Judging the quality of pendants begins with the component parts: the bail and the setting and also the chain and clasp if they are included. Sometimes pendants are sold separately so that you can wear them on your own chains. (Don’t assume the chain is included unless it is specifically mentioned, especially when shopping online. Sometimes the pendant is only pictured on a chain.)

The bail is an essential part of a pendant: it’s the loop or opening that attaches the pendant to its chain or wire. It needs to be large enough to slide freely and sturdy enough to hold up to wear as the pendant slides back and forth over the years.

A bail that is integrated into the design of the pendant (even into invisibility) is a sign of high-quality design. Well designed pieces of jewelry have function integrated into the form: clasps that are part of the design, wires, posts, bails, and pins that look great while working seamlessly.

If a chain is included, check whether the bail fits over the clasp if you would like to wear the chain with other pendants or the pendant on other different length chains. Some Omega chains have larger clasps, so if you plan to wear a pendant on an Omega, try it on before you buy it.

One innovation is a bail that can be opened so that a pendant can be worn on a greater variety of chains or even a strand of beads or pearls. These are often known as “enhancer” bails. Enhancers are also great on Omega chains also.

Length will determine how a necklace is worn. Collars that sit on the side of the neck are 12-14 inches. The standard choker of 16-inches is close to the neck. This length may be just right for wearing inside a collar. But some women with larger sized necks may find them uncomfortably short. The standard pendant length is 18 inches, which hangs down into a pleasant v-shape. Longer lengths of 20 to 24 inches are generally worn outside of your clothing. Long opera length strands of pearls or art-deco style long chain necklace of 28-36 inches can also often be worn double for extra versatility. And nothing rivals the glamour of a rope of pearls or flapper style chain: real drama starts at 40 inches or more. For ultimate versatility, some ropes separate out into shorter lengths, allowing them to be worn also as shorter necklaces and bracelets.