Lucky clover, heart, cross, tree of life or a simple locket: the pendant is probably the most personal piece of jewelry there is. You choose it for its symbol, give it to send a message, and often keep it for years. Here's our guide to choosing your women's pendant necklace, its chain and its material, and wearing it with style.
Pendant vs. pendant necklace: what's the difference?
The pendant is the charm that hangs from the end of a chain. A pendant necklace, on the other hand, is sold complete: chain and pendant together, ready to wear. It's the easiest way to make sure the proportions and colors match. Most of our designs come this way, on a matching dainty chain with a small extender to adjust the length.
The clover pendant, the timeless good-luck charm
The clover necklace is one of the most sought-after pendants today. The four-leaf clover symbolizes luck, and its silhouette framed with a beaded border has become a great jewelry classic. In white, black or turquoise mother-of-pearl, or all in gold, it's worn alone every day or as a double strand for more impact.
The heart pendant, the symbol of love
Timeless and romantic, the heart pendant is the ultimate gift for Valentine's Day, a birthday or Mother's Day. Smooth, hammered, openwork or set with colorful cubic zirconia, it comes in every style, from the most understated to the most playful.
The tree of life pendant, a meaningful piece
The tree of life represents roots, family and growth. It's a symbolic pendant people love to give for a new baby, a farewell or an important milestone. Openwork in gold, or sprinkled with multicolored cubic zirconia nestled in its branches, it catches the eye while staying delicate.
The cross pendant, between faith and style
The cross pendant is one of the most widely worn pieces of jewelry, by women and men alike. A symbol of faith for some, simply a graphic motif for others, the gold cross or silver cross is worn small on a dainty chain for an elegant look, or larger for a bolder style. For a women's cross necklace, choose a slim design and a 40 to 45 cm (16 to 18 in) chain, which falls beautifully on the collarbones.
Our cross necklaces are coming to the shop soon. In the meantime, explore our full selection of pendant necklaces.
Locket, circle, key: minimalist pendants
For a clean look, nothing beats a geometric pendant: a circle, a round disc, a hammered coin-style medallion or a small key set with cubic zirconia. These understated designs go with everything and layer easily with other chains.
Flower and star necklaces: poetic pendants
The flower necklace and the star necklace add a touch of softness and whimsy. Enamel flowers, little gold daisies, stars set with cubic zirconia: these are feminine, luminous pieces, perfect for spring and summer, but also for brightening up a dark outfit in winter.
Gold, silver or steel pendant: which material should you choose?
A pendant is often worn every day, directly against the skin, so the material is essential.
- Solid gold (18K) never tarnishes, but it's a significant investment;
- sterling silver (925) is bright and loved for cooler-toned looks, but it can tarnish over time;
- gold-plated jewelry offers the shine of gold at a low price, as long as you take care of it;
- gold-tone or gold-plated stainless steel, like most of our pendants, is water-resistant, doesn't rust and is ideal for everyday wear.
To understand it all, read our article sterling silver, gold-plated, solid gold: what's the difference? And if you're dreaming of a diamond pendant without the budget, cubic zirconia offers a very similar sparkle for a fraction of the price.
What chain length for a pendant?
- 40 to 42 cm (16 to 16.5 in): the pendant rests in the hollow of the neck, ideal with an open neckline or an open shirt;
- 45 cm (17.7 in): the most versatile length, the pendant falls just below the collarbones;
- 50 cm (19.7 in) and longer: the pendant falls onto the chest and looks great over a sweater or a turtleneck.
For shorter necklaces, check out our choker necklace guide; for long necklaces, our long necklace guide. And to compare every style, see our guide how to choose a women's necklace.
How to wear and layer pendants
A single pendant on a dainty chain remains the most elegant option. For a more fashion-forward look, layer two or three chains of different lengths (for example 40, 45 and 50 cm / 16, 18 and 20 in), with one "star" pendant and simpler chains around it. Stick to the same metal color for a cohesive look. Our double-strand necklaces give you that layered effect in a single piece. More ideas in our article how to layer jewelry like a pro.
Men's pendants: the trends
The men's pendant has a real place in a man's wardrobe: a cross, medallion, dog tag or small symbol on a thicker chain, in steel, silver or gold. It's usually chosen in a simpler, more graphic style, on a 50 to 55 cm (20 to 22 in) chain.
Our shop is mostly dedicated to women's jewelry for now, but a minimalist pendant like a circle or a medallion can absolutely be worn by men.
The pendant, a meaningful gift idea
Because every motif carries a message (luck for the clover, love for the heart, family for the tree of life), the pendant is one of the most appreciated gifts. To go further, a personalized pendant engraved with a name or a date makes the gift truly unique. Also check out our jewelry gift ideas for every occasion.
Caring for your pendant
- put on your jewelry after perfume and lotions;
- take it off to sleep and work out;
- wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing it;
- store each necklace separately to keep the chains from tangling.
All our tips are in our guide to caring for your jewelry every day.
Frequently asked questions about pendants
What pendant should you give a woman?
The heart and the clover are safe bets: one for a message of love, the other to wish good luck. The tree of life is ideal for a mom or a family occasion.
Can you wear a pendant every day?
Yes, especially if it's stainless steel or gold: these materials stand up to water and wear. A gold-plated pendant just needs a little more care (no perfume directly on it, no pool).
How do you choose the size of your pendant?
A small pendant (1 to 2 cm / 0.4 to 0.8 in) is understated and easy to wear every day; a larger design becomes the statement piece of your outfit. On a petite frame or a slender neck, go for a delicate size.
Ready to find yours? Browse our full collection of women's pendant necklaces. Our jewelry is shipped with care from Aix-en-Provence, France, with free shipping to the USA.
