Home Get Inspired Pendants Wave-Edge Gold Symbol Pendant With Raised Details

A horizontal 14k yellow gold pendant with a wave-shaped top edge, featuring four raised symbols and a diagonal row of small diamonds near the rightmost symbol, on a cable link chain.

Wave-Edge Gold Symbol Pendant With Raised Details

$$$

14k yellow gold, lab diamonds

K. wanted a pendant that could hold a set of symbols meaningful to her — each one recognizable on its own, but connected into a single design. An avid scuba diver with an active lifestyle, she asked for a wave-edged shape that felt artistic rather than plain, and pushed through several rounds of sketches until the proportions, the brushed finish, and the slightly larger final symbol all felt right. When it arrived, she wrote: 'This is a truly beautiful piece. I LOVE it so much... I put it on when I received it in the mail and I have not taken it off.'

'That is absolutely beautiful.' — on seeing the first 3D render

'This is a truly beautiful piece. I LOVE it so much. Thank you for your patience and knowledge in helping me choose the perfect design. I put it on when I received it in the mail and I have not taken it off. It turned out perfect.' — on delivery

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Daily wear For herself Make Your Mark Identity expression, Personal symbol / signet

Quick specs

Design type

Pendants

Primary Metal

Yellow gold 14k

Shape / Cut

Round

Primary Stone

Lab diamond

Accent Stones

Diamonds

Style

Brushed East west geometric Religios Symbolic Waterfall Word text

Design Complexity

Complex

Intent

Make Your Mark Identity expression, Personal symbol / signet

Intent: Certainty

High

Size

Pendant approximately 1.75in wide x 0.75in high. Chain 18in cable link.

How they made it distinctive

01
Wave-shaped edge added specifically because the client is an avid scuba diver who wanted ocean imagery worked into the design
02
Two-point bail connection chosen over a single center attachment to keep the pendant hanging level rather than tipping to one side
03
Final symbol enlarged and set with diamonds so it stands out as the focal point of the design
04
Brushed background paired with polished raised symbols so each symbol reads clearly both individually and as part of the whole
05
Sized larger than a standard pendant specifically so the symbols would be legible without requiring the viewer to stand very close

How you'd make it yours

Symbols: this piece uses a set of personally meaningful symbols; a new commission could use a different set of symbols, letters, or icons arranged the same way

Finish: this piece uses a brushed background with polished raised symbols; a new piece could use an engraved treatment or an all-polished finish instead

Metal: this piece is 14k yellow gold; the same design language works in 18k yellow gold or rose gold

Accent stones: this piece uses small diamonds on one symbol; a new commission could use colored gemstones, more stones, or none at all

Size: this piece is sized at 1.75 by 0.75 inches; a new piece is sized to fit its own wearer's preference and proportions

One of a kind: this exact pendant was designed for one client and is not reproduced — a new commission is an original piece inspired by this one, not a copy

Design changes made

The design moved through several iterations — from a simple straight-edged bar to a wave-edged shape inspired by the client's love of the ocean, with the bail changed from a single center connection to a two-point connection for balance, and the final symbol enlarged and set with diamonds to make it stand out. The overall size was also increased from an initial 1-inch concept to 1.75 inches so the symbols would read clearly.

Who this is for

This piece is for someone who wants their jewelry to spark a conversation rather than just complement an outfit — something that invites the question 'what do those symbols mean?' It's especially right for an active person who refuses to trade durability for artistic detail, and who has a specific set of personal symbols they want to wear together without losing each one's individual meaning.

How it's made

Once the final design was approved, the piece was 3D printed in wax and attached to a wax tree inside a flask. The flask was invested in plaster and fired in a kiln to burn out the wax, leaving a hollow mold. Molten 14k yellow gold was then cast into the mold under pressure and allowed to cool before the raw pendant was removed and prepared for finishing. The background panel was given a brushed finish to create contrast against the raised symbols, which were polished to a bright shine so each one stands out clearly. The final, slightly enlarged symbol was set by hand with a row of small round diamonds along its edge to make it the visual focal point. The two-point bail was attached last, positioned on either side of the panel to keep the pendant hanging level.

Key note

The bail uses two connection points rather than one in the center specifically because a single center attachment would cause the panel to tip to one side when worn.

Pricing guidance

A horizontal gold bar pendant with raised symbolic detail and diamond accents sits in the mid range for custom pendant work of this complexity. Most of the cost comes from the metal weight at this larger-than-average size and the hand-finishing required to make each symbol read cleanly against the brushed background. Chain choice and diamond accents are the next biggest variables.

Moves price up ↑

↑
Increasing the overall width beyond 1.75 inches, which adds significant gold weight
↑
Adding diamonds or gemstones to more than one symbol
↑
Upgrading the chain to a heavier cable or curb link style
↑
Choosing 18k gold instead of 14k for a richer color and higher gold content
↑
Adding a two-sided design with engraving or texture on the back

Moves price down ↓

↓
Reducing the pendant width closer to 1 inch
↓
Leaving out diamond accents entirely
↓
Choosing a lighter flat-link chain instead of a cable chain
↓
Engraving the symbols instead of making them dimensional, which reduces finishing labor
↓
Using fewer or simpler symbols in the design

Questions people ask

Can you make a pendant with multiple symbols that still look connected?

Yes, this is a common request for pendants meant to carry personal or symbolic meaning. The symbols are typically arranged evenly across a single background panel so each one reads clearly on its own while the overall piece still looks unified. Raised, polished symbols against a brushed or textured background is one effective way to make each symbol distinct without the design looking busy. The final layout is usually refined through a sketch and 3D render before anything is cast.

What is the difference between engraved and dimensional (raised) symbols on a pendant?

Engraved symbols are cut into the metal surface, sitting below the surrounding surface level. Dimensional or raised symbols sit above the background, giving a more sculptural, three-dimensional look that tends to catch light differently. Raised symbols generally require more finishing work to get clean, sharp edges, since the metal around each symbol has to be carved away precisely. Many clients choose raised symbols against a brushed or matte background specifically because it makes the polished symbols stand out more.

How durable is a brushed gold finish for daily wear?

A brushed finish is created by lightly abrading the metal surface in one direction, producing a soft, non-reflective texture. It holds up well to daily wear because small scratches blend into the existing texture rather than standing out the way they would on a mirror-polished surface. Over years of wear it may gradually soften and pick up a slight shine in high-contact areas, which can be refreshed with a light re-brushing. It's a practical choice for an active lifestyle where a bright polished finish would show wear more visibly.

What does a custom symbol pendant like this typically cost?

A pendant of this size and complexity — a wider-than-average gold bar with multiple raised symbols and small diamond accents — falls in the mid range for custom pendant work. The biggest cost driver is the gold weight, since a larger piece requires significantly more metal than a standard 1-inch pendant. Diamond accents and chain choice add to the total but are smaller factors than the base metal weight and labor. Removing the diamonds and choosing a smaller size are the most effective ways to bring the cost down.

How long does it take to make a custom pendant like this?

The design phase typically takes about a week to produce an initial sketch, though more elaborate designs with multiple revisions can take longer. Once the design is approved and a deposit is made toward production, casting and finishing usually takes four to five weeks. The full process — from first sketch to a finished, shipped piece — commonly spans six to eight weeks when several design revisions are involved. Each stage, including the wax model and casting, is typically shared with the client along the way.

Can diamonds be added to just one part of a design instead of the whole piece?

Yes, adding diamonds to a single accent area rather than the entire piece is a common way to create a focal point without significantly increasing the cost. In a multi-symbol design, this technique is often used to make one symbol stand out as the most important or different from the rest. Small accent diamonds in the VS1 clarity range add sparkle without dramatically changing the overall price. This approach also keeps the rest of the design cleaner and lets the diamonds do the work of drawing the eye.

What kind of chain works best with a horizontal bar pendant?

A sturdier chain style, like a cable link or curb link, is generally recommended for a wider horizontal pendant because it provides enough visual and structural weight to balance the piece. A thinner flat-link chain can work but may look slightly underweighted next to a substantial bar pendant. The clasp and connection points also matter for security — a denser link style paired with a secure clasp helps keep a heavier pendant centered and prevents it from twisting during wear. Chain length is a personal preference, but 18 inches is the most commonly chosen length for this style of pendant.

Can a pendant be designed so it doesn't tip or hang crooked?

Yes, this comes down to how the bail (the connector between the pendant and the chain) is designed. For a wide horizontal pendant, using two connection points — one on each side — rather than a single center connection keeps the piece balanced and hanging level. A single center attachment point on a wide, flat piece tends to cause it to tip to one side over time. This is a structural design decision made early in the process, before the piece is cast.