Pendant Lesson
Functional elements such as bails and clasps are required for every project to make the piece wearable. Consider a pendant without a bail for example. The pendant would not face forward if you simply threaded a ribbon or chain through it's loop. Standard loops are attached to the top of the setting or stamping with the hole facing the same way as the setting, so a bail is needed to join the chain to the pendant loop.
A bail is often the least attractive component in an otherwise fabulous design. A pretty pendant is missing something if only a simple large rather ugly jump ring is used as a bail.
Failing to consider the style of these elements can ruin the balance of an otherwise beautiful piece of jewelry. Every part should complement the main focal point. As in architecture and ...