Moissanite Pendant Necklace, Skull, Heart or Dollar

Skull, heart and dollar sign are three of the oldest motifs in hip hop jewellery, and each one says something different. The skull is the hard edged choice, the heart is the softer one, and the dollar sign is a plain statement about ambition. Pendants like these are made to be seen, so the design carries the whole piece. The stones are set across the face of the shape, which turns a flat outline into a surface that catches light from the front.

Every stone is moissanite, set into a 925 sterling silver body. Moissanite has a refractive index of about 2.65 against diamond's 2.42, so an iced out face throws strong coloured flash. A pendant also knocks against zips, desks and other chains, so hardness counts. Moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale, under diamond's 10, so the surface stays crisp rather than clouding with fine scratches. Silver is a sound base because it takes a polish and will not turn green the way brass does.

There are more than half a dozen numbered styles, so start by choosing the motif and then choose the finish. Each style is offered in silver or gold. Silver gives a cold, white look and makes the stones read brightest. The gold finish warms the piece and suits a darker skin tone or an outfit built around black. Pendants this size sit best on a heavier chain, so match the weight of the chain to the weight of the pendant.

• Stone: iced out moissanite
• Motifs: skull, heart, dollar sign and more numbered styles
• Metal: 925 sterling silver
• Finish: silver or gold
• Style: statement pendant necklace
• Fit: unisex