Throughout the ages, pendants have come in a variety of forms to serve a variety of purposes.
Amulet Though
amulets come in many forms, a wearable amulet worn around the neck or on the arm or leg in the form of a pendant is the most common. These are objects believed to possess magical or spiritual power to protect the wearer from danger or dispel evil influences.
Talisman Similar to an
amulet, a talisman is an object believed to possess supernatural traits. However, while an amulet is strictly a defensive object, a talisman is meant to confer special benefits or powers upon the wearer.
Locket A locket is a small object that opens to reveal a space which serves to hold a small object, usually a photograph or a curl of hair. They typically come in the form of a pendant hanging from a necklace, though they will occasionally be hung from a charm bracelet.
Medallion A medallion is most often a coin-shaped piece of metal worn as a pendant around the neck or pinned onto clothing. These are generally granted as awards, recognitions, or religious blessings.
Painting Pendant is the name given to one of two paintings conceived as a pair. They usually are gift from couples and some cultures consider the act of giving one a marry proposition.
Functional pendants pendant (a portable form of
astronomical rings) used to tell time from the sun. Tools worn as pendants include Maori
pounamu pendants.
Shepherd's whistles,
bosun's whistles, and
ocarinas can also be made as pendants. Portable
astronomical and
navigational instruments were made as pendants. In the first decade of the 21st century, jewellers started to incorporate
USB flash drives into pendants.
Fashion pendants Fashion pendants include a small creative piece often made from precious or non-precious stones and metals like diamonds or pearls hanging freely from a chain or necklace. These are generally worn as a statement piece or a fashion ornament.
Other types • Harness pendant ==See also==