Key Differences Between Pendant and Necklace Jewellery

Jewellery is and has been significant for both personal style and as a cultural tradition. Out of all the different types of adornments available, the pendants and necklaces are popular staples. Although they are widely and even interchangeably used, they are actually very different. This blog will explain the key differences between pendants and necklaces, outline their specific contributory functions in the world of jewellery fashion, along with the signature pendant and necklace designs offered by Kicky & Perky.

Necklace

By strict definition, a necklace is any article of jewellery designed to be worn around the neck. It is a string (or chain or cord) of some sort whether it is metal, beads, gems, pearls, other materials or beaded, adorned or plain. The primary purpose of a necklace is to decorate the neckline which can be simple or complex, for example, some necklaces one layer and others many layers or layers of stones. A necklace may not have anything else or may have a centerpiece or hanging ornament.

Pendant 

What is a pendant? A pendant is an ornament, charm, or motif that ‘hangs down’ from either a chain or cord attachment. The word ‘pendant’ comes from the Latin word ‘pendere’ which means ‘to hang'. The real feature of a pendant is in its centerpiece, not the chain. Pendants can be completely decorative, symbolic, or used for function (like lockets or amulets).

What makes it different:

While pendants and necklaces look and feel similar, they are in fact quite different. One of the key differences is the fact that pendants are motifs or accessories that have a loop on them and can be worn with a chain or a necklace.

Pendants are highly customizable; you can find different types of pendants like initials, motifs of spirituality, selected gemstones, lockets, photo holders, etc.

They can be changed to suit the chain, the style, or the mood. 

The spotlight is constantly on the centerpiece. Making pendants a versatile medium for one's personal expression.

Quick overview:

Thus, all pendants are necklaces, but not all necklaces are pendants. A necklace in and of itself is a decorative silver jewellery whereas a pendant is a decorative item that will always require a necklace or a chain.  

Types of Pendants 

Since pendants can be hung and mix matched with different chains, they come in a stunning variety of shapes, styles while reflecting different tastes, cultures, and situations:

Solitaire Pendant: Studded with a single gemstone or moissanite in a way that emphasizes the beauty of the stone. 

Birthstone Pendant: Includes birthstones like amethyst, opal, garnet etc. and thus can be a great personal and emotional gift. 

Locket: The locket opens to reveal a small place for photos and mementos, and has significant personal connections.

Amulet: Worn for symbolic reasons or protection.

Cameo Pendant: A relief carved image, often a classical silhouette or floral motif.

Cross & Religious: Represents faith or spiritual significance.

Personalized: Engraved initials, names, dates, even coordinated.

Gemstone & Bar Pendants: A pop of color or modern geometric representation.

Popular Styles of Necklaces

Necklaces come in many styles to appeal to everyone's taste:

Classic chain necklace: A chain is a rather versatile accessory because it's so simple, one could layer it with other necklaces, or wear it alone.

Tennis necklace: A classic necklace featuring a continuous and uninterrupted row of sparkling stones, usually moissanites, throughout.

Choker necklace: This can range from close to the neck to a little below the neck, depending on the look desired. This bold statement necklace can be a fun choice for a fashion-forward occasion. 

Opera length and Princess length: Depending on where the fashion label places the length of the necklace, this style is all in how it drapes around the neck. There are often unexplored choices in your jewelry collection to drape a necklace elegantly around your neck.

Station necklace: A station necklace is a simple chain with gemstones/pearls positioned or spaced, along the way.

Multi-Strand neck jewelery: Add some volume and your creative styling choices. 

Pendant and Necklaces for women at Kicky and Perky

Both elegance and craftsmanship is the design philosophy used by Kicky & Perky. These are popular styles in their collection:

Choose from a curated selection

From the plethora of pendants available online- here’s a couple of Kicky and Perky's iconic pieces.

Safari collection, pendants with chains for those who adore animals and wish to wear them close to their hearts.

Or the Signery Collection for those who like a greater level of personalisation and connection. For more Indian looking designs, pendants from the niloofar collection are perfect. If colour and drama is your jam, then scintillate and corolla are great picks too!

For necklaces, you may want to check the kicky and perky’s exclusive collection for dove and freedom themed pieces. The syra collection features aplenty dainty and delicate Mother of pearl pieces that can be worn everyday. 

Pendant or Necklace?

Pendants vs necklaces is an easy decision, depending on several things:

Occasion: Thin necklace chains can be worn everyday, whereas statement pendants are better worn in a more formal setting such as a party or an event.

Layering: You can stack many necklaces together such as a necklace of chains or other necklaces; you could combine a pendant with a minimal chain but anything else may need careful consideration. 

Gift Giving: Pendants, since they are additions to chains or necklaces, can be customized or personalized for a birthday or wedding; simply designed necklaces can be given to friends, daughters and even mothers.

Pendants and Necklaces From Kicky and Perky

In summation, although many people use the words pendant and necklace interchangeably, both these words have inherently different meanings in the fashion world. Both a pendant and necklace can be a unique representation of personal style, adding versatility and beauty to any collection.

Discover everything from the everyday minimal chains, personal and practiced statement pendants, and contemporary necklace sets with Kicky & Perky. When appropriately worn, your necklace or pendant is a beautiful way to tell the world who you are—every day.