Wear pretty jewelry every day. After all, maybe today you will go out into the street and meet Destiny.
Olga Gutsal
Jewelry says a lot about a woman, so men always subconsciously pay attention to them. Of particular interest to them are ladies with original products on their necks and hands. Today we will talk about neck pendants, which are as popular today as they were centuries ago.
From the beginning of time…
Jewelry around the neck was worn by ancient people. Once upon a time, the fangs and bones of animals had a completely different meaning and played the role of protective amulets. For the same purposes, pebbles, shells, tree fruits were used. Our ancestors even used sticky plant sap to attach these ornaments to their bodies. Over time, craftsmen appeared who were engaged in the manufacture of figurines of deities and animals from natural materials.
The ancient Egyptians made a huge contribution to the development of the jewelry industry. Many gods were personified by animals, which is why pendants with scarabs, crocodiles, cats and sphinxes are incredibly popular today in the Land of the Four Deserts. They are made mainly of gold and silver.
Pendant & Medieval
In the Middle Ages, the demand for jewelry increased significantly. The number of jewelers has also increased. Products become more complex, multifaceted, ornate. In the same period, the term "suspension" appears. It originated in France.
Initially, the pendant served as the tip of the laces that tied the edges of clothes. It was made of gold or silver, covered with enamel and even decorated with precious stones. On the neck at that time they wore insignia (awards, orders), amulets, medallions with mini-portraits of dear people.
In the Renaissance, hollow glass pendants appeared. They were often filled with aromatic oils, perfumes, and even poisons to eliminate objectionable rivals at court. Where these decorations were not worn - on the neck, on headdresses, on skirts!…
And soon glass was replaced by precious metals. The imagination of jewelers was boundless. At the same time, it was already possible to find pendants of religious and even mystical themes on sale.
Today, a pendant is a type of jewelry that is hung on a chain. It is worn only around the neck and can be of any shape and size, but an obligatory part of the pendant is the eyelet through which the chain is threaded.
What are pendants?
The abundance of shapes and sizes of pendants around the neck is simply amazing. They are worn:
- On a chain. Traditional jewelry hung on chains of various lengths and shapes.
- On velvet. This type of suspension is calledchoker ("strangler") and tightly wraps around the base of the neck. Not suitable for girls with a short neck, as it will visually shorten it even more.
- On a lace. Inexpensive and stylish jewelry, which is currently very popular, usually complements the everyday look.
The types of pendants around the neck today are also innumerable. It can be a zodiac sign, the first letter of a name, an icon, a mystical sacral symbol, an animal figurine and, of course, “traditional” jewelry made of gold, silver, platinum, nickel. And they are all divided into conditional groups.
Types of pendants on the neck
1. Pendants. The shape of the pendant is often round or oval. But there are decorations in the form of Fatima's palms, angels, hearts, animals. They are also made from precious and semi-precious stones, gold, silver, wood, leather, and clay. Silver neck pendants are incredibly popular today, as they successfully emphasize almost any look.
2. Medallions. These are the same pendants, but with a secret inside. They consist of two parts fastened with a swivel joint and a lock. They often have a rounded shape. A mini-portrait of a dear person, solid perfume, the face of a saint, a prayer, a valuable message for the owner can be stored inside.
3. Aromatic pendants. Aromatic oils are stored in these products, which evaporate through the narrow neck of the jewelry, exuding a delightful, and sometimes healing aroma. Such natural perfumes in the Middle Ages were especially in demand by ladies from high society.
4. Amulets depicting sacred symbols. Usually belong to one of the world's religions or ancient cultures. They serve as protective amulets, but sometimes they simply emphasize the image with such decorations. Such talismans, if this is not a symbol of your faith, you need to charge with positive energy.
The photo shows a men's pendant around the neck. Depicts a pagan Slavic symbol.
5. Watch. Watch pendants have recently lost their popularity. Most often they are collected by connoisseurs of antiques.
Neck length
Short or long chain to choose? And it depends on the anatomical features of the neck.
Girls with a thin and long neck should choose short chains. These can be chokers, necklaces, stand-up jewelry, collars. The V-shaped decoration will only enhance the effect. It is strongly discouraged to wear them.
For girls with a thick and short neck, stylists advise giving preference to long chains, from 5 cm below the collarbones. One of the most successful options is a product with small links at the base of the neck that expand towards the chest. In general, small details are preferable, as large elements will visually shorten it.
Bust size is also incredibly important when choosing a pendant. If you are the owner of a magnificent bust, elegant jewelry will make your breasts even larger, so choose products with largeelements.
Girls with a small bust should pay attention to small neat pendants that will look harmoniously around the neck.
How to choose a pendant for clothes?
Classic or vintage style pendants made of precious metals are perfect for evening dress. The most impressive look will be jewelry, decorated with precious stones, on chains of medium length.
Under a business suit, it is appropriate to wear pendants of a restrained, classical form, devoid of bright inserts. Do not wear products with too large elements. The cross, as a personal decoration, is better to hide under clothes.
These are neat, discreet pendants on thin chains that can be worn under a suit. Different models are also combined. They will add sophistication to the image, but will not create disharmony with the suit.
The image in ethnic style is accentuated by products of unusual shape with an interesting ornament that will emphasize your image. Suitable pendants with Indian, Egyptian and African elements.
The photo shows a fashion show held in the summer of 2016. A real Indian look, complemented by women's pendants around the neck, is a bit wild, but harmonious and open.
When and what to wear?
In this case, you should decide when and where you plan to wear jewelry. For a casual look, smallelegant products that will be harmoniously combined with clothes of any shade. But for special occasions, you can pick up something bright and extraordinary. This advice is more for young girls who have the opportunity to experiment with the image.
For middle-aged and older women, stylists recommend purchasing an expensive pendant encrusted with precious stones.
The pendant does not have to be worn complete with earrings, ring or bracelet. Today's fashion does not require this. The main thing is that the decorations look harmonious. For example, you should not combine a gold pendant around your neck with silver earrings or a floss bracelet on your hand. Such a duet will look somewhat artless. But at the same time, many designers advise girls to abandon sets and select different products. The main thing is not to get disharmony.
Handmade neck pendant
If you still haven't found the pendant that will emphasize your individuality, make it yourself. Today, in stores with accessories for jewelry, you can buy everything you need, including beads, thin-nosed pliers, decorative stones, fishing lines for hanging around your neck and other items. In hardware stores you can also find all kinds of velvets, chains, ribbons and pendants themselves of various shapes and sizes. A little patience - and your unique pendant is ready!
