Victorian Scottish agate necklace and padlock | Ref 24174

A decorative solid or articulated jewel which hangs from a chain, bracelet, brooch, ring or earring. The pendant can be an addition to almost any form of jewellery.

The earliest pendants have been unearthed by archaeologists and are attributed to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods and include organic materials such as teeth and bones. These discoveries display our innate desire to adorn ourselves since the beginning of man.

As man grew more sophisticated, so did the materials which were used for adornment. Ancient Egyptians and Romans wore pendants made with gold and silver, set with attractive gemstones and bearing symbolic motifs. The seafaring Vikings wore rock crystal amulets which were believed to have protective qualities and give the wearer the power of foresight.

The widespread adoption of Christianity in the Byzantine era introduced symbolic Christian symbols which were often worn as pendants, such as the now internationally recognisable cruciform.

Pendants have been created in a multitude of shapes and designs, from dainty and ornate articulated pieces through to sentimental lover's tokens in the shape of a heart, or a simple and elegant diamond drop: find your perfect pendant at Berganza.