Necklaces and Pendants
Necklaces can be a great addition to any wardrobe. They can be as simple or complex as the wearer would like them to be.
This article will discuss the basic components of a necklace, including necklace lengths and clasp types. We will also discuss some popular necklace styles, such as rivieres and bib necklaces.
Length
When selecting a necklace length, it is important to match the style and neckline of your outfit. For example, a bib necklace pairs well with a deep V-neck, while a princess length looks good with a sweetheart neckline. Similarly, a pendant or charm can be a great addition to a longer chain if it is small enough not to overwhelm the piece.
Different necklace sizes fit a variety of body types. For example, slimmer people usually look good in shorter necklaces while fuller folks do better with longer styles.
The length of your neck is also a factor, as you want the necklace to fall at the right spot on your chest or sternum. Typically, matinee necklaces fall right at or above the bust and opera length chains rest just below the collarbone.
It is best to try out the necklaces you are considering in a mirror to see what works best for your neck size and how they sit on your chest. It is also a good idea to have a ruler or tape measure handy so you can accurately figure out the length of the necklace by fastening it at the clasp, stretching it taught and measuring from end to end. Then, you can double the measurement to find the necklace’s true length. In some cases, the necklace’s clasp may be positioned at the point where you want it to sit on your chest and this will help you determine the desired neckline.
Material
The foundation of most necklaces is a chain, cord or rope. This could be a plain metal chain or something more elaborate like a silk cord or leather rope. A necklace can also be enhanced with a pendant or cross that hangs from the chain. Necklaces have been worn since prehistoric times. They were originally worn for ornamentation, but the introduction of metalworking allowed them to become the repository of a person’s wealth, as well as symbolic paraphernalia.
Early necklaces were fashioned from rare beads and other organic materials. Initially, necklaces were made up of one single long strand of beads that was held by a tied knot around the neck. As metalworking Necklaces became more refined, it enabled beads and other decorative elements to be attached in a pattern to create different looks. In addition to being a beautiful form of jewelry, necklaces Jewelry Set serve as valuable artifacts that can be used to understand the technology, culture and artistry of a particular place or period in history.
The clasp or fastener that holds the necklace together is referred to as the «bail.» The bail is a two-part piece. One part opens to clamp onto the other, which is a stable ring that holds the pendant. The necklace can be secured by a spring ring, hook and eye fastener or a lobster claw clasp.
Pendants
Pendants are a stylish addition to necklace chains that can make a statement. They come in a range of designs and can be layered for a more dramatic look. They can be crafted in gold or silver and feature a wide variety of stones. They can also be engraved with personal messages. They can be worn to express a sense of style or faith, or simply as a beautiful accessory.
The shape and size of a pendant can also be important. For example, a pendant with a geometric design may suit an engineer or architect, while one in the shape of a musical half-note might appeal to a musician. A pendant shaped like a doting Black Lab might appeal to a dog owner, or one that depicts a flower might appeal to a gardener.
Traditionally, pendants have been worn as talismans to protect against evil and danger. They can also be worn as a symbol of faith, with crosses and other icons being common. Nowadays, they are mostly worn as a fashion statement, and they can be a great way to add colour to an outfit. They can also be worn as a keepsake, with pendants in the shape of hearts, flowers and children being particularly popular. Many people also wear pendants with inscriptions to commemorate a special occasion or to honour loved ones.
Components
As a jewelry wearer, you probably know that necklaces come in many styles, lengths and materials. What you might not be aware of are the details behind these styles – the chain or cord and clasps that help to secure them, plus any ornaments or fasteners used to embellish the design.
A Pendant Bail (also known as a Jewellery bail) is a component that hangs pendants, charms and lockets stylishly from a necklace chain or cord and helps to ensure they lie flat against the neckline. Pinch bails are a style of pendant bail with an oval or ‘D’ shaped component that enables locket pendants to slide on to the chain rather than being attached to it.
Clasps come in a wide range of types and shapes to meet different requirements. Toggle clasps are easy to open and close and are suitable for both single and multi strand necklace designs. Torpedo clasps are cylindrically shaped and have two parts that screw together to form a closed closure. These are ideal for graduated necklaces where a string of beads decreases in size towards the point of the clasp.
Jump rings and jewellery wire loops enable beads, pearls, stones or glass beads to be attached. These are essential components for creating beaded necklaces in a huge variety of styles – from simple, elegant, pearl or gemstone pendant designs to more intricate or elaborate dangle and beadwork.