Another Infinity Necklace, with Question

[brad]

I am still working with the infinity design.  This is a small (about 3cm high) sterling pendent.  I am still looking for different shaping, almost a tilted Z shape with a bit of curve to it.  (I want to avoid them being just a "number 8" shape) To get there I may need to use bigger square wire but keep it this small could be tricky.
   My question:  On this smaller pendent, (1-1/2") about the size of the previously posted cuff,  should I add a silver ring to hang it by, (that I have always done), or, can I just thread the necklace chain through the big loop of the pendent?  I think the chain would have to be skinny enough so the pendent will lay flat against the breast bone-or sweater/blouse?   Also, where would you want it to hang? 

I would appreciate your suggestions.  Brad

[caeterle]

Personally, I would prefer a silver ring, possibly even through a hole in the infinity sign. Given the size, I would also prefer a fine, simple chain with this, so it won't overpower the sign which would be a pity.

What do you mean "where"? The length of the chain? I find that almost everyone who buys a pendant from me wants the chain to be 20 inch. In all time, I had maybe 3 or 4 exceptions, of those only one wanted it shorter. I almost always wear 18 inch chains myself.

[brad]

Cat asks and suggests: "What do you mean "where"? The length of the chain? I find that almost everyone who buys a pendant from me wants the chain to be 20 inch. In all time, I had maybe 3 or 4 exceptions, of those only one wanted it shorter. I almost always wear 18 inch chains myself."

I was trying to be delicate using the "where" term. I was getting at what position on your body do you want the pendent to hang to? now that I looked it up, I will rephrase with physiology. Down over the xiphoid process? Just above? over the middle of the breastbone body? or up near the jugular notch?
Recalling how Marilyn wears her many pendent necklaces or similar, it would seem the bigger the piece the lower it hangs. Never chokers, an age thing, perhaps?

The chain length is what I am after as well. When I go to buy chains many are 18", but I think I want longer options. 20" may be a good option. I am but a fat necked guy, so I am a poor model. ;-) Thanks for the reply. Brad

[brad]

I use a ring hole punch like this for most of my punching for small rings.  Brad

[caeterle]

You don't see chokers that often at all anymore.
If you think about adding this design to your items for sale, by the way, I'd recommend earrings. To me it seems that everyone wants earrings these days.

I think it's hard to say breastbone or jugular notch (I had never heard xiphoid process before, I didn't even know we us a similar term in German, lol) because women are so different. For example, the bust size can make a big difference.

[brad]

Cat, I had not even considered earrings, until you mentioned it.  Marilyn has not worn them in years, and never had pierced ears.  She still a has some very nice sets though.  Yes, I do want to use this design in a sale. 
My challenge will be to make them smaller and lighter than the necklace pendent, I guess.  Tricky,  I am going to need better jewelers pliers and technique me thinks.  Thank you, for the suggestion.  brad

[DawninCal]

Brad it was thoughtful of you to consider your wording about where the pendant should hang. Thank you for that.

I would either solder a loop to the back of the pendant or add a jump ring large enough to accommodate the width of the pendant. If you were to thread the chain through the pendant, the pendant won't hang right and it will want to twist and spin. I agree with Cat that a simple chain would be most appropriate so that the pendant can be the star of the show.

Another option would be to suspend the pendant from black leather cord in the way shown in the photo below:



Some people would say the pendant is too elegant to wear with a cord, but this is a look that I like. The contrast of black leather and silver is eye catching and it keeps the pendant from blending into silver chain. I also like the understated sophistication of leather and silver together.

As far as chain length goes, the average is 18 to 20 inches. Personally, I usually wear my necklaces at 18 inches, which puts my pendants a couple of inches below my collarbone, but anything in that range will work. Chokers seemed to have peaked in popularity during the 70's. It's a cool look, but I think many people find them uncomfortable as they can literally feel like they are choking the wearer. I don't even like the neckline of my shirts to rub against my throat for that reason.

You're right that neck circumference also plays a role in wear the pendant will hang on the body. The thicker the neck, the higher it will be, but I think that 18-20" range will accommodate most people.

Let us know what you decide to do.



Dawn

[DawninCal]

Oh, yes. Earrings. I don't have statistics to back me up, but I believe earrings to be the most popular type of jewelry worn by women. Some don't want to fuss with other things like bracelets or necklaces, others find them uncomfortable or just don't care for the look, but earrings are something a person can put on in the morning and wear all day without thinking about them (unless they are too heavy and pull or something like that).

If you are going to sell your jewelry, you'll definitely want to consider adding earrings to your collection.

And, you might also consider men. The infinity pendant is one that could be worn by any gender.



Dawn

[caeterle]

I don't remember if you already made that, but an infinity sign would work well with leather as a bracelet for everyone to wear (also in other types of metal).
As for the earrings, the sign doesn't necessarily have to be smaller, but of course making two will also double the price (maybe keep copper in mind, too, still very popular, or even mixed metal for women who like that, for example copper sign and silver earwires).
There are women who can only wear very lightweight earrings, but there are others who don't a problem with heavier weights and I'm talking much heavier than an infinity sign (I see a lot of lampwork earring pairs and my bead embroidery earrings aren't all very lightweight, either).

Dawn's cord idea is really good. I have used silver chain like that for myself as well, by the way, with a ring because I didn't want it to hang crooked.

[DawninCal]

Oooo, I like the idea of using leather and the infinity sign in a bracelet.



Dawn

[brad]

Thank you. Actually, I do have a lot of cord from some of my early work. I even learned the adjustable necklace cord knot so that the cord can be slid more open or more closed. I used it a lot with copper things and colorful Christmas pendents. Thanks for reminding me of that option.

I may have large jump rings to go around the top of the piece. I usually solder jump ring after applying. <<<Do most of you?>>>
Punching the hole (though requires a bit of filing on the back side to smooth out) allows for using a smaller jump ring. Sometimes I use a tiny diamond rat tail file and just rotate in the hole from the backside until the punch ridge grinds away.

[michelle]

Sorry, I missed this post, Brad. The infinity pendant is lovely. You’ve already received excellent advice about necklace length, so I won’t repeat it. As for soldering, I haven’t. But I think it’s a good idea. I have taken to “closing” my jump rings with Super Glue.