Necklaces & Pendants

Necklaces are jewellery worn as an adornment around the neck, and have been worn for thousands of years. In ancient cultures, a necklace fashioned from precious metals and gems could signify status, and necklaces containing certain stones and gems were thought to offer protection or bring luck. Necklaces have also long been worn to signify religious beliefs, and cross necklaces are still a popular choice. Today necklaces are a popular gift for romantic partners who want to choose something meaningful that is not a ring, and are also ideal gifts for family members and friends. Necklaces can make a strong personal statement, with many options such as a heart necklace, initial necklace or zodiac necklace.

Pendants and lockets are similar in that they are both medallions which are suspended from a chain necklace. A pendant can be made using precious gemstones such as rubies, diamonds or pearls, or can be a heart, letter or shape that means something to the wearer. A locket is a type of pendant that opens and closes, often in the shape of a heart or circle, and can hold photographs or images that mean something special to the wearer. A pendant or locket necklace makes a beautiful gift that will be cherished for a lifetime.

The right size for a necklace is completely dependent on your personal style and taste. Some people prefer their pendant or chain necklace to sit level with or just below their collar bone, while others might prefer a longer style. Consider the length of a chain before purchasing and make sure it will sit where you want it to. When purchasing necklaces online, it can be helpful to select a favourite necklace from your existing jewellery wardrobe and measure it to find which length to purchase. At Michael Hill, our women’s sterling silver and gold necklaces come in a range of weights and lengths. These can be worn alone or layered by mixing different lengths, weights, and textures to create a bold fashion statement. Men's necklaces are typically shorter in length, sitting around the collarbone, however some men do prefer to wear a long chain.

While there are certain styles of necklaces that are more classic or traditional, a timeless style of necklace will ultimately be something that you cherish and never want to take off. A pearl necklace embodies timeless elegance and is something that can be passed down for generations, as is a diamond pendant necklace. A heart necklace is also a style that has been popular for many years. A sterling silver or gold initial necklace is another timeless choice that can be easily paired with other jewellery.