How to choose a pendant?

Our experts' guide to finding your ideal pendant

The different types of pendants

The pendant is the centrepiece of your necklace — it gives character and meaning to your jewellery. There is a great variety, each with its own style and ideal occasions. Discover the main types to refine your choice:

Solitaire

A single precious stone highlighted in a clean setting. The expression of pure elegance for all occasions.

Pavé

Several small stones set together for a sparkling effect. Maximum brilliance with minimum metal visible.

Charm

Small symbolic pendant charged with personal meaning: initial, astrological sign, totem animal, lucky clover.

Medallion

Flat and round shape, often engravable. Ideal for personalising a jewel with a date, a name or a message.

Drop / Pear

Very feminine and elegant teardrop shape. Pairs perfectly with V-necklines for an elongating effect.

Y-shape / Lariat

Contemporary Y-shaped pendant that follows the body's lines. Avant-garde trend for a confident style.

Choosing the pendant material

The material of your pendant determines its aesthetic appearance, its durability and how it harmonises with your skin tone. Each precious metal has its own characteristics that our jewellers help you compare:

18-carat yellow gold

Classic, warm and timeless. Yellow gold enhances coloured stones such as rubies and emeralds. It flatters olive and golden skin tones and improves with age. The choice of traditional fine jewellery.

18-carat white gold

Modern and refined, white gold particularly enhances diamonds and light-coloured stones. It suits fair skin tones and adds a contemporary touch. Requires re-rhodium plating every 2-3 years.

18-carat rose gold

Romantic and feminine, rose gold is the trend of recent years. Its warm, rosy hue suits all skin tones and pairs perfectly with pink stones such as rose quartz or tourmaline.

925 silver

Accessible and versatile, solid 925 silver allows for larger, bolder creations on a moderate budget. Ideal for starting a collection or for relaxed everyday wear. Requires regular anti-tarnish care.

Choosing the stone for your pendant

The precious stone is the soul of the pendant. Beyond its aesthetic beauty, each stone carries strong symbolism and traditional virtues that can guide your choice, especially for a gift:

Diamond

Symbol of eternity and purity. The most prized stone for everyday pendants thanks to its exceptional hardness. Its incomparable brilliance suits both casual outfits and the most elegant evenings.

Sapphire

Royal blue or multicoloured, sapphire symbolises wisdom, loyalty and sincerity. The engagement stone par excellence after diamonds, it adds a sophisticated touch of colour to any white gold pendant.

Emerald

Deep and luminous green, the emerald is the stone of spring and nature. It symbolises hope and renewal. Magnificent as a solitaire pendant on yellow gold, it creates a warm and vibrant contrast full of character.

Ruby

Passionate and intense red, the ruby is the symbol of love and passion. It is the ideal stone to gift to a loved one on a romantic occasion. Its pairing with white gold creates a striking contrast.

Pearl

The ultimate in classic and timeless elegance. Cultured pearls, white or black (Tahitian), bring a touch of discreet refinement. Particularly suited to formal occasions and wedding or anniversary gifts.

Size and proportion: pendant and chain length

The harmony between the pendant size and the supporting chain is essential for a successful aesthetic result. A pendant that is too large on a chain that is too fine will be uncomfortable and may break. Here are our recommendations:

Pendant / chain proportion guide

Small pendant (< 1 cm)Fine chain (1-1.5 mm), princess length 42-45 cm

Medium pendant (1-2 cm)Semi-heavy chain (1.5-2 mm), princess or matinee length

Large pendant (> 2 cm)Solid chain (2-3 mm), matinee or opera length

Heavy pendant (> 5 g)Curb or Figaro chain in solid gold, minimum 2 mm

Remember that the total weight (chain + pendant) should not exceed 8-10 grams for comfortable daily wear. Beyond this, the chain can weigh on the neck and cause discomfort. For evenings, you can go up to 15-20 grams without any problem.

The perfect pairing: a white gold pendant with diamond on a 45 cm princess chain — the timeless classic that suits all occasions. This is the combination our jewellers systematically recommend for a first quality jewel.

Our exceptional pendants

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a necklace and a pendant?

A pendant is the mobile decorative element that hangs from a chain via a ring or bail. A necklace refers to the complete set (chain + pendant). A necklace can exist without a pendant (simple chain), but a pendant always needs a chain to be worn.

Can a pendant be purchased without a chain?

Yes, we offer pendants alone or with a matching chain. Buying separately allows you to choose exactly the length and thickness of chain that suits you, or to use a chain you already own. Simply check that the diameter of the pendant's ring is compatible with your chain.

Which chain for a heavy pendant?

For a pendant weighing more than 5 grams, opt for a curb or Figaro chain in solid gold of at least 2 mm thickness. These links are stronger and better distributed across the neck. Avoid Venetian chains or very fine links that could break under the weight.

How to give a pendant as a gift?

Opt for a diamond solitaire or a pendant featuring the recipient's birthstone — a personalised gift full of meaning. Initial charms are also very popular. Prefer white gold or yellow gold depending on skin tone. When in doubt, white gold with a diamond is the safest universal choice.

Can a gold pendant be worn with a silver chain?

Yes, metal mixing is a highly popular current trend in the fashion world! A gold pendant on a silver chain, or vice versa, creates an interesting contrast. Simply ensure that the tones harmonise visually and that the chain's strength is suited to the pendant's weight.

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