From style statements to subtle cues – The Pendant Design story
Pendants have a special place in the jewellery trade. You can have a simple or well-designed chain or necklace but without a suitable pendant, you are missing the star of the show! People wear pendants of various shapes, sizes, and designs since ancient times. Pendant designs have evolved from tribal to rustic to regal to chic to eclectic. Pendant designs in many metals trend in the jewellery market. One can pick any pendant design to flaunt their personal style.
The History of Pendant Designs
Over years, pendant designs have changed to incorporate the changing times. In ancient ruins of Egypt, elaborate pendant designs with complex drawings were found on Mummies. In Greek and Roman history, pendant designs hold a special place as they show the moral and legal standing of the wearer. In Indian history and myth, gods and goddesses, kings and queens wore luxurious pendant designs.
They were ornate gold and platinum pendants with luxurious gemstones. In British history, the warrior, priests, and royalty each had their unique icons embossed as pendant designs. Jewellery pieces and unique pendant designs were found in the ruins of Mohen-Jo-Daro and Harappa. These ruins date back 5000 years. Pendant designs are exceptional pieces of jewellery. They immediately identify the wearer's profession and personality.
The beginning of the pendant design story
According to historical surveys, pendants were first worn during the Stone Age. The pendant designs used were teeth and bones of prehistoric animals, shells, coloured stones, and seeds. This love for pendants evolved with the evolution of man and the cultures of the world.
Ornate medallions and sovereigns were worn by Egyptian priests and regalia. Typical pendant designs in the shape of scarabs, serpents, flies, falcons and scorpions were common.
In the Etruscan period, the popular pendant designs were spindles and human heads.
The Roman era had pendant designs in gold intaglios, gold coins, and cameos.
Pendant designs in the Middle Ages depicted religious fervour. Crosses encrusted with sapphires and emeralds were worn by priests and the crusaders. The businessmen too wore pendant designs that spoke of their religious leanings. Meanwhile, women in that era wore pendant designs that had sentimental value.
During the Renaissance period, ornamental and real-life images and icons were adopted in pendant designs. These included pendant designs with mermaids, animals, ships, and tritons. The more elaborate ones depicted religious or mythological scenes.
In the Baroque and Empire periods, pendant designs became things of beauty. They were studded with gemstones like rubies and emeralds. The pendant designs like butterflies, women shapes, peacocks etc were used.
Hindu pendant designs are ethereal. They have temple designs, carvings, religious symbols, and emblems of the various kingdoms. Indian states had many rulers and each king encouraged art and local craftsmen. Pendant designs thus emulated the local art and became diverse. The cultural heritage of jewellery in India is vast and amazing. Pendant designs with gemstones, crystals, gold coins, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds flourish.
The ancient and vintage pieces of pendant designs are in display at various museums across the world. The history of pendant designs is truly amazing and a thing of immense beauty. One can map the evolution of society by studying the changing trends in pendant designs across centuries.
Pendant Design options
Pendants bring life to the necklace or chain. They adorn the neck but beautify the entire look. They are the star pieces of any jewellery set. Pendant designs changed through time and tide. Initially, the pendant designs were in the form of amulets. These gave spiritual powers to the wearer. Talismans gave supernatural powers to the wearer. Lockets could hold tiny objects, maps, and secret notes. Medallions in the shape of coins resembled medals. Functional pendant designs looked like sundials, compasses, and whistles. Fashion pendants had diamonds and gemstones as danglers.
In recent decades pendant designs follow fashion trends. They are extremely popular and many jewellery houses have their own brands of pendant designs. Pendant designs rule the gifting market. There are various pendant designs to suit personal styles and festive needs.
Name pendant designs
Very popular for gifting to dear ones of all ages. Name pendant designs can be simply initials, or then first names. The pendant design is in the form of cursive writing. The pendant could have simple engraving or it could be studded with gemstones and diamonds. Pendant designs with names are trending in gold, silver, platinum, and sterling silver. Rose gold pendant designs are very popular during the wedding season.
Mangalsutra pendant designs
The mangalsutra pendant is very popular in the Indian sub-continent. The traditional mangalsutra pendant designs are made in gold. They have religious symbols, paisley leaves, mango leaves, and other such auspicious symbols. The trend changed when women started opting for diamond mangalsutra pendants that were ornate and lavish. The current trend in mangalsutra pendant designs is slim, minimalistic and suave pendants. Materials like gold and platinum are commonly used with diamonds and gemstones. They are easy to carry, comfortable, and look great with both ethnic and western outfits.
Religious pendant designs
Ethnic symbols, icons, religious signs, mantras, chants, and seeds are used in religious pendant designs. Religious pendants bring a spiritual aura to any outfit. The pendant design has Hindu religious icons like sun, swastika, om, shiva linga, and nav graha stones. They are great for wearing and gifting. The idols of gods and goddesses look very spiritual and give energy to the wearer. Religious pendant designs like crosses, the crescent moon and star, evil eye pendants are popular throughout the world. Religious pendant designs are made in gold or silver. Some have intricate patterns, while others may be simple or in the form of coins. They look inspiring with diamonds and other gemstones that are auspicious for the wearer.
Art Nouveau pendant designs
These pendant designs break all design rules. It uses modern art inspired by paintings and architecture from Middle ages and the Renaissance period. It has a vivid colour palette. Various metals and materials are used to create art nouveau pendant designs. These pendants are showstoppers and create a great focal point for the ensemble.
A simple guideline for the perfect pendant design
As you go through the various options of pendant designs, you can use a checklist to refine your jewellery search.
The most important aspect is how you intend to use the pendant. Pendants can be used for casual, ethnic, to formal wear. For casual or everyday wear opt for pendant designs that have simple designs, comfortable, and easy to carry. They can be pendants that pair up with any kind of outfit.
One can look at a pendant and fall in love with it. The pendant design looks great on the mannequin but doesn’t suit your skin tone, body shape, or your lifestyle. Look for pendant designs that enhance your physical appearance, silhouette, and personal style.
Another key factor is the purity of the metal of the pendant design. When you are looking to buy pendants in gold, silver, or platinum, check for purity and certifications.
Pendant designs with gemstones have links and bonds that hold the stones in place. Before you buy this type of pendant, ensure the encrusting is bonded well.
Pendant designs create different looks with various chain lengths. A bigger pendant would look cool with a longish chain. The weight of the pendant and the weight of the chain need to be correlated.
Pendant designs look great with all types of outfits like jeans, sarees, kurtas, and western formals. They can create fun, ethnic, chic, and festive looks. Pendant designs are versatile. They can be cost effective to extravagant. Nothing exudes personal style more than gorgeous pendant designs.
