How to Pick a Gold Pendant

A pendant is a piece of hanging jewelry worn by many to enhance the beauty of necklaces or bracelets. Pendants come in a variety of shapes, sizes and themes. They can be worn as individual adornments on a gold necklace or as several pieces on a bracelet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Jewelry box or storage
• Jewelry cleaner

Take Your Pick of Attractive Pendants

1. Tell someone you love her with a heart-shaped gold pendant. Heart jewelry allows you to share your feelings, and it can be worn with any attire.
2. Choose a gold pendant adorned with your birthstone. You can wear the pendant on a gold chain or attached to your charm bracelet.
3. Look for the amount of gold in the pendant. All gold jewelry should have a stamp indicating the amount of karat weight in the gold. The 10k, 12k, 14k, 18k, 20k and 22k engraving identifies the amount of gold in the pendant.
4. Determine whether you want a pendant that can be worn on any chain or whether you want a pendant that is set in the chain. A free-floating gold pendant is a versatile piece of jewelry that easily slides on a chain.
5. Pick out a pendant to match the color of gold in the chain. Gold pendants are available in white, yellow or rose gold colors.
6. Consider the gram weight in addition to the karat weight when you pick out a pendant. The gram weight indicates the strength of the jewelry. A higher gram weight suggests a stronger and more durable piece of jewelry.
7. Think about buying a gold plated or a gold-filled pendant if your budget is limited. You get the same outward beauty of gold at a much lower cost.

Protect Your Gold Pendants

8. Keep your gold pendant safe from scratches. Store each piece individually in a jewelry box with individual compartments or place each piece in a plastic jewelry bag.
9. Alternate your pieces of gold jewelry, including pendants. The more frequently you wear a piece of jewelry, the more it is exposed to elements that can affect its appearance over time.
10. Evaluate the size of the pendant. If you're buying online, make sure the site gives the exact measurements. If you're shopping retail, try the pendant on the chain you plan to use with it to make sure it fits and looks the way you want it to look.

Tips & Warnings

• Mix and match white, yellow and rose gold for a unique pendant jewelry presentation.
• Before cleaning any of your gold and gemstone pieces with a purchased jewelry-cleaner product, make sure it will not damage the stones.