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Finding the Right pendant-necklaces for You
Whether you’re layering multiple jewelry pieces or opting for a single strand, vintage pendant necklaces are versatile accessories that can elevate your casual wear as easily as they can add a creative flourish to your formal attire.
The earliest jewelry was less about accessorizing than it was about wearers arming themselves with amulets. In Ancient Egypt, some amulets featured a loop so that they could be strung around one’s neck. While rubies have long been one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money, members of some ancient civilizations valued the stones from the get-go, donning ruby pendants as well as other stones with the belief that these adornments would bring protection, healing powers or strength. Today, we still wear our charm bracelets and charm pendants around our necks for good luck.
Later, pendant necklaces, like most fine jewelry, were worn strictly by royalty or the upper class and conferred wealth and prestige. This changed over time, thankfully, as wearing jewelry became more widespread, a democratized means of personal expression.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, pendant necklaces evolved from their status as spiritual amulets, but the jewels still carried deep personal significance. Victorian pendants, in particular, were part of the “mourning jewelry” tradition. Wearers would embed their pendants with locks of hair from a deceased loved one as a way of grieving in the wake of a loss. In the case of cameo jewelry, some pendants were even decorated with miniature hand-carved portraits in a detailed raised relief. Today, portraiture is still a characteristic of many of the hand-carved pendant necklaces offered by Italian jewelry house Scala Gioielli.
Luxury fine jewelry brands such as Cartier, BVLGARI and David Yurman offer their own unique interpretations of the cherished accessory, embellishing platinum or gold pendant necklaces with diamonds, sapphires and other stones.
On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage pendant necklaces and other necklaces today.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A necklace with a cross on it typically means that the person wearing it is a Christian. The cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and wearing one is traditionally a symbol of religious faith. However, some people wear vintage and antique cross jewelry only as a fashion statement. Find a wide variety of cross necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A necklace with a cross is simply called a necklace with a cross or a “cross necklace.” This refers to any necklace that features a Christian cross or crucifix (and is considered emblematic of a commitment to Christianity). Shop a range of antique and vintage cross necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024Yes, it is generally okay to wear a necklace with a cross on it. To many people, the cross is a symbol of Christian faith, and they may choose to wear a pendant shaped like one to represent their religious beliefs. However, cross necklaces can also be secular, with some individuals wearing them simply because they like their appearance. Find a variety of cross necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023What a wooden cross necklace means is open to interpretation. However, many people associate the style with Christianity. Jesus Christ was crucified on a wooden cross, so Christians may wear necklaces that feature a wooden cross-shaped pendant as a reminder of his sacrifice. Remember that cross necklaces can also be secular, with some people choosing to wear them simply because they like how they look. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of cross necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Whether it's good to wear a cross necklace is a matter of personal opinion. However, many people do wear them to symbolize their religious faith because the cross is a symbol of Christianity. Others just find the shape visually appealing. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of cross necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023What size cross necklace is best for a man is a matter of personal taste. If you want a subtle look, consider pendants that are 1 inch tall or less and chains that are 18 to 20 inches in length. Larger pendants and longer chains will stand out more. Shop an assortment of cross necklaces on 1stDibs.
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