Experts offer hints to help women get the hang of wearing pendants

By ERIN WHITE

MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS

A bold pendant is the perfect piece of jewelry to liven a plain tank top or a flowery sundress.

We picked out a few and asked experts to share some tips on how to wear them.

UDon’t fear layers. Think of the pendant as a staple piece. Then add necklaces in different lengths and textures.

UConsider color. If you want your pendant to pop, wear it on top of a solid color.

USize matters. Make sure the size of the pendant matches your body type. Small, animal-shaped pendants look adorable on smaller frames; larger frames can pull off statement-making medallions.

UTry a new style. If the big shapes scare you, then try one that’s open in the middle.

UThink about placement. The larger the pendant, the lower it should hang on your torso. A 16- to 17-inch necklace works great for a smaller medallion that hits above the breastbone, but bigger pieces should have a necklace that’s longer than 18 inches and should hit below the breastbone. Oversize pendants look best at or below the bust line, generally 30 inches or longer.

UKeep it simple. If you do wear a statement-making pendant, don’t overaccessorize. Keep earrings small or avoid them altogether.

XSources are Michael Greene, diamond expert and celebrity jewelry designer; Cynthia Nellis, former jewelry columnist and fashion expert for About.com.