There is a little confusion between these two terms as they are often used interchangeably in the industry, with little explanation as to why one term was used instead of the other. Well, we’re going to end the confusion today.
A necklace is any piece of jewelry that is worn around the neck. The term is not exclusive of course to jewelry produced with precious or valuable metals such as silver, gold, titanium, etc. A necklace can be made of less expensive materials and still be attractive and perfect for adding pizzazz to your style.
Now, what’s the deal with pendants? A pendant actually refers to the weighted piece that is attached to the necklace. A necklace is still a necklace without a pendant (as is the case with gold necklaces that are made into chains with clasps). A pendant attached to any chain can be called either a necklace or a pendant. However, the visual cue seems to be: if the pendant calls attention to itself far more than the chain, then we can call it a pendant.
Types of Necklaces
Necklaces, like other jewelry, come with such variety that it can be confusing to the uninitiated. We’ve prepared a concise list of the most common necklaces in the market below.
- Choker necklaceThe choker is a compact type of necklace that is designed to be worn close to the collarbone. Wearing a choker is an excellent way to add femininity to your fashion and highlight the natural contours of the shoulders. In some instances, chokers can also make the neck look gracefully slim, which is a plus if you already have that physical asset.
Chokers come in all shapes and sizes and you can actually create a DIY choker at home with the help of leather cord and beads. Of course, there are high-end variants of the choker necklace made with more expensive materials like gold and high valued pendants.
- Cascade necklaceCascade necklaces are complex constructions and feature multiple strands that tend to emphasize the clothing of the wearer. This type of necklace is best suited for strapless gowns and dresses, or any dress that emphasizes the shoulders, neck, or even the bosom.
It is possible that a single cascade necklace will be built using multiple types of metals, such as silver and gold. It all depends on the idea behind the cascade necklace by the jeweler. Basically, it is made to create a bigger effect than other necklace types so it will naturally look grand and more luxuriant.
- Single strand necklaceThe single strand necklace is the most traditional look, and you have probably worn a couple of these over the years. The necklace may or may not have a pendant, but the most classic makes are made from silver, gold, and the hardy platinum. Some single strand necklaces have extra-long chains (some reaching up to two feet) and these can be looped or doubled as they say to create a particular look.
- Princess necklaceThe princess necklace can look quite similar to the choker necklace, but it rests below the collarbone of the wearer. The princess necklace is excellent for highlighting the neck of the wearer as well as her dress. This type is a general-purpose necklace that fits almost all occasions.
- Opera necklaceThe opera necklace is the most formidable of all the necklaces and is designed to be dramatically worn over a dress. The pendant rests far below the usual resting point of chokers and princess necklaces. The reason why people wear this type of necklace is they attract more attention due to their length.
Types of Pendants
There are three main categories of pendants: diamond pendants, jeweled pendants, and lockets.
- LocketsLockets have a special pendulum that allows the wearer to store a small photo inside the pendulum. These tend to be worn on princess-length chains, so the pendulum falls close to the heart of the wearer. Quite a popular type of pendulum and a unique gift for women that will surely be loved by anyone.
- Jeweled pendantsGemstones have different meanings and associations, so each type of jeweled pendant would have different spiritual and metaphysical properties.
For example, a ruby pendant would signify fiery passion or love, while an emerald pendant might state the faithfulness of the giver to the receiver. Jeweled pendants are considered a classic and can be worn on any occasion to suit the needs of the wearer.
- Diamond pendantsDiamond pendants are considered the most luxurious of all the pendants for obvious reasons and feature precious stones in varying cuts and sizes. There are princess-cut diamonds, cushion-cut diamonds, etc. The diamond is considered a woman’s best friend and comes in different colors, too.
The fancy colored diamonds tend to fetch a higher price tag than white diamonds, but it really depends on the purity and flawlessness of the stone itself. Generally speaking, the more flawless the diamond and the rarer it is, the pricier it gets.
Care for Necklaces and Pendants
Cleaning necklaces made with gold and silver is quite easy. All you need is some warm water and a bit of mild dish soap and you can just rub the chain gently to dislodge any built-up grime. Heavily notched or braided areas can be cleaned with a soft-bristled toothbrush, but be careful not to scratch or damage the surface of the metal as materials like gold can be scratched easily.
If the necklace has a precious or semiprecious stone on it, it might not be wise to place in the said piece of jewelry in any solution.
Gemstones tend to be sensitive to the presence of moisture and most solutions can damage them. Be careful not to get such pendants wet while cleaning. After brushing the chain, you can lay down the jewelry on a clean cloth and allow it to dry naturally.
