Jewelry Pendants And Their Varied Accessories

Pendants are defined as a decorative piece hung from a bracelet, earring or especially a necklace. Pendants have existed since the Stone Age when they consisted of bone, shells or colorful rocks. They were hung from necklaces of whatever was handy – leather strips, hair or plant fibers. Pendants often were worn for good luck or for the power they supposedly bestowed upon the owner.

Later, the Romans and Egyptians preferred to incorporate precious metals such as gold and silver as well as rare gemstones including diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires into their jewelry. Their pendants often depicted deities as well as animals, coins or even cameos. In many ways, pendants have remained the same today, but the variety of types, materials and accessories has greatly expanded.

Both white and yellow gold as well as silver in varying purity have been joined by stainless steel and even platinum in today’s pendants. They can be purchased for under $30 or for many thousands of dollars. Men as well as women embrace wearing them. Symbols declare allegiance to particular sports teams, nationalities and even occupations. Family and important dates are depicted in zodiacal signs as well as birthstones.

Many accessories also have been created to display a favorite pendant. Enhancers of gold or silver wire connected to the pendant are twisted in such a way as to thread onto a necklace or chain. Bar pins also of precious metal attached to the pendant allow it to be fastened to clothing and serve as a brooch. Likewise, brooch enhancers allow a brooch to be suspended from a necklace as a pendant. Donut bails with an enhancer on one end fastened to the pendant have a clip on the opposite end from which a donut-shaped polished gem can be suspended.