Pendants & Lockets

High-quality pendants are among the most versatile pieces of jewelry, as they can be combined for numerous occasions and styles. If you combine them with another necklace or a silk ribbon, you can instantly conjure up a new look. It is not uncommon for antique pendants in particular to have a brooch on the back, which allows them to be worn in a completely new way. Find out more

The perfect choice for every occasion

Pendants and medallions often have personal sentimental value for the person wearing them. This stems from the original function of these pieces of jewellery: they were worn as amulets or talismans, which were believed to have protective properties. The cross has also been used as a pendant for many centuries. However, by the end of the 20th century at the latest, it had developed from a pure symbol of faith into a decorative fashion accessory.

Pendants: timeless, versatile and highly individual

A pendant is always an expression of personal style. It reflects your own aesthetic, sometimes represents your hobbies and interests, and at the same time offers great flexibility, as it can be worn on different chains. You can either stay true to the colour family of the pendant and create a monochrome look, or you can decide to play with contrasting materials and colours.

The protective function of pendants and medallions is still relevant today. The shape or symbolism of a pendant can refer to a particular world view or specific beliefs and reflect membership of a particular group.

The setting of the piece of jewellery can also play an important role. You can either choose freely based on your colour preferences or select a pendant that matches your personal birthstone, for example.

Medallions: portable memories

Medallions were traditionally used to store locks of hair, miniatures or other mementos of a loved one. The piece of jewellery can therefore be folded so that the treasures inside the frame remain hidden from view.

The invention of photography in the 19th century made it possible to carry a direct image of a loved one close to the heart. This tradition continues today and is often complemented by a personal engraving on the medallion. The result is a unique piece of jewellery that will remind you of a very special connection even decades later.

Pendants and medallions from different eras

Antique pendants offer a glimpse into earlier times and showcase the entire spectrum of past styles and techniques. Occasionally, entire ensembles, known as parures, consisting of pendants, bracelets and earrings, have even been preserved. Bracelets and that are perfectly coordinated.

Biedermeier

Biedermeier period, pendants and medallions were particularly popular as sentimental gifts. In addition to foam gold and silver, coloured stones and cameos were also used. Natural motifs and lovely floral decorations are particularly prominent on jewellery from this period.

Historicism and Belle Époque

Jewellery from the historicist period is characterised by diverse influences from the past, such as classical antiquity, the Gothic and Renaissance periods, and the Rococo style. Popular pendant motifs include cameos with mythological depictions or deities. Yellow gold, pearls and a wide range of coloured stones dominate the designs of this period.
The necklaces of the Belle Époque, on the other hand, favoured sparkling diamonds, which were incorporated into delicate designs with floral and bow decorations in the ‘garland style’.

The first half of the 20th century

Pendants and medallions from the “Golden Twenties” captivate with their expressive colour contrasts and visible geometric influences. Art Deco produces luxurious designs of cool elegance. Gemstones such as jade and onyx are extremely popular and are crafted into opulent pendants that hang from long sautoir necklaces.

Vintage: 50s, 60s and 70s

Mid-century jewellery is difficult to describe in a single sentence, as its influences and designs are so diverse. What they do have in common, however, is the pursuit of expressive forms and structures. Understatement is a foreign concept. In the 1950s, moon-inspired designs were primarily crafted in yellow gold and complemented with precious coloured stones. The 1960s and 1970s, on the other hand, were also devoted to eccentric statement jewellery made of silver.

Modern jewellery

Medallions and pendants are a timeless form of jewellery that offer a wide range of styles wide range of styles and offer something for every taste, from statement pendants that instantly add sophistication to any outfit to understated, classic pendants in gold or silver.

Do you have jewellery that you don't wear because it no longer suits your style? Feel free to contact us! Together with our goldsmith, we can turn your heirlooms into modern, wearable jewellery.

Find your new favourite piece at Halsbandaffaire

At Halsbandaffaire, you will find individually designed modern jewellery and unique historical pieces. In addition to pendants and medallions, our range includes many other jewellery items from four different eras. We would be happy to help you find the perfect piece of jewellery.