Diamond Settings
What setting is best for a Diamond Pendant?
This is something that should be carefully considered in relation to the style of the wearer. A bezel setting, where the diamond is set directly into the metal, is generally considered to be a more contemporary style. Whereas a prong setting, much like you might find on your typical solitaire diamond engagement ring, will give the necklace a more classic feel.
Age of the Wearer is an Important Factor
What appeals to your mother may not be to your teenage friend’s liking. Elegance and sophistication in a piece of jewellery is usually what older women look for. On the other hand, younger girls tend to like designs that are fun and trendy. The bottom line is; make sure you find out what your recipient prefers before you actually buy jewellery for them.
Consider the Style and Fashion Sense of the Recipient
If you’re buying a piece of jewellery for someone else and not yourself, it may be hard to know their style preference unless that person is very close to you. In this case, you can look through their jewellery collection for a particular style that they do not already own.
Getting something that doesn’t overlap with jewellery a person already has is a good idea. An original piece will offer this flexibility and versatility. Alternatively, play it safe and buy something similar to the style she already owns!
The choices: (Main styles) Prongs, Bezel or Tension.
Prong Setting – This allows the maximum amount of light to enter the diamond. 3, 4, 5 or 6 prongs, the choice is totally up to you. The more prongs, the safer the setting, but fewer prongs means more light penetration.
Bezel Setting – This is extra safe, frames the diamond and will make the diamond look bigger.
Tension Setting – This provides a contemporary choice, used for a more original design, the drawback being a less secure setting with less support around the stone/s.
Image above shows a Round Brilliant Cut Solitaire Diamond Pendant Bezel-Set Pendant.
Notice how the diamond is encased in metal giving it a beautiful frame.
It’s easy to see how prongs (first image) allow for better light access, but some people prefer the elegance and safety of the bezel setting.
The tension setting, shown in this diamond moon pendant on the right, allows for a unique design.
Gold or Platinum
Both are precious metals and are excellent choices for jewellery. Platinum is more valuable and expensive, it keeps its shine and colour longer and is heavier.
Gold is strong and hard to scratch. White gold and platinum are the closest in appearance, to each other, but if you like a yellow or rose (pink) look then gold will be the metal of choice.
For more information on the differences; read our article entitled Platinum vs. Gold
Which Colour of Gold?
Gold is generally available in three main colours; which should you choose? For a modern classy appearance, choose white gold particularly for a fairer complexion.
Yellow gold goes better with tanned skin and gives what’s considered a “real” gold look.
And pink/rose gold: Ideal for the young-at-heart.
No matter which colour you choose, the quantity of pure gold for 18ct gold is the same; It is always 75%, the rest is an alloy mix which determines the colours.
What Shape Diamond Should I Go For?
The most popular diamond shapes for pendants are Round and Princess cut, although other shapes such as Pear, Marquise and Oval shaped diamonds shouldn’t be overlooked. The shape you go for will have an effect on the setting. Consider a variety of options, and see which you prefer. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a well cut round brilliant.
What Is A Pendant Setting?
In addition to the mounting for the centre diamond itself, some pendant necklaces also have accent diamonds around the centre gem. This adds an extra level of detail and sparkle to the pendant necklace. The Halo setting is popular, because the small pave diamonds enlarge and accentuate the overall look.
Sliding Bale Design
Most solitaire diamond pendants will have a sliding bale design as in the images above. Those that don’t, have a diamond that appears almost as part of the chain.
Compare the images above with the one here on the left displaying a Round brilliant cut solitaire diamond pendant 3 prong setting,
Notice how the diamond falls close to the actual chain. Do you have a preference? Small difference in design can make a large impact on the final appearance.
Which Metal Is Most Appropriate For The Chain?
If you are buying the pendant as a gift, keep the recipient’s personal style in mind when choosing the chain. If it is for someone who appreciates contemporary styling, a white gold or even platinum chain is perfect. Paired with a diamond, this is a classic choice, and is the most popular when it comes to solitaire diamond pendants today. On the other hand, if this is to be worn by someone with a more vintage aesthetic, yellow gold offers a rich and traditional look.
Type of Chain Designs
Also, you would need to decide on the type of chain you want to use for the pendant. The more popular choices in today’s market are the Rope, Rolo, Box, Cable and Figaro chains.
Which Chain Length Should I Buy?
The standard pendant chain length is 16 inches, although longer chains are always available. This length usually leaves the pendant resting nicely on the collarbone. Another option is to choose a longer chain with jump rings. These chains have two rings, towards the end and set an inch or so apart, so that you can adjust the chain from, say, 20 inches to 18 inches, which can add versatility to the pendant.
Ultimately, the location at which a pendant rests on the chest is determined by the chain’s length and this brings us to the next point. The type of clothing worn with a necklace determines how long the chain should ideally be. For instance for clothing that covers the neck (e.g. turtle neck sweaters), you need a longer chain Otherwise a, shorter chain is usually better.
The Pendant Is Going To Be Worn Every Day, What Should I Consider?
If you’re planning on wearing the necklace every day, it is worth considering a less delicate and more robust chain that will stand up to the rigours of everyday life. A four prong or bezel setting will also ensure that the diamond stays securely in place.
Do You Need a Grading Report / Diamond Certification for a Pendant Purchase?
Is certification necessary? Absolutely, without confirmation from an independent grading lab you can’t be sure that you are getting what you are paying for.
A grading report is a professional assessment of the diamond’s characteristics. It is carried out with special gemmological tools by a neutral third party laboratory where there is no conflict of interest.
By neutral I am referring to establishments like GIA or HRD. Many times, jewellers tend to pass off their own in-house assessment of the diamond as an unbiased grading report. If you ever run into such scenarios, take things with a pinch of salt since the diamond will most likely be graded loosely.
On this note, I also want to bring to your attention that not every diamond pendant or necklace might come with a grading report due to economical reasons. For example, diamonds under 0.30 carats typically don’t come with a report since the cost of the lab examination far outweighs the value of the stone.
Also, for clustered styles of pendants or necklaces with lots of melee (small) diamonds, it is fine to purchase the necklace without a report for each individual stone. As long as you are comfortable with what you are getting and what you are paying, it shouldn’t be a problem.
But if you are customizing your own diamond pendant or intend to buy one with a centre stone larger than 0.30 carats, make sure you ask to see the grading report – from a reputable lab – for the stone.
Proper Storage of Diamond Pendant When Not Worn
Lastly, consider the maintenance and storage needs of your precious jewellery. A diamond necklace or pendant should ideally be kept separately in a casing or hung by its length away from other diamond jewellery. This because a diamond can easily scratch another diamond and you want to minimize the possible damage that result from such contact.
Finally
Diamond pendants are great for gifts and make fantastic heirloom pieces, a diamond that will be passed down from one generation to another must be a quality stone.
With J Shalev Diamonds you can be certain that your diamond is top quality, each diamond we sell comes with a free diamond certificate from one of the top diamond grading labs.
