Many of the silver pendant styles we wear today have been around for hundreds of years. Most of these lovely pieces of jewelry reached their zenith during the Victorian era. It is from this time in history that some of the most spectacular jewelry designs have emerged.
The Locket
Gold and silver lockets have quite a colorful history. Originally they were used to carry valuable items. From medicine to poison, lockets could hide a lifesaver or a life taker. During the days of witchcraft and paganistic beliefs and rituals lockets held charms and herbs to make special potions. Sentimental items were also kept in these gold and silver pendants such as locks of hair or the cremation ashes of relatives passed.
Just before and during Victorian times lockets actually held works of art. Talented artists were commissioned to paint tiny pictures of loved ones to keep in a Silver locket. These miniature works of art were painted with such precision and expertise that they were considered masterpieces. Heart shaped silver lockets were especially popular during this time and were commonly adorned with gems and pearls with an empty space to allow for a monogram.
Lockets are still very popular today. The antique style silver pendants are especially cherished for their lacy, feminine classical look. Silver lockets are even quite popular for babies and young girls so they can always have a picture of mommy and daddy close to their heart. There are even lockets made today for useful purposes like days of yore. Lockets shaped like purses while adorable, have ample space to hold a day's medication.
Silver and Gold Cameo Pendants
Victorian women visiting Italy were bound to return home with silver pendants adorned with cameos. These cameos were usually carved to resemble the wearer. They quickly became status symbols for the rich and elite of Great Britain. There was an especially large demand for cameos carved out of lava or shell.
By the middle of the 1800s the picture of the woman on the cameo became more dainty and aristocratic. Long noses made way for petite up tilted noses and flowing locks were replace by up dos. The diamond necklace adorning the neck of the cameo figure was especially popular.
It was during the 1900s that the cameo habille became quite popular. The woman on the cameo was the essence of beauty and elegance. Small diamonds placed on the cameo resembled necklaces and earrings. In time these modern silver cameo pendants were mass-produced on glass and celluloid but they have never lost their romantic aura and are still the icons of beauty and elegance in jewelry.
Filigree Silver Pendants
Filigree silver pendants have a long history. The concept of twisting thin strands of metal into glorious jewelry designs and free-flowing shapes has its roots in ancient Egypt and Asia. This method of jewelry making was used to make all forms of jewelry as well as artwork, dishes and religious icons and crosses.
The Irish were particularly known for their talent in creating impressive filigree designs. The Irish were particularly skillful in taking one strand of metal and by entwining and working it back on itself were able to create the most amazing patterns and jewelry designs. One of the most noteworthy examples of this filigree design is the Ardagh Chalice. This two handed chalice has twelve plaques, each with its own unique filigree design. Filigree silver cross pendants were another popular Irish design descended form the Irish filigree Celtic crosses. These silver cross pendants are still quite popular today, especially as gifts for a child's first communion.
There are several other silver pendants from days of yore that are still quite popular. Magnifier pendants are made of lovely little figurines from which hangs a small magnifying glass. These useful pendants were especially popular amongst ladies who enjoyed petit point, a miniature form of embroidery. Because the stitches were so small a magnifying glass was sometimes needed to make sure they were placed correctly.
What was once a masculine piece of jewelry, antique style silver whistles, were quite popular in the hunting field. Hunters would use these whistles, worn around their necks to recall their hunting dogs. Today these silver pendants are more commonly worn by women.
Finally the sterling silver ID tag pendants were once solely used by the military. Commonly known as dog tags, they contained personal information so a soldier could be identified. Today these popular dog tags come in a myriad of shapes and sizes and all with a flat surface for engraving and personalization.
