Nana Necklaces

An Honor for Grandmother

There are many styles of nana necklaces. They are designed to reflect the relationship between a grandmother and her grandchildren. Grandmothers often take great delight in having a special symbol to wear that reflects their grandchildren. The necklace is often a conversation-starter with other grandparents.

Usually the necklace is given to the grandmother by the grandchildren. It might be given at Mother's Day, on the grandmother's birthday, or during the holidays. Sometimes the necklace is given to the grandmother by the parents of the first grandchild to commemorate the birth.

Types of Nana Necklaces

Necklace and Watch from NANA Manga Series

These necklaces are offered in very similar designs to a mother's necklace. They tend to have more personalization space than on a mother's necklace. This space provides more area to include the names of grandchildren or perhaps representative gemstones.

There are two basic approaches taken when designing this type of commemorative jewelry for grandmothers:

• To honor the grandmother – These necklaces are engraved with a phrase that reflects the love the family has for the grandmother such as "#1 Nana."
• To honor the grandchildren – These necklaces are personalized to reflect each of the grandchildren.

There are a wide variety of designs including various types of pendants, charms and birthstones:

Pendants

Hearts are one of the most popular designs for a mother or grandmother pendant. The heart might include an engraved sentiment such as "#1 Nana."

The NANA cartoon and movie series inspired an elaborate Saturn-shaped pendant that includes birthstones.

Some families prefer a simpler approach. They purchase a basic heart pendant or locket that can be engraved on the back with the first names of each grandchild.

Charms

Many grandmothers might prefer the flexibility of a charm necklace. The charms can come in a variety of shapes including:

• Baby shoe charms with either pink or blue edging.
• Baby shoe charms with a birthstone.
• Boy and girl-shaped charms with a gemstone.
• Boy and girl-shaped profile charms with each child's name engraved on the back of his or her charm.

The charms can either be worn on a chain necklace or they can be added to a charm holder which, in turn, can be worn on a necklace.

Birthstones

Adding birthstones to a nana necklace is one of the most popular ways to personalize the necklace. Using the birthstone of each child is a tangible symbol of the child.

Birthstones for all grandchildren can be added to a pendant. Most pendants will hold up to about six birthstones. Smaller families often use some of the spaces on the pendant for the mother's birthstone, for a pearl, diamond, or cubic zirconia.

You might want to consider a necklace of tiny charms with birthstones if a grandmother has, or might eventually have, more than six grandchildren. Each charm has a gemstone and they can be worn on a chain.

Some grandmothers might enjoy the convenience of tiny charms but have a personal style that would prefer something with a simpler design. They might feel more comfortable wearing multiple birthstone solitaires on a simple chain or slide.

Things to Consider

• Ease of use – Some grandmothers have vision or dexterity challenges. Be sure that they will be able to easily put their necklace on and take it off. You might want to consider using a longer chain that she can slip over her head without having to open or close the clasp. Or, you can have a jeweler add a magnetic clasp to the necklace so that grandmother can avoid having to fumble with clasps or asking someone to help her with her jewelry.

• Durability – Grandmother will want to wear her necklace frequently and for a long time. Be sure the clasps and finish are durable. If the necklace or charm has prongs, be sure the prongs hold the gemstones tightly.

• Expandability – Some necklaces are designed to include a birthstone or a charm for each grandchild. Be sure there is enough room to include both the current grandchildren as well as all of those who will be born in the future.

• Future matching – Avoid purchasing one-of-a kind, or unusual charms if you will be needing additional charms in the future. You may not be able to find matching charms. Instead, select classic charm styles from a well-known charm company.

• Gift box – Look for a special gift box in which you can package your special gift to grandmother. Some necklaces come in special gold boxes or heart-shaped boxes. The boxes make the gift feel even more special and grandmother will enjoy having a special place to place her necklace when she is not wearing it.

• Order early – Personalized jewelry needs to be ordered at least a month before the gift giving occasion. It might take anywhere from three to six weeks for the necklace to be personalized. Be sure to allow enough time, especially prior to Christmas or other holidays.

Where to Buy Nana Pendants and Necklaces

• Animeshop – Saturn-shaped gem necklace from the Manga and Movie cartoon series
• Amazon – Traditional grandmother charms including the #1 Nana charm
• Amazon – Gemstone necklaces and pendants including the Sterling silver open heart pendant
• Lifetime Mothers – A large selection of pendants and charms for grandmothers and mothers
• Online jewelry stores – Fashion and 14K jewelry charms and personalized jewelry
• Jewelry stores – 14K charms and personalized jewelry
• Department stores – Fashion and 14K jewelry for grandmothers. Larger stores may also offer the opportunity to order personalized jewelry. The largest selection is usually during the month preceding Mother's Day and the holidays.