Pendant Buying Guide: Necklace Styles, Chain Lengths & Metals

Summary

Choosing the perfect pendant involves knowledge of fashion, perfect chain lengths, and metals like gold or diamonds. This website simplifies the process with a focus on VBJ’s quality, certified craftsmanship, and design-your-own option. For everyday elegance or a special occasion, an unbeatable selection of pendants to enhance every story.

Introduction

Choosing a pendant necklace can seem simple, until you stand before thousands of styles, lengths, and materials each with its own vocabulary of poise, sensibility, and meaning. This Pendant Buying Guide does the math for you to discover the piece that is right for your style and story. From classic chains to radiant stones, and why VBJ is the place to go: let’s begin.

How to Choose a Pendant Necklace

1. Know Your Style

When deciding on a pendant necklace, start by determining your personal style. Jewelry isn’t just an accessory, it’s a statement about you.

• Minimalist Style: Simple shapes and clean lines are your style. Choose bar pendants or single diamond solitaires.
• Bohemian Style: Select natural textures, like leaf patterns, raw gemstones, or spiritual symbols.
• Classic Style: Pearl, teardrop shapes, or religious symbols in platinum or gold.
• Modern Verdict: Geometric forms, blended metals, or statement pendants that make a fashion statement.

Each fashion says something different, so select with caution. A chunky necklace appears great on a delicate chain to balance extremes, and minimalist stacked pieces have simple chic.

2. Match Your Neckline

Your dress or shirt neckline significantly influences how the pendant rests and sparkles. Having the right length and silhouette of the necklace improves your overall look.

Neckline Type	Recommended Pendant Style
V-Neck	Drop-shaped or triangular pendants
Round or Scoop	Round or heart-shaped pendants
High Neck	Long chain with large pendant
Strapless/ Off-Shoulder	Choker or short princess-length pendant

Layering is also trendy. Begin with a shorter choker and layer a mid-length pendant for added visual interest. Balance is what it’s all about.

Best Chain Length for Pendants

Chain length impacts both comfort and appearance. The typical measurement isn’t one size fits all, so here’s how to determine what works best.

Standard Lengths and How They Look

Chain Length	Placement	Best For
Choker (14–16″)	Close to base of neck	Edgy, fashion-forward looks, layering
Princess (18″)	Below collarbone	Classic pendant positioning
Matinee (20–24″)	At the top of the bust	Work clothes, everyday layering
Opera (28–36″)	At bottom of bust or below	Elegant evening wear
Rope (36″+)	Waist or doubled	Special events, dramatic styling

The princess length (18″) is generally the best as it goes with most necklines and is comfortable to wear every day. Use this if giving a pendant and you’re unsure of size.

Tip: To determine your ideal fit, wrap a measuring tape around your neck and add 4 inches. You’ll have a relaxed, natural drop.

Gold vs. Diamond Pendants

The age-old dilemma: gold versus diamond pendants. Although both are luxury and endearing, each appeals to a different style and budget.

Gold Pendants

• Come in yellow, white, and rose gold, each with its own flavour.
• Perfect for everyday wear due to their strength and classic appeal.
• More affordable, especially for young shoppers or gift-giver purchases.
• Gold balances old world and contemporary style, so it is best if you want heirloom and emotional pieces. South Indian designs tend to showcase detailed gold work – the perfect choice if you’re buying cultural sophistication.

Diamond Pendants

• Personified elegance. Diamond pendants make any outfit, particularly in solitaire or halo styles.
• Perfect for black-tie occasions, anniversaries, or birthday milestone gifts.
• More expensive, but a shrewd investment because of long-term worth.
• GIA-certified diamonds like VBJ’s GIA-certified diamonds ensure authenticity and shine eternally.

Pendant Necklace Types

Browse several types before finalising your pick. A quality design pick can symbolise personality, feeling, or even memory.

Pendant Types

• Solitaire Pendants: Simple, yet sophisticated, featuring one gemstone or diamond.
• Charm Pendants: Small symbols like stars, keys, or initials.
• Lockets: Personal and intimate, with space for a photo or message.
• Nature-Inspired: Leaves, animals, or floral designs, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
• Bar Pendants: Streamlined contemporary straight lines, most are personalised.
• Birthstone Pendants: Celebrate your birth month with customised stones.
• Religious Symbols: Crosses, Om symbols, and religious symbols.

Top off your pendant with the perfect chain style, box chains are added support, and cable chains offer simplicity.

Why Choose VBJ for Pendants?

When it comes to choosing a jeweller, word of mouth matters. With generations catered to through unparalleled craftsmanship, VBJ is not just an ornament-maker, it’s about trust, tradition, and innovation.

Why VBJ is Your Reliable Partner

• Rich Heritage: With over 120+ years of experience, VBJ understands the cultural and emotional value in every ornament.

• Craftsmanship: Jewellery at VBJ combines old-world craftsmanship with innovation, refining each piece.

• Diverse Collection: VBJ showroom offers something ranging from temple-piece gold pendants to chic diamond pieces for contemporary closets.

• Personalisation: VBJ offers customisation options—best for personal gifts, engravings, or designer collaborations.

• Guaranteed Quality: Diamonds used by VBJ are GIA certified, ensuring quality, purity, and ethically mined extraction.

VBJ also includes bridal jewelry, statement, and religious collections, making them the ideal destination whether you are shopping for a wedding or a weekend.

FAQs

1. What is the best length for pendants?

The princess length (18″) is the most popular and versatile length, working with most necklines and fashions.

2. How do I choose between gold and diamond pendants?

Pick gold for affordable everyday luxury. Pick diamond for traditional, formal glamour, if you’re marking a milestone.

3. Can I have a pendant customised at VBJ?

Yes, certainly! VBJ provides the options of initials, inscribed words, gemstone choice, and personal design consultations.

4. Are VBJ pendants GIA certified and genuine?

Yes. All VBJ diamond necklaces are certified by GIA, and gold items feature hallmarked purity stamps, all to guarantee authenticity and quality.

5. What are trendy pendant styles presently?

Solitaire diamonds, birthstones, and geometric bar pendants are dominating the style lists with layering and personalisation offering modern spins.