Types of pendants and necklaces for every occasion

A gold or silver chain can be great on its own, but beautiful pendants and necklaces can add something special to your look. Not only can they show off a gold chain, but they can create a focal point for a unique style.
Definition and history of lockets

A locket or necklace is a piece of jewelry that hangs from something else, usually a necklace but sometimes a bracelet or even earrings. They have been around for thousands of years and ancient artworks show the early Egyptians, Greeks and Romans proudly wearing stunning pendant necklaces. Even cavemen used a form of necklace when they strung beautiful shells or stones on strings and tightened them around their necks.

In the Middle Ages, people often wore reliquaries, which were designed to hold sacred relics, on cords around their necks or other types of religious jewelry. They fell out of favor around the 17th century and were not often worn again until the 19th century when they came back in style.

Pendants are available in all kinds of materials. The most popular for jewelry are precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, and non-precious metals, often plated with gold or silver. Non-precious metals are brass, copper, iron, nickel, titanium and lead-free tin.
Amulet

Charms come in all shapes and sizes. Charms are sold in gold or silver, but can be found as steel with silver or gold plating. Precious metal charms can be decorated with diamonds, gemstones, or the less expensive lab-created zircons and simulated gemstones.

There are many types of amulets, but all are considered protectors and defenders against different types of harm or threats. Most religions have amulets that are believed to house spiritual powers that protect you from danger, harm, or other circumstances that are harmful. For example, a locket of St. Christopher is believed to protect travelers. Saint Christopher is often given as a gift of confirmation or worn for protection by those suffering from epilepsy. This amulet of the Saint is also worn for protection against floods and storms. It is a favorite amulet worn by soldiers.

Cameo
A cameo pendant is an exquisite profile in a raised relief carving. The traditional bust of a beautiful woman is the most intimate. Cameos are carved from carnelian shell, mother-of-pearl, sardonyx shell (rare) or agate. Some modern ones are made of resin. Attention to detail makes these precious treasures. Modern cameos often break away from traditional silhouettes and reflect modern scenes.

You can find flowers, angels, children and various scenes. If you want a locket that is elegant and has a classic appeal, this is the locket for you. It will complement any dress or business suit with style. It can be worn for a formal outing, especially when attending a wedding.

Crystals

A double-edged or single-edged quartz crystal or gemstone is a favorite type of pendant. There are many choices in styles and types of crystals. You may prefer an uncut gemstone wrapped with wire. Crystals are used for energy healing and worn as amulets. You can wear them simply as a fashion statement for a nice infusion of clarity and sparkle to your wardrobe.

Fashion necklace

A Fashion pendant is worn strictly for the aesthetic beauty it offers. These pendants are not usually made of precious metals or gemstones, but are what is known as accessory jewelry. The affordable price of Fashion pendants makes them easy to change and coordinate with your outfits. These pendants are very versatile and can be used with different types of necklaces to achieve different looks. For example, you can choose to wear one with a gold chain or switch up your look with a leather strap. You can vary the length and size of the necklaces to complement different outfits.

Infinity

The infinity symbol represents eternity or the endless. This locket is often given as a symbol of love for the profession, the love that never dies. This symbol of loving someone forever often includes a diamond or other precious gem to give the locket more aesthetic appeal as jewelry.

Necklace

Pendants are some of the most popular examples of pendant jewelry. Heart-shaped pendants are particularly common, often featuring a single diamond embedded in the center. Love messages are often xtorn on the inside or back. Some heart pendants feature the owner's initials or name. Pendants are available in round, oval, square and rectangular shapes.

People like to put a picture of a loved one on the locket, or sometimes a picture of themselves as children. As a gift from a lover, a photo of the lover and their beloved is placed inside the frame of the locket with a photo on each side. Some people wear a lock of hair from a loved one as a memento. This design has long been considered a great romantic gift, especially for Valentine's Day, birthdays, weddings or anniversaries. It is a favorite choice for a christening or newborn gift. A heart-shaped locket is perfect for a Mother's Day gift.

Library-Medals

A pound case is usually the size of a pound, but can be larger. This jewelry can be given as a type of award, medal or other form of recognition. Some medals are religious icons or blessings. There are other medals that are pure fashion jewelry with a unique design. You may decide to wear a locket that features a female figure placed in the center of the locket to dress up a casual outfit or accent a colorful summer dress.

Charms of Protection

The talisman is a close cousin of an amulet. Unlike a religious amulet, a charm is considered a symbol imbued with magical elements. These magical charms can be made from any kind of material, man-made or organic. For a locket, the charm is usually some form of metal that features a specific emblem, symbol, or design that could also include letters and/or numbers.

Unlike an amulet, a charm is purposely made to serve as a magical charm. Magic is created to transfer to the wearer to grant whatever magical powers the charm carries. The charm can be of any type, representing a culture, mythologies or ancient designs. You can find them as Greek symbols, Celtic warrior shield, magic symbols from King Solomon's Seal, skulls and more.
General symbols for lockets

There are general symbols that do not belong to a specific type of necklace, such as a locket or amulet. These pendants are often representations of who the person is or how they identify themselves as belonging to a particular sect, culture, religion or simply a symbol of something they like.
Symbol of faith

Some people identify themselves by faith and wear a pendant as a symbol of their faith. This jewelry is considered a way to honor or claim a particular religion or belief. Some of these symbols are crosses, the Star of David, the Virgin Mary and various images of different religions. These religious symbols may be plain or adorned with ornaments such as gold flowers, stones or enamel.

Some people wear religious symbols not as a sign of faith but as part of a fashion statement. These can be seen in an oversized cross, the Star of David or the ancient Egyptian symbol of life, the ankh.
 
Cultural Symbols

Lockets can also be used to honor one's cultural heritage. A beautiful Claddagh, the traditional Irish symbol for friendship, love and loyalty, would make a wonderful gift for a person of Irish descent. Colorful pieces of enamel in the shape of a country's flag, Greece or America, for example, are popular pendant choices.
Pendant of Self-Expression

Lockets can be used to express one's interests and personality. An artist may appreciate an undefined geometric necklace, while a pianist may choose to wear one shaped like a musical note. A mother might wear a mom necklace, and a caring Pet Shop owner might proudly wear a dog on the end of her chain. There are volleyballs, horses, scissors and thread, books, birds, cats - something for everyone.
Choose a pendant for a specific occasion

You may have a locket that you only wear for special occasions or a specific event, such as a holiday or anniversary. With so many pendant options, you can always find one to accessorize and enhance your outfit.