How to Choose a Heart Pendant That Doesn’t Look Cheap

A heart pendant is the piece most of us own at least one of. It is also the piece most likely to look flat, oversized or a little too sweet. The difference is almost always in four small things.

1. Look at the shape, not just the heart

A plain, solid heart feels modern and quiet. An open outline heart looks lighter and works better on a thin chain. A heart set with small stones is the one to pick for evenings and festive days. If you will wear it daily, choose the simpler shape. It will go with everything.

2. Match the finish to your skin tone

Gold tone is warm and flatters most Indian skin tones, especially medium to deep ones. Silver tone suits cooler undertones and looks sharp with whites and blues. Rose gold sits in between and photographs beautifully. When in doubt, gold is the safest.

3. Mind the size

A small pendant (around the size of a fingernail) sits neatly on a kurta neckline. A larger one needs a plain top so it can be the statement. If you are buying online, check the chain length too. A shorter chain sits just above the neckline, a longer one falls on the chest.

4. Check what it is made of

This is where cheap pieces give themselves away. Look for a gold-tone plated finish over a solid base metal, a secure clasp, and a seller who says plainly that it is plated, not solid gold. Good plating, with normal care, keeps its colour far longer than a thin coat.

How to wear it

• Office: a small gold heart with a plain shirt or kurta.

• Casual: a heart on a short chain over a round-neck tee.

• Festive: a stone-set heart with a sleeveless blouse or a deep neckline.

Looking after it

Put it on after your perfume and makeup, wipe it with a soft dry cloth, and store it in a pouch away from water. Small habits like these make plated jewellery last.

If you would like to see a few, browse the heart styles in Antifikar Jewels.