Types of Chain Jewelry
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A necklace is a form of jewelry that is worn around the neck. It can take many styles—a classic strand of pearls, a sleek 14kt yellow gold chain, or a luxurious diamond tennis necklace, to name a few of our best-selling necklaces. Necklaces are offered in a variety of lengths, ranging from 14" to 36". Shorter lengths can be worn to accentuate the collarbone and neck, while the longer lengths can help elongate the torso or attain the popular layered necklace look. As necklaces have evolved in style, materials, and silhouettes throughout the years, the pendant necklace has remained a staple in jewelry fashion.
While occasionally suspended from a string of gemstones or pearls, a pendant is typically found dangling off a silver or gold chain. Although most commonly associated with necklaces, pendants can also be used to decorate bracelets and anklets. To be technical, the pendant must be removable from the chain to be considered a pendant. The loop that attaches the pendant to the chain is known as a "bale," which the chain passes through.
While designers have experimented with pendant necklace lengths in recent years, they are most classically 16- or 18-inches long, falling elegantly on or just below the collarbone. To learn more about necklace lengths and the best length for you, visit our necklace length guide.
A pendant necklace features a metal chain with a hanging adornment. The pendant can include an array of pretty decorations, often including gemstones, diamonds, crosses, hearts, and pearls. It must be removable from the chain for it to be considered a jewelry pendant.
Pendants can be purchased with a coordinating chain or on their own. With our vast collection of pendant necklaces, we have classics like gold love knot pendants extended from a rope chain or more eclectic pieces, like a Murano glass pendant hung from multiple rows of Murano glass beads. To create a more custom look, a pendant can be matched to a chain or necklace already in your jewelry box or paired with a piece from our chain necklace collection.
Pendants are most commonly worn as crosses ; however, personalized monogram pendants and heart pendants are becoming increasingly popular motifs. The award for most iconic pendant? No surprise, the diamond pendant necklace. The diamond pendant is a timeless choice, a treasured piece of fine jewelry that can be passed down for generations.
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