A glimpse at ancient history reveals that pendants are among the earliest expression of style. Archeologists have unearthed simple stones and shells which might have been strung on a vine and hung around the neck. These primitive ornaments gave way to polished stones and ones carved into images from nature or representations of deities. The Babylonians imprinted designs into wet clay while other cultures introduced glass and gemstones as pendants. The oval or oblong cartouche was worn by the Egyptian Pharaoh inscribed with his name and believed to protect him from evil. Gold pendants became popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans and were often set with gemstones.

In the Victorian era, women wore elaborate chains from which a gold locket would hang. These lockets often contained a picture or hair from a loved one. Sentimentality gave way to pure style and today’s pendants are as much about color and texture as they are about form and content. A woman’s choices range from fine gold, silver and platinum to casual copper, brass and wood. She has learned to accessorize with interesting shapes, various chains and beautiful pearls and beads. The pendant has truly come into vogue as an integral part of today’s fashion statement.