Pendant jewelry in fashion again

Look for decorative pieces to make a comeback

Remember Bakelite baubles from the '30s? Peace symbols from the '60s? Tricolor cutouts of Africa from the '90s?

Pendant jewelry -- decorative pieces suspended from a necklace, chain or cord -- seems to have been around forever. And pieces that make a strong statement are making a comeback this season.

"Pendants now have become really popular on leather or silk cords, or gold or silver link chains," says Julie Routenberg, owner of Potpourri. "But always, the interest is on the pendant."

The costume jewelry staple underwent style shifts in practically every decade of the 20th century, says Julia C. Carroll, author of "Collecting Costume Jewelry 101: The Basics of Starting, Building and Upgrading" (Collector Books, $24.95).

French jeweler Lalique popularized the use of horn and imitation glass in artistic pendants that dangled from delicate fancy link chains in the early 20th century, Carroll said. This art nouveau movement also included images of females with flowing hair rendered in gold-plated silver with semiprecious stones. Plant life, particularly scenes with dragonflies and bees, was popular during that period as well.

In the '20s, pendants remained a prominent part of women's wardrobes. Jewelers frequently set clear stones in filigreed metal. They also created plenty of Y-shaped necklaces and long tassel-style pendants.

Over the next two decades, Bakelite and other plastics became a popular alternative to hard metals, which were scarce during World War II. Zodiac signs and pendants -- made of earthy materials such as wood, feathers and shells -- were popular in the '60s, while the '70s ushered in sculptured designs and asymmetrical looks. Then the decadent '80s took us back to rhinestones as vintage and estate jewelry became the rage. Yves Saint Laurent pendants from the '80s have become some of the most highly collectible pendants, Carroll says.

Newer pieces often reflect classic styles from past decades. So look for pendants to be strong this fall, since much of the fall clothing shows vintage overtones, says Routenberg.