What is a Pendant? Everything You Need to Know

Pendants are one of the most popular and versatile types of jewelry. They can be worn on chains, cords, or ribbons around the neck, or attached to bracelets, earrings, or other accessories. 

But what exactly is a pendant, and how is it different from a charm? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, as well as introduce you to some of the stunning pendants from Icecartel.

What is a Pendant

A pendant is a piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain or a cord around the neck. The word pendant comes from the Latin word pendere, which means “to hang”. A pendant can be any shape, size, or design, and it can be made of any material, such as metal, stone, glass, wood, or plastic. 

Some pendants have a fixed bail, which is a loop or a ring that connects the pendant to the chain, while others have a movable bail, which allows the pendant to slide along the chain.

Pendants are great for adding some personality and flair to your outfit. They can also express your mood, style, or interests. For example, you can wear a pendant that has a meaningful symbol, such as a cross, a heart, or a star. You can also wear a pendant that has a personal significance, such as a birthstone, a monogram, or a photo. 

Pendants are suitable for any occasion, whether it’s casual, formal, or festive. You can wear a simple and elegant pendant for a business meeting, a colorful and fun pendant for a party, or a dazzling and glamorous pendant for a wedding.

History of Pendants

Pendants have a long and rich history that dates back to the Stone Age, when humans first started to make and wear jewelry. The earliest pendants were made of animal teeth, bones, shells, or stones, and they were worn as amulets or talismans to protect the wearer from evil spirits or to bring good luck. 

Pendants were also used as a way of showing one’s social status, wealth, or affiliation, as they indicated the wearer’s tribe, clan, or family. Some of the oldest pendants ever found are the Venus of Hohle Fels, a mammoth ivory figurine from Germany, and the perforated batons, antler rods with holes at both ends, from France.

One of the earliest civilizations that wore pendants was ancient Egypt, where jewelry was an important part of the culture and religion. The Egyptian pharaohs and nobles wore elaborate gold and gemstone pendants that depicted gods, animals, or hieroglyphs, and they often had magical or symbolic meanings. Some of the most famous Egyptian pendants are the scarab, a beetle that represented the sun god Ra, the ankh, a cross with a loop that symbolized life, and the eye of Horus, a stylized eye that signified protection and healing. 

Pendants were also used as funerary objects, as they were placed in the tombs of the deceased to accompany them in the afterlife and to help them pass the judgment of Osiris, the god of the underworld.

Pendants continued to be popular throughout history, and they were influenced by different cultures, religions, and artistic movements. For example, in the Middle Ages, pendants were often shaped like crosses, medallions, or reliquaries, and they were worn as a sign of faith or devotion. 

Cross pendants were a common symbol of Christianity, and they could be plain or decorated with gems or enamel. Medallions were circular or oval pendants that featured portraits, scenes, or inscriptions, and they could be personal or commemorative. Reliquaries were pendants that contained relics, such as bones, hair, or nails, of saints or martyrs, and they were believed to have miraculous powers. 

In the Renaissance, pendants were inspired by classical motifs, such as mythological figures, flowers, or animals, and they were worn as a display of beauty or sophistication. Pendants were often made of gold, silver, pearls, or precious stones, and they could be elaborate or delicate. 

Some of the most famous Renaissance pendants are the Canning Jewel, a winged mermaid holding a ruby, and the Unicorn Pendant, a gold and enamel unicorn with a pearl horn. In the Victorian era, pendants were adorned with sentimental or romantic symbols, such as lockets, cameos, or hearts, and they were worn as a token of love or affection. 

Lockets were pendants that opened to reveal a picture, a lock of hair, or a message, and they were often given as gifts or keepsakes. Cameos were pendants that featured a carved relief of a person, a scene, or a motif, and they were usually made of shell, coral, or stone. Hearts were pendants that symbolized love, and they could be plain or embellished with gems or initials.

Pendants vs. Charms

Pendants and charms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Here are some of the differences between pendants and charms:

Size

Pendants are usually larger than charms, and they are meant to be the focal point of the necklace. Charms are usually smaller than pendants, and they are meant to be part of a collection of charms on a bracelet or a necklace.

Symbolism

Pendants are usually more generic or abstract in their symbolism, and they can represent a variety of meanings or messages. For example, a pendant can be a geometric shape, a letter, or a word. 

Charms are usually more specific or concrete in their symbolism, and they can represent a particular hobby, interest, or memory. For example, a charm can be a musical instrument, sports equipment, or a travel souvenir.

Occasions

Pendants are more versatile and adaptable to different occasions, and they can be worn alone or with other pendants on a chain. Charms are more casual and playful, and they are usually worn with other charms on a bracelet or a necklace.

Icecartel’s Moissanite Pendants

If you are looking for a pendant that is stunning, affordable, and ethical, you should check out Icecartel’s moissanite pendants. Moissanite is a gemstone that has the same brilliance, fire, and hardness as a diamond, but it costs a fraction of the price and it is lab-grown, which means it does not harm the environment or the workers. Icecartel offers a wide range of moissanite pendants. 

Here are some of the products you can find on their website:

Custom Moissanite Picture Pendant 14K Gold

The custom pendant from Icecartel allows you to create a personalized 14K gold pendant featuring your own photo under a moissanite stone. You can work directly with their expert jewelers to design your custom piece. The 30x30mm pendant is made of sterling silver plated in 14K gold with your chosen photo displayed underneath a large, brilliant-cut D VVS moissanite stone. 

"BRAZY" Custom Moissanite Pendant 14K Gold

The Icecartel custom name pendant allows customers to create a personalized 14K gold pendant featuring their name or word of choice in moissanite stones. The example shows a pendant spelling out "BRAZY" in brilliantly cut moissanite stones totaling over 8 carats. 

Moissanite Solitaire Cross Pendant 14K White Gold VVS

This elegant cross pendant has a single round brilliant moissanite solitaire set in polished 14K white gold. The minimalist pendant design highlights the moissanite. Durable 14K gold metal with dazzling moissanite makes this a lovely pendant.

With icecartel you can customize your pendant any way you like. Reach out to us and let's get started today!

Icecartel uses only the highest grade moissanite which they state rivals diamonds in brilliance and shine. The pendants ship in 4 days with a certificate of authenticity and a 30-day money-back guarantee. By using moissanite instead of diamonds, we can offer fair pricing for luxury jewelry.

Conclusion

Pendants are a wonderful way to accessorize your outfit and express your personality. They have a long and fascinating history, and they can be distinguished from charms by their size, symbolism, and occasions. If you are looking for a pendant that is beautiful, affordable, and ethical, you should consider Icecartel’s moissanite pendants. They have the same quality and appearance as diamonds, but they are more eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Visit their website today and find your perfect pendant.