Question: Use of secondary keywords in Meta title

[Mantas]

I have a question about keyword use in important areas, like the meta title. Let’s say my main target keyword is “amethyst necklace.” Normally, I’d check Ahrefs or another tool and see something like “amethyst necklace pendant” along with other variations. I’d then add those into my meta titles without thinking too much, since that’s how I was taught.



Now, I’m starting to question this approach. If I include “amethyst necklace pendant” in the meta title, does that tie me more strongly to that keyword and make it harder to rank for just “amethyst necklace”?

For context, I’m not actually selling necklaces. I’m just using this as an example because the situation in the SERPs feels very similar to what I’m facing with many of my own keywords.

 

[testitall]

The pendant is not the necklace. It's an accessory related to the pendant. So I do not think of it as a variation. If the page is just about the necklace, I would limit the use of "pendant" on the page. I'd still use it sparingly as it's a related entity.