A few days ago, I curated a collection called "All the Pretty Pendants" featuring jewelry designs that used gorgeous pendants as a focal. The pendants were chosen from the artists of the Jewelry Creators Unite in Numbers guild - a very talented guild, I might add! But, as some of you know by now, I have a very inquiring mind and decided to learn a bit more about the history of pendants. Here is a condensed version of what I found:
One of the earliest types of body adornment was probably the pendant. If a pretty stone or shell didn't already have a natural hole, then ancient man would often carefully drill a hole. Then a string usually made of twisted grass or vine was threaded through the hole and tied around the neck. The oldest carved figurative pendant/amulet, carved from a mammoth tusk, is the Venus of Hohle Fels dated between 35,000 to 40,00 years ago. It is associated with the assumed earliest existence of Homo sapiens (Cro-Magnon) in Europe.
Hand forged bronze paisley pendant with impressions made from a jade amulet by Anna of CraftsofthePast
Pendants gradually became a symbol of social status and wealth depending on the materials used. The Pharaohs of ancient Egypt normally wore large scarab beetle pendants and cartouches to symbolize their power. The Greeks started using gold and gems in jewelry around 600 BC and by 300 BC were crafting pendants that would still look modern today.
"Orion's Belt" sliced agate geode, gemstone and vermeil pendant necklace by Simona of adora_by_simona
The word "pendant" comes from the Old French word "pendre" and the Latin word "pendere" meaning "to hang down". They have served many functions over the course of millenia: as awards, identification, ornamentation, show of wealth and power, protection, self-affirmation and many more.
Chinese symbol dichroic glass pendant with sterling silver bail by Roxanne of ShanghaiTai
Here are more selections from the "All the Pretty Pendants!" collection:
Hand painted red tree frog pendant necklace with red feldspar and copper chain by Dawn of JewelryArtbyDawn
Hammered sterling silver heart pendant with real pearls by Elaine of zoomgraphik
Owyhee picture jasper and sterling silver pendant by Quentin of lunarskies
Earthy lampwork pendant tribal necklace with blue African sand glass beads, obsidian, betel seeds, turquoise and white wooden beads by Mary of PrettyGonzo
"Crann Na Beatha" polymer clay tree pendant necklace with pearls by Catherine of ShadowDogDesigns
I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about the history of pendants and didn't drool too much over the pendants featured - LOL! Please visit the "All the Pretty Pendants" collection. And you would really make my day by leaving a comment! Thank you!
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Shadow Dog Designs
Beautifully Unique Handmade Jewelry
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