I've been designing and making jewellery for over 25 years and one thing I know very well is that there are a lot of different ways to design and wear a pendant necklace. But sometimes it can feel a bit overwhelming figuring out what styles will suit you, your wardrobe, or even your mood that day.
That's why I've pulled together this guide to 10 of my favourite pendant necklace styles. Whether you're after something bold and artistic or subtle and personal, there's a pendant style that will speak to you - and help you express your own unique style.
This guide is based on the designs I create for our Australian jewellery range: pieces that are creative, a little bit different, and made to be worn and loved. I've included examples from our collection, along with links to help you discover more unique designs.
If you've ever looked at a sea of mass-produced jewellery and thought: "This isn't really me", then I hope this guide will give you some inspiration to find pieces that really are you. Want to explore more beautiful Pendant Necklaces? Our full collection has something for every style.
Let's dive in and explore my top pendant necklace styles ...
1. The Statement Pendant
Statement pendant necklaces are all about boldness and personality. They're the pieces that stand out and start conversations - not because they're necessarily enormous, but because they're distinctive, creative, and full of character.
If you're someone who likes their jewellery to say something - whether that's artistic flair, confidence, or a love of the unusual - a statement pendant is a great way to go. These pieces are ideal when you want your jewellery to do more than accessorise: you want it to shine.
We've created a whole Statement Necklaces collection to help you find just the right kind of bold. Whether it's an intricate design, a striking material, or an eye-catching size, these pieces are made to be noticed.
Style Tip: Statement pendants pair beautifully with simpler outfits - think block colours or clean lines - where the jewellery can take centre stage. Check out our guide to How to Wear Statement Jewellery for more handy tips.
2. The Delicate Drop Pendant
Sometimes you want your jewellery to whisper instead of shout - and that's where delicate drop pendants shine. These are elegant, lightweight pieces that add just the right amount of sparkle without being overwhelming.
Delicate pendants are perfect for everyday wear, whether you're heading to work, meeting up with friends, or just adding a little something to a casual outfit. They bring a quiet grace and femininity, and often become the go-to necklace you reach for day after day.
I create a range of these drop-style pendants, some with simple forms and others featuring tiny gemstones or intricate details. They're available in sterling silver, solid gold and gold vermeil, so you can find the metal that best suits your look.
Style tip: Delicate drop pendants work beautifully layered with other necklaces or worn on their own with a v-neck or open neckline. They're a subtle way to express your style without overpowering the rest of your outfit. To dress up a drop pendant, pair it with some matching drop earrings or stud earrings made in the same metal or gems.
3. The Gemstone Centrepiece
If you love a bit of colour or want your jewellery to really make a statement, a pendant with a gemstone as the focal point is a perfect choice. These designs bring a pop of personality to any outfit and can range from bold and dramatic to subtle and refined, depending on the stone and setting.
I create gemstone pendants in a wide range of colours and styles, using natural stones as well as ethical lab-grown gems. Whether you're drawn to rich hues like garnet or amethyst, or softer tones like rose quartz or aquamarine, there's something here to suit your taste and mood.
These pendants are ideal for adding interest to your look without needing to over-accessorise - they tend to draw the eye all on their own. And of course, you can match them to your outfit or choose a favourite colour to wear on repeat.
Browse our Gemstone Jewellery Collection to see what's currently available.
4. Nature-Inspired Pendant Necklaces
Jewellery that draws on nature always seems to strike a chord - perhaps because it helps us feel more grounded, or maybe because it's just so endlessly beautiful and varied. My nature-inspired pendant necklaces are some of my most loved pieces, and they're a joy to design.
From stylised Australian flora to whimsical blossoms and leaves, these pieces are ideal for anyone who appreciates the natural world or wants to carry a little piece of it with them. They make thoughtful gifts too - especially for garden lovers, bushwalkers, and nature nerds (like me!).
These designs often have lovely organic shapes, textures, and delicate details that give them a soft, wearable quality - but still with enough interest to stand out.
Explore the Australian Flora Jewellery Range along with our Bouquet Flower Jewellery Range for beautiful nature-inspired pendant options.
Sytle tip: Our flower jewellery ranges are designed to be mixed, matched and layers. Explore matching or contrasting pieces to create a striking look for yourself.
5. Mixed Metal Pendants
Sometimes silver just isn't enough - and that's where mixed metals come in. I love combining sterling silver with solid gold details to create pendants that have contrast, warmth, and a touch of luxe without being over the top.
You'll often see this in our designs as a glowing gold setting around a gemstone, or a tiny golden highlight that gives a piece more richness and depth. These little touches make a big difference - especially when you want something that stands out in a subtle, considered way.
Mixed metal pendants are also super versatile: they work beautifully with both your gold and silver jewellery, so you're not stuck choosing one or the other.
Browse our Mixed Metal Jewellery Collection to find pendants that bring the best of both worlds together.
6. Layering Pendant Necklaces
One pendant is lovely. But a few together? That's where the fun begins!
Layering pendants is one of my favourite ways to style necklaces - and I design many of our pieces with layering in mind. You can mix different chain lengths, textures, shapes and metals to create a unique look that feels personal to you.
The trick is to start with a hero piece and then add supporting designs that balance it out. Think of it like building a little story around your favourite pendant.
And don't worry: if you're not sure where to start, we have an entire collection of Layering Necklaces designed to work beautifully together - and there's even a blog post to help you choose the right necklace lengths for the look you're after.
7. Locket Pendants
Lockets have a timeless charm - and in my view, they're one of the most personal types of jewellery you can wear.
Whether it's a traditional locket that opens to hold something special or one of our more modern open-style lockets with layered panels, these pendants carry a real sense of intimacy and sentimentality.
They're beautiful to wear and even more meaningful to give. We've had customers use them to mark major milestones, celebrate new beginnings, or simply keep something quietly close to their hearts.
If you love jewellery that tells a story, our range of Locket Necklaces is well worth a look. You might just find one that holds your own little secret.
8. Birthstone or Personalised Pendants
Sometimes you want your jewellery to say something a little more personal - to reflect who you are, or to carry meaning that's just for you (or someone special).
That's where birthstone and personalised pendants come in. These pieces are full of symbolism: whether you're choosing a stone based on your own birth month, that of a loved one, or simply because it speaks to you.
We've created a thoughtfully designed Birthstone Jewellery collection that brings together beautiful designs with hand-picked stones for each month - including matching earrings and rings. And if you're especially looking for necklaces, our Birthstone Necklaces offer a wide range of styles, from subtle to standout.
These pendants make perfect gifts - or a beautiful little nod to your own story.
9. The Kinetic Pendant
Some jewellery is meant to move - and that's exactly the charm of kinetic pendants.
These designs feature elements that shift and sway as you move: it could be a cluster of gemstone beads dancing on a ring, a pair of pendants layered together with space between them, or a charm that spins freely along the chain. There's something playful and tactile about kinetic jewellery - it invites touch and catches the eye.
Movement brings energy and life to a piece, making even a simple outfit feel more dynamic. And if you like your jewellery with a little bit of whimsy or interaction, kinetic pendants are a perfect match.
We have a selection of unique kinetic pendant designs that add just that little extra something to your jewellery collection - a detail you'll enjoy every time you wear it.
Explore our Necklaces with Pendants collection to discover more kinetic necklaces with one or more pendants and clusters of gemstone beads.
10. Colour Pop Pendants
Sometimes what your outfit really needs is just a little pop of colour - and a pendant is a perfect way to add it.
Colour pop pendants are all about making a visual splash, often with brightly coloured gemstones or vibrant beaded designs. They're especially great if your wardrobe leans more neutral or you tend to wear a lot of black, grey or navy (hello, winter staples!). Just one colourful piece can instantly lift your whole look.
We've got some stunning options: from gemstone pendants that feature rich hues like deep green, glowing amber or sparkling blue, through to eye-catching beaded necklaces made with natural stones. These designs don't just add colour - they add personality and flair, too.
Take a look at our Beaded Necklaces collection if you're craving something bold and colourful. Or if you're after something a little more refined with a burst of vibrancy, one of our gemstone pendants might be just the thing.
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Final Thoughts: Find the Pendant That Speaks to You
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pendant necklaces - and that's exactly what makes them so special. Whether you're drawn to bold statement pieces, delicate everyday designs, meaningful birthstones or something a little quirky, there's a style out there that will feel just right for you.
As a jewellery designer with over 30 years of experience, I've created every piece in our range to be expressive, wearable and thoughtfully crafted, with a little something for everyone who loves jewellery that stands out from the crowd - because life's too short for boring jewellery!
So whether you're updating your own collection or looking for a thoughtful gift, take a wander through our necklaces and pendants collection to see what catches your eye. You might just find a new favourite or some jewellery gifts for special people.
Simone Walsh is a 
