How To Pick The Perfect Pendant And Charms

Very few people can think about their jewelry box without stirring up memories of their childhood, whether that’s poking through the collections of gems and chains that belonged to their grandmothers, clandestinely raiding those of their elder siblings or simply recalling the dress-up jewelry that they indulged in as their younger self (often joyful strings of beads peppered with countless pendants and colorful charms). The delight in pick-and-mix jewels doesn’t wane as we mature – set a tray of glittering charms in front of most of us and we will turn similarly giddy.

Reason number one? Sheer whimsy and fun. Selecting petite, pretty jewels that can be mixed and matched is a playful enterprise – the endless options of precious metals, kaleidoscopic gems and dazzling diamonds never fail to delight. Another reason for their allure is that charms and medallions are adept at translating our life stories into stylish emblems. Whether you choose a birthstone, a motif that reminds you of an important person or poignant moment, or simply a colored gem that evokes your favorite hue, it is possible to play out your entire origin story upon a pendant strung with sparkling aides-mémoires.

Pendant styling is one of those seemingly effortless, but actually a bit tricky, art forms. Observe stylish tastemakers at fashion shows and you will see countless examples of necklace curation that looks like it’s been nonchalantly slung together mere moments before, but the reality is, there’s always a carefully considered recipe. And like any great culinary creation, it starts with the perfect base. It’s important to pick a pendant that speaks to your overall jewelry styling aesthetic. For example, if you’re a vintage and flea market fiend, then you should select a neo-vintage chain with antique-inspired detailing. British designer Lucy Delius’s 18-karat yellow gold chains are beautifully crafted in their own right but make an exceptionally enchanting canvas for petite and punchy charms such as the diamond-set ‘Pear Pocket’ watch charm and elegant T-bar designs.

Foundrae, the cult New York-based brand adored by Hollywood’s most haute bohemians, speaks to a similar classic-cum-contemporary aesthetic. Founder Beth Hutchens based her entire design ethos around enabling her clients to tell their stories through the power of pendants and charms. Her ‘True Love & Balance’ necklace is handmade from 18-karat gold and features three charms: a teardrop-shaped drop, a four-heart clover and engraved medallion bearing the sun and moon. The beauty, however, of all Foundrae’s designs is that they can be amped up with extras – add another three charms to either side and they wouldn’t look amiss. If you’re a maximalist at heart, don’t be afraid to pick a broad clutch of pieces that tell different chapters of your story, or motifs to help you manifest – the brand’s ‘Internal Compass’ charm is a beloved style featuring a deep-blue sapphire to suit all skin tones.

Certain brands will emphasise the importance of having fun in compiling your collection. Case in point: Marlo Laz, which offers chic paperclip chains like the ‘Lasso’ style with plenty of space for playful additions, including the brand’s signature alphabet charms. Carved with paisley and floral motifs, they deliver carnival vibes in spades and are the perfect pairing for the brand’s iconic ‘Porte Bonheur’ medallions and ‘Spiked’ heart charms, all with a dash of cowgirl energy at their core.

If, however, ultra-cool and eclectic is more your style, then Italian designer Ilaria Icardi might have the perfect edit for you to start your pendant styling with panache. Her 18-karat gold ‘Lego’ necklace features sleek and sculptural block links to host her unexpected mix of modern and magical charms. From her ‘Piero’ whistle to her ‘Spaceman’ astronaut, or her oversized diamond and carnelian-set square, these are talking-point pieces to be passed down forever, without ever losing their charm.