A pendant is one of the most personal choices in jewelry — close to the body, often worn every day, and visible in nearly every photograph taken of you for the rest of your life. It's worth choosing thoughtfully. Here's how we think about it.

Start with Size

Pendant size is largely a matter of proportion — both to your frame and to the chain you'll wear it on. A few general principles:

Smaller pendants (under an inch) sit against the neckline. They're ideal for everyday wear, layering, and pieces that feel personal rather than decorative — a birthstone, a delicate nature motif, a meaningful symbol. They draw the eye in close.

Medium pendants (one to two inches) strike the most versatile balance. They have presence without demanding attention, and they work across almost every neckline and occasion.

Larger pendants (two inches and above) are statement pieces. They're designed to be noticed and worn with intention. A bold coastal design, a snowflake with intricate detail, or a multi-charm holder all benefit from the larger format.

A practical tip: if you're petite, a large pendant can feel overwhelming. If you're tall or broad-shouldered, a very small pendant may get visually lost. When in doubt, go medium.

Consider Shape

Shape does a lot of work in jewelry. Round and oval pendants are classic and universally flattering — they soften angles and complement any face shape. Geometric shapes (squares, triangles, asymmetrical designs) feel more contemporary and artistic. Organic shapes — a leaf, a whale tail, a snowflake, a seahorse — carry inherent character and meaning. They tend to tell a story just by their form.

At Breakell, most of our pendants fall into that third category: shapes drawn from nature, the coast, and the seasons. They work beautifully precisely because they're specific.

Choose Your Metal

Sterling silver has a cool, bright luminosity that pairs beautifully with casual and formal wear alike. It's the foundation of our craft and suits almost every skin tone and wardrobe. It's also the more accessible price point, which makes it ideal for everyday pendants you'll actually wear.

14k gold brings warmth and richness. It's the right choice for a piece you intend to wear for decades without much maintenance — a milestone piece, an heirloom, a gift for a significant occasion.

Many of our most beloved designs are available in both so, if you're torn, that's always worth checking.

Think About Occasion

The occasion isn't just about formality — it's about what the piece needs to do.

Everyday wear calls for something durable, comfortable, and meaningful enough to want to put on each morning. A pearl pendant, a simple nature motif, or a small sterling silver piece you love is the right answer here.

Gift-giving calls for something with a clear story — a piece whose meaning can be explained and remembered. A birthstone, a snowflake from a significant year, a coastal motif tied to a shared memory.

A milestone or special occasion might call for something larger, maybe in 14k gold, with a diamond or gemstone — something the recipient will understand as significant from the moment they open it.

One Final Thought

The best pendant is the one you keep reaching for. Sometimes that's the most expensive piece; often it's a simple sterling silver piece that just feels right. Trust that instinct. We're always happy to help you find it.

Explore our full pendant collection at breakell.com/necklaces/pendants, or visit us at 215 Goddard Row in Newport's historic Brick Market.