Bail (jewelry)

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A cross attached to a necklace by means of a curved bail. Sixth or seventh century. From the collection of the Museum of Byzantine Art, Berlin. Halskette mit Kreuzanhanger byzantinisch - bail closeup.jpg
A cross attached to a necklace by means of a curved bail. Sixth or seventh century. From the collection of the Museum of Byzantine Art, Berlin.

A bail (also spelled "bale") is a component of certain types of jewelry, mostly necklaces, that is used to attach a pendant or stone. [1]

Contents

Overview

The bail is normally placed in the center of the necklace where the pendant hangs. Some bails are made so a pendant can be attached after the necklace production is completed. This way, a necklace design can be mass-produced for multiple companies and the pendants can be attached after the necklaces are shipped to them. [2]

Classic bail

A classic bail allows the chain to pass through and is connected by a ring to the pendant. Bails are a frequently pre-made component used on an otherwise handmade piece of jewelry. [3]

Hidden bail

A pendant can also be made with a "hidden bail." A hidden bail is typically connected to the back of a pendant in such a way that the chain can pass through and support the pendant, but the bail cannot be seen. [4] [5]

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References

  1. "Bail (Jewelry) - Definition,meaning - Online Encyclopedia". en.mimi.hu. Retrieved 2020-02-09.
  2. Bolat, Jeff. "Zoughaib And Sons Jewelry" . Retrieved 29 December 2021.
  3. "Bail: Jewelry Definition". Calla Gold Jewelry. 2013-07-29. Retrieved 2020-02-09.
  4. "금 체인 여자 레이어드 줄 목걸이" . Retrieved 2021-06-18.
  5. "Goldankauf Berlin" . Retrieved 2021-08-26.