklace and a pendant – a decorative piece that can come in almost any style.
Bib (or Cleopatra) Necklace: A bib necklace has large pieces – or several large pieces – that lay in front, much like a bib. The Cleopatra necklace is a type of bib necklace that tapers around the neck.
Lariat (or Bolo) Necklace: The lariat necklace is a unique design that does not contain a clasp. In this style, one end of the necklace feeds through the other to create a Y-shape around the neck.
Pearl Strand: A simple and elegant design, pearl strands come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours.
Choker or Collar: Defined by both their style and their length, chokers and collars are worn close to the throat and come in a variety of designs, styles, and adornments.
Components and Pieces
Once you’ve found the right length and style of necklace, the next thing to consider are all the details. From the type of chain and clasp to the embellishments and adornments, the final components of a necklace are all about the details.
Chains
Cable Chains: Cable chain necklaces are most commonly used as they are lightweight, dainty chains that pair well with pendants. These chains are recognized by their oval- or round-shaped links that weave together to create an interlocking pattern.
Ball Chains: Featuring ball-shaped metal beads, the ball chain necklace has an urban-chic aesthetic. They are commonly paired with dog-tag pendants but can be matched with others.
Snake Chains: Snake chain necklaces are sleek and elegant, consisting of tightly woven bands. Like their name, these necklaces evoke the image of a smooth snake and are often worn without pendants.
Paperclip Chains: A modern take on the cable chain necklace, paperclip chains showcase long delicate links that interlock with each other, much like paperclips.
Clasps
The Hook-and-Eye Clasp: This style of clasp has two distinct components: the hook and the eye. The hook is directed through the eye, or hole, in order to keep the necklace on.
The Lobster Clasp: This is a common and durable clasp type. Shaped like a lobster claw, the clasp is easy to open while remaining secure once it is on.
The Spring Ring Clasp: Like the lobster clasp, the spring ring clasp is easy to use. Instead of a lobster claw, this clasp is shaped like a ring and is both lightweight and straightforward.
Embellishments & Decorations
Pendant: A pendant can come in many shapes and sizes, but can generally be defined as any hanging embellishment on a necklace chain. Pendants are used to emphasize the neckline and often remain secured with an attached bail.
Charm: Charms differ from pendants in their attachment style and size. Charms generally attach to a small ring – a charm holder – where one or several charms can be attached.
Locket: Lockets are a specific type of pendant. Often, lockets have a commemorative meaning as they can hold photos, tokens, or engravings. Lockets have a hinged cover that can be opened and closed to keep their photo, engraving, or token safe and hidden.
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