What Is a Pendant? Learn About Pendant Jewelry and Necklaces

A pendant can turn a simple chain into a beautiful piece of jewelry. From gemstone and metal designs to crosses, letters, hearts, and other decorative shapes, pendants are available in many styles for different types of jewelry.

But what is a pendant, and how is it different from a charm, bead, or pendant necklace? If you are choosing jewelry or making your own pieces, understanding these differences can help you find the right pendant and matching components. This guide covers the different types of pendants, their uses, how they are used in jewelry making, and what to consider when choosing one.

What Is a Pendant?

A pendant is a decorative jewelry piece that hangs from a chain, cord, necklace, or another jewelry component. It can be a simple metal design, a gemstone piece, a letter, a symbol, or a detailed decorative shape.

Pendants are commonly used as the main feature of a necklace, but they can also be used in custom jewelry and jewelry making. Their size, shape, material, and design can change the entire look of a finished piece.

If you are new to jewelry making, understanding the difference between a pendant, charm, connector, bead, and other jewelry components can make it much easier to choose the right supplies.

Pendants come in many designs. Some are small and simple, while others are large enough to become the main focus of a necklace. They can be made from different materials and may feature gemstones, crystals, metal designs, letters, religious symbols, or decorative shapes.

What are Pendants Used For?

Pendants are most often used to add a decorative focal point to jewelry. A plain chain can become a complete looking necklace when a suitable pendant is added.

Common uses for pendants include:

• Necklaces
• Personalized jewelry
• Custom jewelry
• Jewelry making projects

A pendant can also help give a necklace a particular style. For example, a small letter pendant can create a personalized look, while a gemstone pendant can become the main feature of a simple necklace.

Jewelry makers can also combine several types of components around a pendant. Small beads can be placed along the chain, or additional charms can be added to create a more detailed design.

The size of the pendant matters too. A small pendant can work well with a thin chain and a simple outfit. A larger pendant may need a stronger or more substantial chain so that the two pieces look balanced together.

What Is a Pendant Necklace?

A pendant necklace is a complete necklace that includes a pendant attached to a chain, cord, or another necklace structure.

The difference is simple:

Pendant: The decorative piece that hangs from the necklace.

Pendant necklace: The complete necklace that includes the pendant and the chain or other necklace component.

For example, if you purchase a gemstone pendant by itself, you have a jewelry component. Once you place it on a suitable chain, you can create a pendant necklace.

This also gives jewelry makers more flexibility. You can use the same pendant with different chains to create different looks.

A delicate chain can give a pendant a light and simple appearance. A thicker chain can make the same pendant look stronger and more noticeable.

Pendant necklaces can also be worn by themselves or combined with other necklaces. When layering necklaces, the length of each chain and the size of each pendant can help create a balanced appearance.

Pendant vs Other Jewelry Pieces

Jewelry components can look similar, especially when you are shopping for jewelry making supplies. However, their usual purpose and construction can be different.

Jewelry Piece	What It Is	Common Use	How It Is Used
Pendant	A decorative piece designed to hang from jewelry	Necklaces and custom jewelry	Usually attached to a chain, cord, or necklace
Charm	A small decorative jewelry piece	Bracelets, necklaces, keychains, and custom jewelry	Usually attached through a loop or jump ring
Connector	A jewelry component designed to join other parts	Bracelets, necklaces, and links	Usually has attachment points on two or more sides
Bead	A decorative piece with a hole through it	Necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry	Usually threaded onto wire, cord, or string
Focal Bead	A larger or more noticeable bead	Jewelry designs that need a main feature	Used as a central decorative element
Dangle	A hanging decorative jewelry component	Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and other designs	Hangs from another jewelry component
Link	A connecting jewelry component	Chains, bracelets, and necklaces	Joins one part of jewelry to another
Pendant Necklace	A complete necklace with a pendant	Everyday and statement jewelry	Worn as a finished necklace

Some jewelry pieces can be sold as either charms or pendants depending on their size, design, and intended use. A piece with one loop may be sold as a charm, while a larger version of a similar design may be used as a pendant.

Connectors are different because their main purpose is usually to join two parts of a jewelry design. A connector may have a loop on each end, allowing chain, beads, or other components to be attached on both sides.

A Girls Gems also has jewelry components that can be offered in different forms. For example, one quatrefoil design is available as either a charm with one loop or a connector with loops on both ends.

Pendant vs Charm: What Is the Difference?

A pendant is commonly used as the main decorative piece on a necklace. A charm is often smaller and may be added to a bracelet, necklace, keychain, or another jewelry item.

Think about a necklace with one large decorative piece in the center. That piece would commonly be called a pendant.

Now think about a bracelet with several small decorative pieces attached to it. Those pieces would commonly be called charms.

Size is one factor, but it is not the only factor. The intended use and attachment style also matter.

Some designs can work as either a pendant or a charm. This is especially common in jewelry making, where the maker chooses how to use a component based on the finished design.

For jewelry makers, it is better to look at the product measurements, attachment points, material, and intended application rather than relying only on the name of the component.

Types of Pendants

Pendants are available in many styles, so there is no single design that fits every necklace.

Type of Pendant	What It Looks Like	Common Use
Gemstone Pendant	Features a natural or polished gemstone	Necklaces, gift jewelry, custom jewelry
Crystal Pendant	Made with or decorated with crystal stones	Fashion necklaces and statement jewelry
CZ Pendant	Features cubic zirconia stones	Dressy necklaces and everyday jewelry
Cross Pendant	Shaped as a cross or includes a cross design	Religious jewelry and necklaces
Heart Pendant	Has a heart shape or heart design	Gifts, romantic jewelry, and everyday necklaces
Letter Pendant	Shows a letter or initial	Personalized necklaces and gifts
Disc Pendant	Round, flat, or slightly shaped like a disc	Simple necklaces and personalized jewelry
Shell Pendant	Made with or designed around shell shapes	Beach inspired and casual jewelry
Floral Pendant	Features flowers, leaves, or plant designs	Everyday jewelry and nature inspired necklaces
Animal Pendant	Shows an animal or animal inspired design	Personalized and fashion jewelry
Religious Pendant	Features a religious symbol or design	Personal and religious jewelry
Metal Pendant	Made mainly from a metal design	Necklaces, DIY jewelry, and custom designs
Statement Pendant	Larger or more noticeable decorative design	Statement necklaces and special occasions
Minimalist Pendant	Small and simple design with little decoration	Everyday necklaces and simple outfits
Personalized Pendant	Designed around a name, letter, date, or personal detail	Gifts and custom jewelry
Focal Pendant	Designed to be the main feature of a necklace	Handmade necklaces and jewelry making

How to Choose the Right Pendant?

Choosing a pendant is easier when you know what type of jewelry you want to make.

Start with size. A very large pendant may overpower a thin chain, while a tiny pendant may not stand out when placed on a heavy chain.

Next, consider shape and style. Choose something that matches the overall look you want. A simple geometric pendant may work well for a clean design, while a detailed pendant can become the main feature of the necklace.

Material is another consideration. If you are matching a pendant with an existing chain, check that the colors and finishes work together.

You should also check the weight. This is particularly useful when making your own necklace because the chain needs to be suitable for the pendant you choose.

Pay attention to the attachment point too. Check the hole or loop size before buying additional components such as jump rings.

Finally, think about how the finished jewelry will be worn. An everyday necklace may call for a smaller, comfortable pendant, while a statement necklace can use a larger design.

Taking these details into account can help you avoid buying components that do not work together.

Where to Buy Pendants?

If you are looking for pendants for a jewelry project, A Girls Gems has a wide selection of jewelry making supplies that can be used alongside pendants.

Our collection includes pendants as well as chains, beads, charms, connectors, jump rings, clasps and clips, gemstones, and other jewelry components.

Our gemstone charm and connector collection includes different shapes and gemstone options, while our pendant and charm selections give jewelry makers different pieces to use in necklaces and other projects.

We also offer connectors designed for different jewelry projects. Some connector designs include gemstone beads and can be joined with chain and jump rings to create necklaces or bracelets.

This makes A Girls Gems a convenient place to find more than just a pendant. Instead of choosing the pendant separately from every other component, you can also find the chain, findings, beads, charms, and connectors needed for your project.

You can browse our jewelry making supplies and pendant selection at A Girls Gems and choose the pieces that fit your design.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pendants

1: Can you wear a pendant on any chain?

Not every chain is suitable for every pendant. Check the pendant's weight and attachment opening before choosing a chain. A small, lightweight pendant can usually work well with a delicate chain, while a larger or heavier pendant may need a stronger chain.

2: How do you attach a pendant to a necklace chain?

A pendant can be attached to a chain through its loop or opening. A jump ring or bail can be used when needed, depending on the pendant design. The connecting piece should fit securely through the pendant and chain without making the jewelry difficult to move.

3: Can you change pendants on the same necklace?

Yes. If the chain has a suitable clasp or opening, you can remove one pendant and replace it with another. This is an easy way to create different necklace styles without buying a new chain for every pendant.

4: Can you wear more than one pendant on a necklace?

Yes. Multiple pendants can be combined on one necklace when their sizes, shapes, and colors work well together. Smaller pendants are often easier to combine because they can create a layered look without making the necklace feel too heavy.

5: How should a pendant sit on a necklace?

A pendant should hang comfortably without pulling the chain out of shape. The chain length affects where the pendant sits on the chest. The pendant should also have enough room to hang naturally instead of becoming tangled with the chain.

6: How do you keep a pendant from turning around?

A pendant may turn when it is very light, has an uneven shape, or moves freely on its attachment point. Choosing a suitable chain and attachment method can help. A pendant with a well positioned loop may also stay facing forward more easily.

7: Can pendants be used for bracelets?

Some pendants can be used in bracelet designs if their size, weight, and attachment point are suitable. Smaller pendant style pieces can be added to bracelets alongside charms, beads, and other jewelry components.

8: How do you store pendant jewelry?

Store pendants in a dry place and keep separate pieces from rubbing against each other when possible. Individual jewelry pouches, compartments, or small containers can help reduce tangling and scratching. Follow the care instructions for the specific material or finish.