Sorry about the title , I just couldnt resist . Today Id like to show you a few vintage pendants. Pendants are very attractive pieces of jewellery which are very versatile. The word pendant is taken from French and means “hanging” , in other words a pendant is a piece of jewellery which hangs. Depending on its size you can wear a pendant round your neck, attached to a bracelet or brooch or if you have a matching pair ( or mismatched even ) as earrings. I believe that during the Renaissance some pendants were worn fastened to a sleeve. Mostly though when we think of pendants we are looking at items of jewellery to hang round your neck.

When hanging a piece of vintage jewellery such as a pendant round your neck you can use a chain, string of beads, cord or ribbon to suspend the pendant on. It is possible to wear multiple pendants on the chain, or cord at the same time which gives a vintage look.

There are some special types of pendant including  the Lavalier, locket, cross, amulet. Smaller pendants are usually known as charms.

The Lavalier:

The lavalier was popular in the early 1900s but the term probably originates from Madame L Valliere who was a mistress of Louis XIV. The lavalier has a substantial drop and will normally have at least one gemstone in it.

Locket as a pendant

The locket containing a photograph, a lock of hair or small memento is a popular form of pendant. You can find lockets which display the contents at the front or reverse or more usual lockets have covered compartments which you see one the locket is opened.

 

Cross

The cross is usually worn as a Christian religious symbol as a pendant round the neck. Crosses can be plain or ornamental. They can be made of all sorts of materials but are most popular made of gold.