ModernJeweler.com |

THE TREND: Good things do indeed come in small packages, especially if those packages are precious charm pendants. Consumers’ appetite for pendants now needs continuous feeding, thanks to their taste for spiritual-themed and personalized fine jewelry. Now these ever-popular pendants have been put on a diet. As consumers become more self-conscious about showing off luxury goods, their favorite pendant styles are being scaled down to suit the times—but are still being purchased and worn regularly, often in multiples. Much like the larger pieces that inspired them, themes and design motifs center on spirituality, protection, humor, lucky charms, and other sentimental favorites.

WHY IT’S HAPPENING: Think of this as fashion downsizing. Obviously smaller scale designer pendants offer jewelers an opportunity to hit a lower price point at a time when the consumer is the most price conscious she’s been in a generation. But the trend toward tiny pendants also is a harbinger of a widespread shift into smaller scale fine jewelry. Details, gemstones, and designs continue to be as elaborate as their larger-scale cousins but these minis make even the most ostentatious styles subtler and softer.

WHO HAS IT: While it’s not surprising that designers and manufacturers who specialize in charms have gone the miniaturization route, other designers known mostly for their larger scale designs have also shrunk down some of their most iconic looks into tiny “mini me” versions. Among these are Emma Jane & Tan, Sydney Evan, Catherine Michiels, GK Designs, Willa M., Rembrandt Charms, Mauri Pioppo, Konstantino, Penny Preville, Talisman, Mizuki, Old World Chain, KC Designs, Sarah Graham, Heather Moore, Aspery & Guldag, Nanis, Aaron Basha, Slane & Slane, Paul Morelli, ZDNY, Lika Behar, Dana-David, Color Story, Meira T. for IDI Design Group, and Designs by Sevan.

HOW TO SELL IT: Although it seems natural that these tiny pendants would befit the tween and teenage client, the truth is, they know no age boundaries. Since many of these tiny treasures have a spiritual or sentimental significance, they are ideally suited for gift giving, bridal party, or other special occasions. They are, in fact, the twenty-first century version of the charm bracelet. These small stylemakers are suited to being worn in multiples or layered with same size or larger charm pendants. What they lack in size, they make up in curiosity and collectibility.