Pendants Gift Guide

WHY GIVE A PENDANT?

Pendants are different from necklaces in that they feature a hanging stone or jewelry ornament strung on a neck chain, whereas a necklace is typically a string of gems or beads worn around the neck. Pendants are a wonderful way to showcase a special gem, locket, charm, ornament or other similar item to express the wearer's individuality. They also are a very personal item to give to someone, because they are worn close to the heart.

BUYING TIPS FOR PENDANTS:

The options for pendants are virtually limitless: crosses, hearts, lockets, charms, slides, solitaire, pearl enhancers, three-stone, diamond and many other choices are available. Furthermore, each of these comes in many styles, with different materials, sizes, shapes and designs ranging from fun, fashionable and whimsical to smart and sophisticated. Choosing the right pendant is a matter of knowing the person you are buying it for.

• Think about the message you are trying to say: "I love you," "you're a great friend," "you're the best mom," etc. There are pendants to express any sentiment.
• What are the recipient's interests? Large, medium or small body type? Age? Does he or she have a special hobby? What kind of jewelry does he/she already have? Does the recipient dress up often, or wear more casual attire? What clothing style does the recipient wear? These are all key factors that can help guide your pendant purchase.
• Consider how the recipient prefers to wear neck chains – some people like shorter chains worn close to the neck, while others prefer longer chains. The type of pendant also may dictate the chain length. Some pendants sit better on chains that hug closer to the neck, while other pendants hang better on looser fitting chains. Consult your jeweler if you are unsure about the proper length.
• If you are buying a pendant with a valuable gemstone, make sure it has a secure setting and a strong clasp. Instruct the wearer to have it inspected by a jeweler at least once per year.

BODY TYPE CONSIDERATIONS

• Buy larger pendants for a larger body type and smaller pendants for a smaller body type.
• Consider the wearer's age. Older women will want longer pendants to draw attention away from the neck and any imperfections, while younger women can carry off shorter pendants because of their youthful skin.
• A longer pendant works well on a taller person, but on a shorter person, it can draw attention to their lack of stature.
• For larger bust lines, avoid wearing a longer pendant that disappears into cleavage and will draw added attention to the chest.
• Longer pendants will only accentuate a thin, bony neck, while shorter pendants will accentuate a wider, thicker neck.

SKIN AND HAIR TYPE CONSIDERATIONS

• Blue gemstone rings (such as sapphire) work particularly well with blonde hair.
• Green gemstone rings (such as emerald) work particularly well with red hair.
• "Warm" colors like yellow gold, pearls, ammolites and sparkling gems like diamonds, work especially well with darker skin and hair.
• White gold, sterling silver and platinum work well with lighter/fair skin tones, as do pink, red and purple gemstones.

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