Choose an intaglio pendant necklace by length first, then colour, then motif. Length decides where the pendant sits against your neckline. Colour decides how it works with your clothes. The motif decides what the carving says.
An intaglio pendant is a carved glass stone hung from a chain, with the design cut down into the surface so that it seems to sit inside the glass. The intaglio necklaces collection holds pendants in Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and Roman and Greek styles. This guide shows how to choose between them.
Start with length
Necklace lengths have common names. They are conventions and shops vary a little, so treat the numbers as a guide.
| Name | Roughly | Where the pendant sits |
|---|---|---|
| Choker | 14 to 16 inches (35 to 40 cm) | At the base of the neck |
| Princess | About 18 inches (45 cm) | Just below the collarbone |
| Matinee | 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm) | Between the collarbone and the bust |
| Opera | 28 to 36 inches (70 to 90 cm) | Around the bust or lower |
For most pendants of this kind, a princess length is the usual choice, because it frames the neckline and keeps the carving in view. The pendant size on a listing is given in centimetres, measured without the chain. If the chain length matters to you, write to us through the contact page before you order.
Match the length to the neckline
- Round or scoop neck. A princess length lets the pendant sit inside the curve.
- V-neck. The pendant follows the V. A slightly longer chain looks natural.
- High neck or collar. A longer length lets the pendant hang over the fabric. Or leave the necklace for another outfit and wear earrings.
- Bare shoulders. Any length works. A shorter chain draws the eye to the collarbone.
Then the colour
Colour is what people see first. A blue or green pendant sits with almost everything. Red, purple and yellow are bolder. Clear glass shows the carving most sharply. The guide to choosing the colour of intaglio jewellery goes through each one.
Then the motif
The motif is the picture carved into the stone. These pendants show the range.
- Roman and Greek style. The green glass intaglio necklace in a Greek Roman style and the green intaglio necklace in a Roman style point back to the engraved gems of the ancient world.
- The fleur-de-lis. The blue fleur-de-lis intaglio necklace with a Victorian pendant carries the French lily. Its history is in The Fleur-de-lis: History and Meaning of a Royal Symbol, and more pieces are in the fleur-de-lis collection.
- Victorian style. The blue glass intaglio necklace in a Victorian style is a plain round pendant with strong colour.
- Art Deco style. The intaglio pendant necklace in an Art Deco style with pearl uses a cleaner outline.
- Edwardian style. The yellow intaglio pendant necklace in an Edwardian style is lighter in feel.
Style names describe a look and not a date. Every pendant is newly made by hand to order.
How big is the carving
The pendant sizes are small, so the carving is small. That is part of what an intaglio is: a picture meant to be found up close. Hold the pendant to the light and the picture seems to float inside the stone. At a distance you see the colour first and the outline second. If you want the picture to be visible from further away, choose a clear or pale stone, which shows the lines most sharply.
How to wear a pendant
- Let it sit flat. A pendant sits best against smooth fabric. A knitted or textured neckline can cover the carving.
- Keep the rest simple. One pendant is enough. A second necklace on top hides the detail.
- Add earrings in the same colour. If you want a matching look without a full set, a pair in the same colour does the job. The sets in the collection are explained in Necklace and Earring Sets: How to Wear and Gift a Matching Set.
- Wear it close to the skin. A pendant looks best when it rests on the chest and is not twisted. Check the clasp before you go out.
Looking after a pendant
Put the necklace on last, after perfume and hairspray have dried, and take it off first. Wipe the stone with a soft, dry cloth. Store it in its box or a soft pouch, with the chain laid flat so that it does not knot. The jewellery care guide covers this in full.
Ordering
Each pendant is made by hand after you order and sent in a gift box. It is dispatched within 2 to 5 business days and arrives 15 to 20 days after you place it, dispatch included.
Frequently asked questions
What length of chain should I choose for a pendant?
A princess length, about 18 inches or 45 cm, is the usual choice. It sits just below the collarbone and keeps the carving in view. If the chain length matters to you, ask us before you order.
How big are the pendants?
Listings give the pendant's length and width in centimetres, measured without the chain.
Can I wear an intaglio pendant every day?
Yes, with a little care. Put it on last, take it off first, keep it dry and store it in its box.
What is carved on the pendants?
It depends on the piece. The listings name the motif or the style, such as a fleur-de-lis, a Roman style carving or an Art Deco design.
How long does a pendant take to arrive?
Each pendant is made to order. It is dispatched within 2 to 5 business days and arrives 15 to 20 days after you place the order, dispatch included.