There are different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials for pendants. The best ones are those that match your style; something you can really see yourself wearing every other day. So how do you find one?
Always start with a pendant that's meaningful or special. It should look as stunning as you do. Style experts will also tell you to choose materials that last long with proper care.
This guide will help you pick a charm that suits your style and does your favorite outfits justice.
What to Consider When Choosing a Pendant
Before adding any pendants to your collection, think about these key factors:
- Size: Small pendants are often lightweight and subtle. Medium-sized pendants are versatile, while larger pendants catch the eye, drawing more attention for bold, dressy looks.
- Shapes: Different shapes can have different effects. Oval and round pendants are the classics and have a vintage feel, while geometric and elongated shapes are more modern.
- Necklace Length: Shorter chains highlight the pendant for a more sophisticated look, while longer chains create a more casual effect.
- Material and Durability: Glass and natural stones have a vibrant sparkle that complements your skin tone. Plus, they last long.
- Meaning: Some people choose pendants purely for style, while others look for pieces that tell a story. For example, an initial pendant can represent a loved one, while a charm could complement your earrings or bracelet.
How to Choose Beautiful and Stylish Pendants
People often select a pendant according to four categories:
1. Meaning and Sentimentality
What do you want your pendant to say? These pieces can tell a lot about your personality and hold sentimental value.
Some people choose a chain pendant purely because it looks pretty. And that’s reason enough. A gold charm that catches the light or a colorful pendant that brightens your blouse can make you look chic when you go to work or run errands. Plus, it could just make you smile every time you see your reflection.
Other pendants carry a deeper meaning, such as marking a milestone, celebrating a grandchild, reminding you of a trip, or keeping someone special close to your heart. Birthstone pendants are a great choice for sentimentality, as are initial charms.
2. Features (Size, Shape, & Color)
A pendant may look beautiful in a photo, but then you try it on, and something about it just looks off. Or maybe it feels too heavy. The wrong-colored pendant can even match your skin tone a little too well, which can be good in some cases. But in others, you want your pendant to be your conversation starter.
When shopping for pendants:
Get the Right Size
- Small Pendants: These are easy to style because they're not too visible and can work with different necklines. Small pendants are great for work outfits. They also look tasteful against chunky knits or button-down shirts, and when you layer them with larger pendants and chain necklaces. Plus, small pendants look stunning bundled or layered with larger pendants.Â
- Medium Pendants: This is the sweet spot for many people. Medium pendants are visible but not too bold, which makes them great for dressing up a casual outfit, going out for lunch, traveling, and even everyday wear.
- Large Pendants: These are the best choice when you want a statement piece. They're very eye-catching and can even be the centerpiece of your whole ensemble with the right styling and outfit neckline. Just keep in mind that some can be a little heavy.
Select the Right Shapes
There are many pendant shapes, with the most popular being:
- Round: These pendants feel soft because the lack of edges resonates with a sense of balance. Also, many vintage pendants are round, so they have an antique characteristic.
- Oval: Like vertical stripes on a blouse, an oval pendant creates a subtle elongating illusion, which can make your neckline look longer.
- Teardrop: This shape points downwards, which can complement a V-neck dress or shirt.
- Heart: A heart pendant feels sweet and romantic, especially when you gift it to a special someone. They're also great for layering.
- Geometric: The clean lines and sharp corners look modern and are the best for a minimalistic style.
Choose a Color That Works for You
- Classic Gold: Yellow gold is the traditional color for jewelry, so it will look timeless. Gold beautifully complements earth-toned clothes such as olive green and cream, plus it can bring out your natural glow if you have a warm skin tone.
- Silver: Silver looks more modern. It has a cool tone that pairs stylishly with blue and black fabrics. Silver also looks good with grey outfits, and it's a great option for a striking appearance against cool skin undertones such as ivory and porcelain.
- Colored Stones: Some pendants feature vibrant colors. From deep pinks to light blues, there are endless choices and styling options for these types of pendants. You can match the gem to your eye color. Or pick something that contrasts to draw attention to the piece, while complementing your beautiful skin tone.
3. Necklines
A neckline can completely change how a pendant looks. When you're choosing a charm, make sure it complements what you're wearing as follows:
- V-Necks: V-necks naturally draw the eye downward, so they go with longer or pointed pendants. Teardrop, oval, or slim vertical shapes look especially flattering.
- Crew Necks: Crew necks are higher, so medium-size pendants that sit right below the collar line usually look fashionable and well styled. As for shape, round and oval charm-style pendants all look stunning with this style.
- Scoop Necks: Scoop necks have a softer curve, so round or gently shaped pendants are the best choices. This neckline is also great for layering if you love a little extra flair.
- Button-Downs: Button-downs give you plenty of styling options. Leave a few buttons open and let a small or medium-sized pendant sit inside the neckline. You could also wear a large pendant over the shirt, buttoned up, for a more tasteful look.
4. Materials
Good jewelry should look lovely and hold up with proper care. Some of the best material options include:
- Plated: Plated jewelry offers a more accessible way to enjoy that rich, golden look without the super high price tag. Choosing LINK Necklaces also makes a difference. We have a wide collection of stunning plated pendants and chains with a protective anti-tarnish lacquer coating that helps them last longer with proper care.
- Glass: Glass pendants have a gorgeous sparkle and vibrant color at a friendlier price point. They’re a wonderful choice if you want to celebrate a birth month or a family member without having to pay for natural gemstones.
- Gold: Gold pendants are timeless and luxurious, but they can be expensive.
- Silver: Solid silver offers a bright, cool-toned shine. Like gold, this precious metal requires a higher budget upfront.
Pairing Pendants with Different Chain Styles
There are no strict rules for pairing chains with pendants. However, we believe that these few tips can help you look more chic when you're not sure how to match your pendant to a necklace:
- Delicate Chains: These small necklaces work beautifully with tiny pendants. Lightweight charms are also good. This combination is great for creating a subtle piece that's perfect for everyday wear or work clothes.
- Cable Chains: They’re versatile, making them a good match for almost any pendant shape or size.
- Paperclip Chains: These have a contemporary feel. Paperclip necklaces are perfect for medium-sized pendants and can bring a little extra personality to plain or simple designs.
- Chunky Chains: They look best with larger pendants, as a tiny charm on a heavy chain can make the pendant look boring or barely there.
- Snake and Rope Chains: These necklaces look incredible with vintage-style lockets and smooth geometric pendants. The unique texture of the chains contrasts beautifully with the smooth metal of the pendant, making the combination look modern and classy.
With LINK's interchangeable system, you can experiment without committing to a single combination. Wear a sparkling birthstone pendant on a paperclip necklace for a softer look, then switch to a bolder chain when you want something eye-catching and dramatic.
LINK Necklaces Makes Choosing a Pendant More Fun
Each month, LINK releases about two to four new pendant designs, giving you endless choices to show your personality or commemorate a special occasion. Our pendants are unique and lovely.
We use high-quality brass with heavy 18k gold or silver plating, then finish it with a protective anti-tarnish lacquer coating. They look elegant and will last a long time.
Can't commit to a single look? You don't have to! Our interchangeable system allows you to switch pendants and necklaces whenever inspiration strikes. Today, you can wear a sparkling birthstone pendant with a satellite necklace, then swap it for an initial pendant, or layer it with a gold chain necklace for a dressy look.
Our interchangeable jewelry is also a wonderful way to wear sentimental pieces you already own, such as heirloom charms and keepsakes. At LINK, your jewelry changes with your wardrobe, the occasion, and your personality. Browse our gorgeous collection of pendants today.
FAQs
How Do I Know What Pendant Size Is Right for Me?
Start by figuring out how comfortable you feel with different pendant sizes. Some people are uncomfortable with the weight of a bigger pendant, while others don't mind it. Also, consider when you'll wear it. Small and medium-sized pendants are good for work, while large pendants are better for parties.
Are Big or Small Pendants Better?
It depends on your personal style and how you plan to wear it. Smaller pendants are great for everyday outfits. You can also wear them to work or during events where you need a subtle but stylish sparkle. Larger pendants are different. They draw more attention and are perfect for occasions where you need a statement piece that dazzles or a centerpiece that dresses up a casual outfit.
What Is the Luckiest Pendant To Wear?
Popular pendants linked to good fortune include four-leaf clovers, hearts, stars, and birthstones. We at LINK believe that the luckiest pendant you can wear is the one that has sentimental meaning, reminding you of a happy memory or honoring someone special.
What Is the Best Necklace Style for a Pendant?
The best style depends on the look you want to create. For example, delicate chains match beautifully with smaller pendants, while chunkier necklaces suit larger designs. LINK's interchangeable system lets you mix and match pendants with chains to create something unique and truly you, every time you get dressed.
Are Pendants Still in Style?
Yes. Pendants come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. They’re one of those jewelry pieces that will really never go out of style because they’re so versatile. We at LINK have a pendant for every jewelry box, from shiny, colorful birthstones to small initial charms. You can wear one or layer different pieces depending on your outfit, the occasion, or mood. They'll look stylish and classy.
Conclusion
Choosing a pendant comes down to the sentimental value it holds and specifications such as color and size. Also, consider the materials. The best pendants for you should look good with your clothes and last a long time. You can also buy pendants to match your neckline and chain style, choosing options that feel comfortable and look good with your outfit.
LINK Necklaces gives you full creative freedom to create jewelry that matches your personality. With our options, your jewelry will be just as unique as you.