When it comes to choosing what jewellery you should wear around your neck, most people find it difficult to distinguish between a pendant, a locket and a necklace. Distinguishing between them will help you to make the right choice and expand your collection.
The Actual Difference
The main difference between them is that a pendant is a hanging item, while a locket is a particular type of pendant that opens to a picture or something else inside. On the other hand, a necklace refers to the whole piece of jewellery, which may or may not contain a pendant. This knowledge will be helpful when you purchase jewellery pieces.
Understanding Pendants
What Is a Pendant
A pendant is a piece of jewellery that hangs from a chain or necklace and becomes its central element. It is chosen according to personal preference and used to celebrate some important events or just to look stylish. You can mix and match pendants and chains in different ways.
Popular Pendant Styles
There are different kinds of pendants one may think of, depending on their personal taste. There are pendants like an amethyst stone pendant and a moonstone silver pendant to add colour. Nature-inspired pendants, minimal gold and silver pendants, and semi-precious stone pendants make up some of the different pendant types.
When to Wear a Pendant
Pendants should ideally be worn along with shirts, kurtas, sarees, and dresses that have an open neckline. Simple designs can pair well with everyday outfits, while gemstone and layered pendants suit celebratory events. The correct chain length helps the pendant fit properly.
Understanding Lockets
What is a Locket
The locket distinguishes itself from the regular pendant by virtue of being able to open up and hold a photograph or a note inside. Despite the fact that it hangs from a chain, it usually has great sentimental value, making it not just a decorative accessory but a meaningful jewellery piece.
Popular Locket Styles
There are various types of lockets, ranging from traditional round and oval models to vintage and modern lockets. There are also lockets with intricate decorations, and those that look simple and are easy to wear. In any case, the main thing about the locket is the possibility of holding something special or personal inside it.
When to Wear a Locket
The locket can be purchased to mark various events, to pay tribute to something or someone dear. It can be considered a good gifting choice as the locket always represents a combination of elegance and personal meaning.
Understanding Necklaces
What Makes a Necklace Distinctive
A necklace is a piece of jewellery worn around the neck and can be made in various styles. Some designs may have a pendant or a locket; others may use beads, layered chains, textured metals, or statement pieces. The diversity of necklaces gives the ability to be worn both for everyday and festive occasions.
Popular Necklace Styles & When to Wear
In addition to simple chains with pendants or lockets, there are various other forms of necklaces that you may choose according to the type of event and attire. Knowledge of these different necklace types helps you make appropriate choices of jewellery.
Choker Necklaces
Chokers lie close to the neck area and make an interesting choice for festive and modern styling. Choker necklaces, such as a gemstone choker, a brass choker, or a statement choker piece, complement sarees, lehengas, dresses, and Indo-Western wear.
Collar and Hasli Necklaces
Winterline Hasli Gold Necklace
A collar necklace is worn a bit below the neckline and gives a defined look, whereas a hasli necklace is an Indian design that gives a timeless look due to its rigid and curved shape. This type of necklace is best suited for wearing with boat necks, off-shoulder clothes, and traditional wear, wherein the neckline is visible.
Layered Necklaces
Pearl and Tourmaline Double Layer Bead Necklace
Layered necklaces use two or more chains of different lengths and give the look of depth without the need to wear many accessories. Double or triple-layered necklaces give such an effect easily and can be worn daily as well as for semi-formal events.
Lariat and Cascade Necklaces
Artisan's touch knotted Minimal Necklace
A lariat necklace has an elegant vertical look as it has an elongated, open-ended design, while a cascade necklace incorporates numerous drops or layers for added visual appeal. Both types of necklaces work perfectly with deep necklines and special occasions.
Statement and Oxidised Necklaces
Statement necklaces are meant to serve as the focal point of any attire. Some examples include a brass statement necklace, an oxidised silver necklace set, and a chunky silver choker necklace. They are all ideal to wear with basic outfits to make a bold statement.
Beaded and Stone Necklaces
Beaded and stone necklaces offer the opportunity to incorporate colour and uniqueness into a jewellery piece. Ruby bead necklace with pendant, amethyst stone necklace, emerald green necklace, or any gemstone necklace are some examples of such unique necklaces.
Necklace Sets for Coordinated Styling
There are even necklaces that are sold in sets. This makes coordination easier because there is no need to find individual pieces. It depends on whether the set includes earrings, like a choker necklace set with round earrings; if it is a festive collection, it may also contain a maang tikka, like an oxidised silver necklace with a maang tikka. These sets are perfect for wearing to occasions such as weddings, parties, or more traditional gatherings.
Tips on How to Mix, Match, and Layer
Selecting the Focus Piece
To properly layer accessories, choose one pendant or necklace to be the focal piece. This will ensure that there are no two competing accessories on you.
Use Different Lengths
Mixing necklaces of different lengths adds depth to the outfit while ensuring that all the accessories are still seen.
Coordinating Colours and Materials
Gemstones, beads, and metals should harmonise in their finishes and colours. Proper coordination of colours in your jewellery will allow you to achieve an elegant look with minimal effort.
Dressing According to the Occasion
It is advisable to choose a minimal pendant for daily wear, while a statement necklace and a choker will work well on a festive occasion.
Choosing Between Pendant, Locket, and Necklace
Everyday Wear
Small pendants or lockets and light necklaces can be worn easily together with any clothing.
Special Gift
A locket is a perfect choice when it comes to jewellery gifting with sentimental value.
Festive Dressing
Heavy or luxurious necklaces and chokers will emphasise traditional style and festive dress with no need for extra accessories.
Versatile Styling
A jewellery collection of pendants, lockets, and necklaces will allow you to style your pieces based on different looks, outfits, and occasions.
Final Thoughts
Each of these three jewellery items has its own unique use; therefore, they would be perfect additions to your overall jewellery collection. It will be very helpful for you to know their differences when picking jewellery according to your taste, clothing, and occasion.
Explore our uniquely crafted pendant and necklace collections from JIAARA ARTISAN JEWELLERY!