Ultimate Diamond Necklace Buying Guide
There is no gift quite like a diamond necklace for any special occasion. It takes a keen eye to spot the very best diamond you can buy, so review the diamond very closely as you browse. You want a diamond to be right for the value, and one that gives off an impressive sparkle (brilliance, as we say in the industry) and size. Never choose a diamond from a vendor that doesn't have a reputation as unblemished as your ideal diamond, as you can never be sure of their trustworthiness. For style choices, consider the tastes and preferences of the recipient. There are various gold necklace designs, as well as options in other precious metals, and we will do our best to give you a rock-solid guide to them all here. Let's start with the basics:
What is a Solitaire Necklace?
As you have probably guessed, it is a necklace
with a diamond in the center or cluster, attached by a tiny loop or sliding in to
a jewellery chain that is usually made from a precious metal like platinum or
gold. The diamond, or diamonds, are usually set into a pendant using one of a
range of setting styles, and there are lots of options to be considered for the
chain itself. With various styles of diamond necklace to choose from, the
following is a general (but not exhaustive) list of what you might find:
What is a solitaire pendant?
A solitaire pendant is a necklace with a single gemstone, which is usually a diamond. The gemstone takes pride of place alone on a jewellery chain that is usually made of platinum, yellow gold or white gold. This type of diamond necklace could feature a stone as small as 0.10 Carat up to 1.50 Carat and beyond, so there are lots of options for all tastes and budgets.
Choosing the right diamond for your diamond
solitaire necklace comes down to what the recipient's preferences are and,
ultimately, what you can afford. There are, however, some rules that should be
kept in mind regardless of what stone you are after. You should be looking for
a well-balance between the quality of diamond, size, and price. Assess your diamond
using the following parameters:
Certification
: You should always look for a diamond with a GIA, IGI or EGL (Jewellery Certificate) certification. These grading entities are the most reputable, which means you get greater assurance that the quality you're promised is actually delivered. This is where all the specifications and characteristics of a given stone have been professionally assessed by a trained and fully qualified gemologist in controlled conditions. Read MoreCut:
A well-cut diamond makes maximum use of the light that strikes its many pavilions. The result is that the light is reflected back through the table of the diamond and into the eye of the observer. The best-cut stones, depending on the shape and certifying body, are Excellent and Ideal. However, even if the vendor claims adiamond has this certification, you should still inspect it for
yourself, preferably through high-resolution imagery. If necessary, ask for
expert help to inspect the stone. Read More
Colour:
The colour of the white diamond refers to the lack of intrinsic colour found in a stone. Most diamonds will appear devoid of colour, but there will always be hints of either brown or yellow. There are some coloured stones, like the black diamond, but be warned that stones with a natural colour are often incredibly valuable - the most expensive blue diamond in the world, the Hope Diamond, is worth an estimated $350 million! Read MoreGIA Colour Scale
I
I-color diamond is scintillating and considered a white diamond that does not distract from the diamond’s sparkle. Noticeable color may be detectable to the untrained eye. It looks best in yellow gold settings.
Clarity:
Since they are continuously in the line of sight of onlookers, clarity is of paramount importance in a diamond necklace. Again, close inspection of the diamond should reveal if there are any blemishes and inclusions visible to the naked eye. Amount of effect of diamond clarity depends on size of diamonds also. Normally VS2 is eye clean diamond but smaller diamond also look eye clean in lower clarity grades. Read MoreI1
Inclusion
Diamonds have numerous inclusions that can easily be seen. Diamonds of this clarity represent incredible value compared with higher clarity grades. These diamonds are perfect for people not sensitive to the presence of inclusions, but want a larger size (or weight) of diamond.
GIA Clarity Scale
Shape:
The most popular diamond shapes for a solitaire necklace are the Round and Princess cut, but the Pear shape also has its fans. The shape you choose will have an impact on the setting style. The best advice is to consider several options and see which you think will work best. If you're having difficulty deciding, you can't go wrong with a well-cut Round diamond. Read More
Size
: There is no right answer when considering what size the diamond should be for a solitaire necklace. What you need to understand, however, is that a larger Carat weight will increase the price substantially. Bigger is not always better, but the balance of fire-brilliance and size of the diamond should be considered. However, a larger stone in right quality will have a more prominent appearance. As a general rule, a small-medium size is good for everyday use, while a larger diamond may work better for a classy night out. Use out Interactive tool to decide the size. Occasion and outfit also very important consideration when deciding the ring size of the necklace.- Round
- Princess
- 0.10
- 0.20
- 0.30
- 0.40
- 0.50
- 0.60
- 0.70
- 0.80
- 0.90
- 1.00
- 1.25
- 1.50
- 1.75
- 2.00
Round
From the hands of an expert cutter, the Round Brilliant diamond delivers on its promise of "beauty and brilliance." This is the classic shape for diamonds and a well-cut Round Brilliant maximizes light return better than most other shapes and creates a dazzling display, that will surely make her heart skip a beat and will make her friends jealous.
Which type of setting is best?
There are various different setting styles for
pendants, and popular ones usually utilise prongs because they allow the
maximum light to enter the diamond and create that dazzling sparkle. The most
common type of pronged setting utilises four prongs, but you will also find
three-prong and six-prong settings that give different style results. It's
important that the setting you choose is suitable for the usage the recipient
will have for their necklace - prong settings may look great, but they can lack
the durability for regular day-to-day use. The last thing you want is for the
diamond to fall out of the necklace and get lost. Also Some popular alternative setting types
include:
Channel Settings
: multiple diamonds are set into a channel made out of a pair of metal strips - it's an attractive way to incorporate multiple stones. A diamond cross necklace is often set using this method, creating a striking aesthetic that also portrays your spiritual beliefs.
Bezel Settings: an elevated metal collar wraps around the rim of the diamond for a complete metal edging - robust and durable enough for regular use, though you lose a little of the stone's sparkle since the metal blocks some of the light from getting to it.
Flush Settings
: the diamond is set into a drilled hole in the pendant so that it sits 'flush' with the pendant surface - a very secure setting that minimises the risk of the diamond chipping or falling out, though again the stone doesn't get as much light as it could.
Pavé Settings
: a setting in which numerous small diamonds 'pave' the pendant - an elegant, timeless style that is dazzling to behold.
How do I choose the right chain?
There are various metal choices available for
your chain and your pendant. Both 9K and 18K gold are robust enough for
day-to-day wear, and gold colours include white, rose and yellow. Pendant
chains can also be bought in platinum, though this usually pushes the price
higher than necessary. You should bear in mind, however, that platinum is a
popular contemporary choice in the modern market, though white gold does the
job just as well. These colours are very popular for solitaire diamond
necklaces today, but if the recipient prefers a more vintage aesthetic, the
traditional look of yellow gold is a good way to go. Your decision should be
made based on the recipient's preferences.
At Abelini, we offer a choice of three chain
link types:
The Cable Link
: the most common jewellery chain, this is available in a wide range of widths and thicknesses. The links are oval-shaped, with an aesthetic not unlike the paper clip chains we all made in primary school. It's durable and versatile, and doesn't kink easily.The Curb Link
: another common choice, this chain is similar in construction to the cable link, but the individual links are flatter in appearance. It's another durable chain, but it tends to be considered a more 'masculine' option, so makes a great choice for men's jewellery.
The Spiga Link
: also known as the wheat link, this option comes in a range of widths and lengths that never fail to look beautiful. The spiga link achieves a sparkle unlike any other, which differentiates it from the cable and curb link chain. It's another durable option that performs superbly as a gold necklace for women.
What type of clasp is best?
The two most common types of clasp are the
spring ring and the lobster. Spring ring is used for finer and delicate chain.
The lobster clasp, on the other hand is the more preferred option for heavy and
thick chain. It's easy to use, it's durable and heavy-duty, and it is the
safest all-round option there is. Lobster clasps are usually soldered onto the
chain, and they are better for safety than the spring ring option. Some other
options you may find are:
S-Hook - another solid option to go
with.
Figure-eight safety catches - these
are great, but not available for all chain types.
Magnetic clasps - easy to put on and
take off, but you run the risk of losing your necklace with one of
these.
What other important considerations are there?
It's vital that you establish whether the chain is hollow, solid, semi-solid or plated. If, for example, you buy a 9kt yellow gold chain with 18kt gold plating, the chain will look more yellow and rich... at least, to begin with. Plating always wears off eventually, so if you want the chain to look its best for the long term, this may not be the best option to choose.
Hollow chains, sometimes known as 'semi-solid', look the same as other chains but are usually much lighter when you hold them. That's because the inside of the metal in each link is hollow to reduce the price. You'll find lots of thick-looking chains are made this way, and the problem is that hollow chains are usually quite brittle and prone to breaking. They are also more prone to denting, and it isn't easy to fix them to a satisfactory standard.
Solid chains are the way to go, because they are more likely to last a lifetime. In a necklace, there are many moving parts that are constantly rubbing together as you go about your business. A solid chain will hold up best against wear and tear, so it is the best option for the long term. Look for chains that the vendor sells with a guarantee - if they're willing to back their product, that can be a great indication of their confidence in the craftsmanship. Look closely at the guarantee, however, as it may only ensure the product is free from manufacturing defects, and not offer any cover for wear and tear/breaking.
Which chain length should I choose?
The standard chain length for a diamond necklace with a pendant is 16 inches, but there are other options available. The 16-inch option is usually correct for leaving the pendant resting nicely on the collarbone, but there will be variations in people's neck/shoulders that can have an impact on this. If you want a little flexibility in the length, you can choose a longer chain with jump rings. These types of chain have two rings towards the end of the chain, set an inch or so apart, giving you the ability to adjust the chain from, for example, 18 inches to 16 inches. This makes a necklace more versatile and is a good option for some.
At Abelini, we offer a wide selection of chain lengths to give you a range of options depending on practical considerations and also style choices. For some people, a chain which causes the pendant to hang lower is a classy, traditional aesthetic that fits their needs well. For this, we offer 30-inch chains that hang around the diaphragm, and even 36-inch ones that hang down to the navel. There are also chains that range from 17 inches through to 24, so you have no shortage of options to find the length that works for you.
When should you buy a diamond necklace?
A beautiful diamond necklace makes a stunning and memorable gift. With their timeless design and effortless appeal, diamond necklaces are commonly kept as family heirlooms, passed down from one generation to the next. Few items of jewellery look quite as impressive and breathtaking as a diamond necklace, and the recipient of a gift will be proud to wear their new necklace at dressy events, celebrations or even just their day-to-day life. Consider buying a diamond necklace as a gift for any of the following special occasions:
Wedding anniversary - Reserve this gift for landmark anniversaries like the 5th, 10th, 15th, etc. It can be a great way to mark a special milestone in your life with your partner.
Birthday -
Again, landmark birthdays like someone's 21st, 30th, 50th or 70th are ideal for such a luxury gift. Of course, if you like to treat your loved ones, a diamond necklace will be a welcome gift for any birthday.Valentine's Day -
Spoil your loved one on the most romantic of days by sweeping them off their feet with a beautiful diamond necklace that will help cement your special place in their heart. Speaking of which, a heart necklace with diamonds can be a perfect choice for a Valentine's Day gift!Graduation -
Let them know how proud you are of their achievement with the gift of a beautiful diamond ring that they can cherish throughout their journey into adulthood.Retirement -
Mark this important occasion with a gift that represents the true value of their life's work. A diamond necklace will show that you recognise all they have achieved, and provide a gift to be loved throughout those restful retirement years.A promotion at work -
Getting promoted can be a huge achievement for anyone, and with the gift of a diamond necklace you can show someone you care about that you cherish and admire them for their achievement.
These are just a few suggestions of occasions where a diamond necklace can make an excellent gift. There are many others, but the bottom line is that a diamond necklace is a powerful way to express fondness or appreciation for a loved one. If you want to tell them you love them with a special gift, this could be the ideal way to do it. Just make sure you follow the advice of this guide carefully to ensure you are getting the very best diamond necklace for the occasion and the person. There are various pitfalls to be avoided throughout the process of buying a diamond necklace, and by following our guide you will be able to avoid them and get a quality, elegant product that will make the recipient happy for years to come.