by Amanda Applebyinfo@amandaappleby.comAntique Pendants
A pendant is an accessory that hangs down from a necklace, and is considered to be one of the oldest items of jewellery. Early pendants were pieces of stone or shell which were worn for good luck, or as a form of protection against evil. The world's oldest pendant, that dates back to 8700 BC, was found in northern Iraq and is made from copper. In ancient Egypt, a Pharaoh would inscribe his name onto a pendant, believing that this would protect him from harm. This pendant was called a ''cartouche''. In Babylonia during the 8th century, seals that were used for stamping important documents were worn around the neck as pendants.
Queen Victoria had a fondness for pendants, and they featured throughout her rule. During the Romantic era, when she was in love, common designs were hearts and anchors. But during the Grand Period, when the Queen's husband died, she went into mourning, and jewellery became dark and dramatic. Locket pendants that contained the hair of a loved one became fashionable, as did pendants that were actually made out of the deceased's hair. During the Aesthetic era, cross pendants were important symbols, and cameos suspended on black velvet ribbon were widespread. The most popular pendants worn during the Edwardian era were simple yet expensive diamonds or pearls worn on a chain.
Pendants are very versatile. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, are made from a range of different materials, and can be decorative or functional. Antique pendants are generally beautifully crafted and valuable.
