Up to 50% off Selected Jewellery. T&C's Apply.

What is a pendant necklace?

It might sound obvious but they're so much more than what you think. They make lifetime memories. They add a personal touch you didn’t know you needed. And they’re perfect for your (and your bestie's) necklace stack. Go on – turn the charm on with a pendant necklace and say it with a symbol.

22 AUGUST 2022 - ELLEN MADDEN, JEWELLERY WRITER

Think of it like this: a pendant necklace is a necklace with a pendant, or charm attached. From a simple shape to an elaborate design – a symbol, a birthstone, a letter, a word – a pendant charm can be anything and everything.

Pendant necklaces are made for everyone. There’s no gender and they come in every metal type: Yellow gold pendants. Rose gold pendants. Sterling silver pendants. Just like any regular necklace, the list goes on and the carats can go up or down.

With 101 (there are definitely more) combinations, you can tailor your pendant to your taste.

As the cool parent would say: The only rule? There are no rules. Just have fun.

What’s The Difference Between A Pendant And A Necklace?

Don’t worry if you're confused.

Let’s break it down…

A necklace is the actual piece of jewellery that is fitted around your neck whereas a pendant is a charm or loose-hanging piece of jewellery that sits on the necklace. It’s called pendant jewellery.

Sometimes, pendants won’t be attached to a necklace and can be bought separately. Most of the time though, pendants are already attached to the necklace. And thank goodness they are for those of us that lose absolutely everything. Anyone else raising a (guilty) hand? When a pendant already comes attached to a necklace it’s called a pendant necklace and boy-oh-boy do we love ‘em

Pendant necklace and rings

What Do Pendants Symbolise?

From matching symbols of love with your bestie to getting your first promotion – pendants can symbolise or mark any moment. It can mean anything you want it to.

Consider it a way of collecting memories, celebrating the big (or small) moments and sharing EVERY kind of love.

The A-Z of pendants: there are initials, gemstones, flowers, compass, little hearts, big hearts, diamonds, pearls, you name it, there is a pendant to say it. And the meaning is up to you.

The best part? You get to bring a dose of your personality to your jewellery stack. Pendant necklaces are up to the wearer’s interpretation. Remember that old saying? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Pendants should be special to you. There’s no rulebook. Write your own.

Note: some pendants have a universal meaning. A necklace with a cross pendant can symbolise someone’s faith and the figure of eight symbols represent the mathematical concept of infinity. It doesn’t mean you can’t wear them, but these icons may not speak to you personally.

Consider your pendant necklaces like a lookbook into your life. Curate your charms as you please and speak YOUR mind through YOUR jewels.

Do You Have To Match Your Birthstone To Your Birth Month?

We're sure you’re in the know about birthstones: A cherished stone for every birth month. Garnet for January, Amethyst for February, Aquamarine for March… the months (and gemstones) go on. If one of these stones is special to you, it might be your birthday or a bestie's birthday, then wear it with pride.

However, if turquoise doesn’t speak to your Sagittarius taste (or aesthetic) or you're worried about the wear of a pearl – don’t worry. You can choose whatever birthstone you like.

You’re not restricted. Pick whatever you like and put your spin on it. The world’s your oyster and no one is keeping score.

How To Wear A Pendant Necklace?

We’re here to let you in on a little secret: Pendant necklace + textured chains = the ultimate necklace stack.

Think summer dress with a neckmess of chunky gold necklaces. A white shirt revealing layers upon layers upon layers of dainty silver necklaces.

At the centre of each stack? A pendant that speaks to your personality. Whether it’s a heart to capture the love between you and your partner, your mum’s birthstone, a gift from you to you or just because you love a diamond – the best way to nail your necklace stack is with a pendant.

Remember: This summer is ALL about necklace stacking. And we’re here for it.

Not sure where to start when layering necklaces? Scroll for our cheat sheet:

Layered gold pendant necklaces
Layered pendant necklaces

How to Style Pendant Necklaces

1. Start with a pendant as the focal point. Something that speaks to you.

2. Go for different lengths and textures.

3. Stick to odd numbers of necklaces.

4. Don’t be afraid of going OTT. In fact, go ham.

5. You’ve got this!

Style With A Smile

We've tried every fashion hack and stack. Sharing tips, tricks and trends faster than our brunch we snapped this morning. And we're by your side when you don’t know what to wear or how to pair. And best believe we’ll always deliver style with a smile. Here to steer you far (far) away from jewellery jargon, just message our style experts online or for more stacking hacks and styling tips, book an in-store appointment with our team.