How to size and print inserts that fit a 1‑inch pendant
Overview
If you want to make your own artwork to sit under the glass or in the bezel of a 1‑inch pendant, the key steps are: measure the part of the pendant that actually holds the paper, create artwork at that exact size, print at a high resolution, and test-fit on plain paper before committing to specialty paper or finishes. The following method walks you through a repeatable way to size and print inserts that fit a 1‑inch pendant.
What you’ll need
- The 1‑inch pendant you plan to use (for this article: Abort the Patriarchy Feminist Pendant Necklace 1 Inch)
- Ruler or calipers that measure in inches or millimetres
- Computer with a simple image editor or a page-layout program (Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Illustrator, Canva, or similar)
- Printer and plain paper for test prints
- Scissors or a 1‑inch circle punch (optional, but helpful)
Step 1 — Measure the usable circle
The pendant is described as a 1‑inch pendant. Don’t assume that the visible glass equals the exact paper size you’ll need. Measure the inner circle where the paper sits (the bezel opening) using a ruler or calipers. Record that diameter—this is your target size.
Step 2 — Create a template at that diameter
Open your editor and start a new document sized to the diameter you measured. If your program asks for resolution, choose a high value (many designers use 300 dpi for print). Set the document units to inches (or millimetres) and create a circle shape using the measured diameter as the size.
Place or design your artwork inside that circle. Keep important elements (text, faces, central details) well within the edge of the circle so they won’t be cut off when trimmed. When you’re happy with placement, export or save the file as a common image format your printer accepts.
Step 3 — Print a paper test
Print the artwork on plain paper first. Do not use specialty paper yet. Cut the printed circle using scissors or a circle punch and test-fit it into the pendant bezel. This test confirms both size and how the artwork sits under the pendant glass.
Step 4 — Adjust if needed
If the test piece is too tight to fit, reduce your circle size in the document slightly and print another test. If the test piece is too loose and shifts, increase the size a tiny amount. Repeat until the test piece fits comfortably—snug but not forced—inside the pendant opening.
Step 5 — Final prints and finishing
Once the correct size is dialed in, print on your chosen paper or photo stock and cut to the same template. If you plan to seal or finish the insert after placing it in the bezel, test that process on a spare print first so you know how it affects colour and size. Always test-fit after any finishing step in case the material changes slightly.
Troubleshooting tips
- If your printer settings include “scale to fit” or similar, turn that off—print at 100% or actual size.
- If you don’t have a circle punch, trace around the inside of the pendant onto the paper and cut by hand for a closer visual fit before a final cut.
- Keep an editable master file so you can quickly resize and reprint if you make multiple inserts or different designs.
If you’d prefer not to create artwork from scratch, the Abort the Patriarchy Feminist Pendant Necklace 1 Inch is available to view on the product page linked below.