How to Choose a Pendant: A Meabenamels Guide to Finding the One That Speaks to You

There’s something uniquely intimate about wearing a pendant. It rests close to your heart, often out of view but always present. Whether it’s a small charm that reminds you of someone you love or a bold design that draws attention and sparks conversation, the pendant you choose says something about who you are.

At Meabenamels, we know that picking the right pendant isn’t always easy. With so many styles, materials, and meanings to consider, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you navigate your options, discover what truly resonates with you, and ultimately choose a pendant that feels like a part of you.

Let’s explore how to choose a pendant with intention, confidence, and a little bit of heart.

Start With Why: What Does Your Pendant Represent?

Before you even begin browsing, pause for a moment and think about why you want a pendant in the first place. Is it to mark a milestone, like a birthday or anniversary? Is it a gift for someone special, or something you’re buying just for yourself?

People often wear pendants to express their identity, celebrate a life event, or carry something symbolic with them every day. Some choose meaningful symbols like hearts, moons, or stars. Others go for personal touches like initials, zodiac signs, or birthstones. The meaning behind your pendant can help narrow your choices and guide you toward something that truly matters to you.

For instance, if you’re buying a pendant as a keepsake for a loved one, a locket or engraved charm can carry deep emotional weight. On the other hand, if you’re simply looking for a beautiful piece to elevate your daily outfits, you might lean toward more decorative or artistic designs like enamel pendants or minimalist silhouettes.

Choose a Style That Reflects Your Personality

Once you’ve defined the purpose, the next step is to explore different pendant styles. Think of this as a way to express your personality visually.

If you’re someone who prefers clean lines and subtle details, you might gravitate toward minimalist pendants think delicate bars, circles, or geometric shapes in gold or silver. These pieces blend effortlessly into both casual and elegant wardrobes and are easy to layer with other necklaces.

If you like bold, artistic jewelry, enamel pendants are a beautiful option. With their rich colors and handcrafted feel, enamel designs often tell stories or showcase nature-inspired patterns. At Meabenamels, we’re especially proud of our enamel collection because it allows for so much creativity and individuality.

For those who appreciate a bit of sparkle, gemstone pendants are classic. Birthstones, in particular, carry personal meaning and can be tailored to the wearer’s month or even specific emotions or healing properties. Whether it’s an amethyst for calm or a ruby for passion, stones can make a pendant feel like it was made just for you.

If tradition and heritage matter to you, symbolic pendants such as religious icons, evil eye charms, or cultural motifs can become wearable expressions of your background and beliefs.

Consider the Material and Finish

The material of a pendant plays a big role in its overall look and feel. It also affects durability, weight, and price. Here are the most common materials you’ll encounter, along with a few things to consider:

• Gold: Warm, luxurious, and timeless. Yellow gold is a classic choice, while white gold offers a cooler, more modern look. Rose gold adds a romantic and slightly vintage touch. Pure gold (24k) is soft, so 14k or 18k is often preferred for everyday wear.
• Silver: Elegant and affordable, silver is a versatile choice that works well with most outfits. Sterling silver is durable, but keep in mind it may tarnish over time and needs occasional polishing.
• Enamel over metal: Enamel adds vibrant color and texture to a pendant. It’s perfect for artistic designs and allows for more visual storytelling. Our artisans at Meabenamels specialize in this technique, carefully handcrafting each piece for a one-of-a-kind result.
• Gold vermeil or gold-plated pieces: These offer the look of gold at a more accessible price point. Vermeil, which uses a thick layer of gold over sterling silver, tends to be more durable than basic gold plating.

If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to look for hypoallergenic options. The last thing you want is for your beautiful new pendant to cause irritation.

Think About Chain Compatibility

One of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a pendant is forgetting about the chain. A pendant and chain should complement each other, not compete. The wrong combination can make even the most beautiful pendant feel off-balance.

First, consider the weight of the pendant. Heavier pendants need thicker, sturdier chains to hold them securely. Lightweight or delicate pendants pair best with fine chains that won’t overwhelm the design.

Next, think about chain length. Here’s a quick guide:

• 40–45 cm (16–18 inches): Sits around the collarbone. Great for everyday pendants and layering.
• 50–60 cm (20–24 inches): Falls near the upper chest. Ideal for slightly larger or more decorative pendants.
• 70 cm and above (28+ inches): Hangs lower, often mid-chest. Works well for statement pieces or when layering multiple necklaces.

The style of the chain also matters. A snake chain offers a sleek, modern feel, while a rope or cable chain is more classic and versatile. Always make sure the bail (the small loop on the pendant) fits the chain comfortably and allows for natural movement.

At Meabenamels, we offer curated chain and pendant pairings to ensure perfect harmony between the two elements.

Match It to Your Wardrobe

A pendant doesn’t just need to match your personality—it should also match your lifestyle. Think about the clothes you wear most often and choose a pendant that will complement your daily wardrobe.

If you wear a lot of V-necks or scoop necks, a medium-length pendant will often fall beautifully in the open space. High-neck tops or turtlenecks pair well with long chains and larger pendants that make a statement. If you like layering jewelry, pick pendants with clean lines and moderate size so they don’t clash with other pieces.

Also, consider how formal or casual your style is. Some pendants feel delicate and elegant, perfect for evening wear or professional settings. Others are playful, artistic, or bohemian—better suited for relaxed weekends or travel.

The best pendant is one you’ll actually wear. Choose something that feels natural with your usual outfits, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it every day.

Layering: A Personal Style Signature

Layering necklaces has become a powerful form of self-expression in recent years. When done right, it adds depth and texture to your look without overwhelming it.

To layer pendants effectively:

• Vary chain lengths by at least 5 cm to prevent tangling
• Mix metals for a modern twist, or stick with one tone for a more classic look
• Combine bold and minimalist pieces for contrast
• Use one pendant as your “anchor” and build around it with simpler pieces

Layering is more than just a trend it’s a way to wear multiple stories at once. It lets you combine memories, gifts, and expressions of self into a single harmonious style.

Quality Over Quantity

In the world of jewelry, quality always matters more than quantity. A single, well-made pendant will outshine dozens of mass-produced ones that fade or break with time.

At Meabenamels, we believe in craftsmanship, not shortcuts. Each of our pendants is carefully made by artisans who take pride in the smallest detail. From the polish of the enamel to the smoothness of the edges, every piece is designed to last and feel just right against your skin.

When shopping for a pendant, pay attention to the little things: how the pendant feels in your hand, how the chain glides, whether the clasp is sturdy. These details are what make the difference between jewelry that feels disposable and jewelry that becomes part of your story.

Follow Your Intuition

All the tips in the world won’t matter if your heart isn’t in it. The truth is, the right pendant often finds you. It’s the one you can’t stop looking at. The one that stirs something when you hold it. The one that already feels like a part of you before you even put it on.

Don’t worry too much about trends or what others are wearing. Your pendant doesn’t need to impress anyone but you. Whether it’s quiet and classic or bold and eccentric, if it speaks to you, it’s the right one.

Ready to Find Yours?

At Meabenamels, we invite you to explore our collection of handcrafted pendants—each one designed with care, meaning, and artistry. Whether you’re drawn to the vivid beauty of enamel, the elegance of gold, or the charm of personalized symbols, there’s a pendant waiting for you.

Because jewelry isn’t just something you wear. It’s something you feel.

Browse the Meabenamels collection and find the piece that feels like home.