Diamond Pendants - Styles, Settings & Buying Guide

Diamond Pendant Buying Guide

Diamond pendants range from simple solitaire designs to elaborate pieces containing multiple diamonds, halos, clusters, gemstones and decorative metalwork. They can be worn as understated everyday jewelry or as more prominent pieces for formal and special occasions.

When comparing diamond pendants, consider the quality and size of the diamonds, pendant style, setting construction, precious metal, chain length and strength, clasp security and how the pendant will sit when worn. For solitaire pendants, the center diamond is usually the primary visual focus. In multi-diamond designs, matching, total carat weight and setting quality become increasingly important.

Solitaire Diamond Pendants

A solitaire diamond pendant features a single diamond as the central element of the design. The diamond may be suspended directly from the chain or mounted in a prong, bezel or decorative setting.

Because the individual diamond is the main focus, its cut, color, clarity, carat weight and shape can have a strong influence on the overall appearance and value of the pendant.

Halo Diamond Pendants

A halo pendant surrounds a center diamond or gemstone with a border of smaller diamonds. The surrounding diamonds add sparkle and can make the center stone appear larger.

When comparing halo designs, consider the quality of the center diamond, the matching of the surrounding diamonds and the symmetry and security of the overall setting.

Cluster and Multi-Diamond Pendants

Cluster pendants arrange several diamonds together to create one larger decorative design. Other multi-diamond pendants may use rows, geometric arrangements, floral patterns or symbolic designs.

Look at the total carat weight, number of diamonds, matching, setting alignment and overall workmanship rather than judging the piece only by its combined diamond weight.

Diamond and Gemstone Pendants

Many pendants combine diamonds with sapphires, rubies, emeralds, birthstones or other colored gemstones. Diamonds may be used as accents, halos or supporting stones around the principal gemstone.

Consider the quality and durability of every gemstone used in the piece. Cleaning and care requirements may depend on the least durable gemstone or material in the pendant.

Symbolic and Specialty Pendants

Diamond pendants are also available in crosses, hearts, initials, religious symbols, lockets, geometric designs and other decorative forms.

With these designs, evaluate both the diamonds and the overall construction. Small accent diamonds should be securely set and decorative elements should appear balanced and well finished.

Diamond Quality Considerations

Diamonds used in pendants are evaluated using the same basic characteristics used for other diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. These characteristics are commonly known as the Four C's.

Cut: Cut strongly influences brilliance, fire and sparkle. A well-cut diamond can appear brighter and more lively than a poorly proportioned diamond of similar weight.

Color: Diamonds closer to colorless generally receive higher grades within the traditional diamond color scale. In multi-diamond pendants, the diamonds should appear reasonably consistent in color.

Clarity: Clarity describes internal inclusions and external blemishes. Extremely high clarity grades may not always provide a visible difference when a pendant is viewed at normal wearing distance.

Carat Weight: Carat measures diamond weight. In pendants containing multiple diamonds, the advertised weight may represent the combined weight of every diamond rather than the weight of the largest stone.

Understand Total Carat Weight

Always determine whether the advertised diamond weight refers to a single center diamond or to the combined weight of all diamonds in the pendant.

A one-carat-total-weight pendant may contain several smaller diamonds whose combined weight equals approximately one carat. That is very different from a pendant containing a single one-carat center diamond.

Carat Weight and Visible Size

Carat measures weight rather than visible diameter. Diamonds with the same carat weight can have different face-up dimensions because of differences in shape and proportions.

For solitaire pendants, actual millimeter measurements can help provide a better understanding of how large the diamond will appear when worn.

Choosing a Diamond Shape

Round brilliant diamonds are among the most popular choices for diamond pendants because of their symmetrical appearance and strong potential for brilliance. Many other diamond shapes can also create attractive and distinctive pendant designs.

Round Brilliant

Round brilliant diamonds provide a classic appearance and work well in solitaire, halo and multi-diamond pendant designs.

Princess, Cushion and Emerald

Princess-cut diamonds create a square appearance, cushion cuts combine softened corners with a pillow-like outline, and emerald cuts emphasize broad step facets and clarity.

Oval, Pear, Marquise and Heart

Elongated and fancy diamond shapes can create distinctive pendant designs and may provide a larger visual presence relative to their carat weight.

Choosing the Diamond Setting

The setting holds the diamond securely and influences how much of the stone remains visible. It also affects the appearance, durability and maintenance requirements of the pendant.

Prong Settings

Prong settings use small metal supports to hold the diamond and expose much of the stone. They are commonly used for solitaire diamond pendants.

Check that the prongs are even, smooth and firmly holding the diamond.

Bezel Settings

A bezel surrounds all or part of the diamond's edge with metal. This can provide additional protection while creating a smooth, modern appearance.

Halo and Pavé Settings

Halo and pavé settings incorporate smaller diamonds around a center stone or along decorative sections of the pendant to add sparkle and visual size.

Choosing the Precious Metal

Diamond pendants are commonly made from white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum. The metal affects appearance, durability, weight, maintenance requirements and price.

White Gold

White gold provides a bright white-metal appearance that blends naturally with colorless diamonds. Many white-gold pieces are rhodium plated to produce an especially bright finish.

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold provides a traditional warm appearance and creates an attractive contrast with white diamonds.

Rose Gold

Rose gold has a warm pinkish or reddish tone and can give diamond pendants a distinctive contemporary appearance.

Platinum

Platinum is naturally white, dense and durable. It is commonly used for fine jewelry where strength and long-term wear are important.

14K Gold

Fourteen-karat gold contains approximately 58.5 percent pure gold, with the balance consisting of alloying metals.

It is widely used in pendants because it combines gold content with good durability for regular wear.

18K Gold

Eighteen-karat gold contains 75 percent pure gold. It has a higher gold content than 14K gold and may provide a richer appearance, particularly in yellow and rose gold.

The choice between 14K and 18K gold involves balancing gold content, durability, appearance and price.

Chain Length

Chain length determines where the pendant rests on the chest and how it works with different necklines. Common necklace lengths include approximately 16, 18, 20 and 24 inches, although many other lengths are available.

The wearer's neck size, height, clothing and personal preference can all influence the most attractive and comfortable length.

Chain Strength

The chain should be strong enough to support the weight of the pendant without appearing disproportionately heavy.

A small solitaire may work well with a delicate chain, while a larger or heavier pendant generally requires more substantial construction.

The Pendant Bail

The bail is the part of the pendant through which the chain passes. It should be large enough for the chain to move freely while remaining strong enough to support the pendant.

Inspect the bail and its connection to the pendant for secure construction, especially on heavier or high-value pieces.

Clasp Security

A secure clasp is particularly important when the pendant contains a valuable diamond. Lobster clasps, spring-ring clasps and other fastening systems may be used depending on the chain design.

The clasp should close securely and operate smoothly.

Natural Diamond Pendants

Natural diamonds formed within the earth over geological time before being mined, cut and polished for use in jewelry.

When purchasing a natural diamond pendant, review the seller's description, represented diamond grades, carat weight and any grading documentation supplied with the piece.

Lab-Created Diamond Pendants

Lab-created diamonds are grown under controlled laboratory conditions. They have essentially the same crystal structure and chemical composition as natural diamonds but have a different origin.

The product description should clearly identify whether the diamond is natural or laboratory-created.

Diamonds and Diamond Simulants Are Different

Diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia and moissanite may resemble diamonds but are different materials with different physical, chemical and optical properties.

A laboratory-created diamond is a diamond with a laboratory origin. A diamond simulant is not a diamond.

Read product descriptions carefully so that you understand exactly what material is being offered.

Diamond Grading Reports

Larger center diamonds may be accompanied by independent laboratory grading reports describing characteristics such as carat weight, color, clarity, measurements and other identifying information.

Smaller accent diamonds are not always individually graded because separate reports for numerous small stones may not be practical.

For higher-value solitaire pendants, ask what grading documentation is provided and whether the center diamond has an independent laboratory report.

Grading Report vs. Appraisal

A grading report describes the characteristics of a diamond.

An appraisal generally assigns a monetary value to the finished jewelry for a particular purpose, such as insurance.

The two documents serve different purposes and should not be confused.

Read the Product Specifications

Before buying a diamond pendant online, review the description carefully.

Look for diamond carat weight, number of diamonds, diamond shape, color and clarity information, precious metal, pendant dimensions, chain length and clasp type.

Review the Seller

Consider the seller's reputation and make sure important product information is clearly disclosed.

For higher-value pendants, determine what grading reports, appraisals, warranties or other documentation accompany the jewelry.

Check the Return Policy

A pendant can look different when worn than it appears in photographs, so review the seller's return policy before purchasing.

Determine the return period and whether there are restrictions involving worn, customized, engraved or special-order jewelry.

Cleaning Diamond Pendants

Skin oils, cosmetics, lotions and other residue can accumulate on a pendant and reduce the apparent brilliance of its diamonds.

Regular appropriate cleaning can help maintain sparkle. Follow care recommendations appropriate for the diamonds, precious metal and any other gemstones used in the pendant.

Inspect Settings, Chain and Clasp

Periodically inspect the diamond settings, bail, chain links, connection points and clasp for wear or looseness.

A loose prong can allow a diamond to fall out, while a damaged chain or clasp can result in the loss of the entire pendant.

Diamond Pendant Buying Checklist

Before selecting a diamond pendant, consider the following:

• What pendant style will the wearer actually enjoy?
• Is the pendant intended for everyday wear or special occasions?
• Is there one center diamond or several diamonds?
• Does the advertised carat weight refer to one diamond or total carat weight?
• What are the diamond's cut, color, clarity and carat characteristics?
• What is the visible size of the center diamond?
• What diamond shape is being used?
• Are the diamonds natural or laboratory-created?
• Are the diamonds securely set?
• What precious metal and metal purity are used?
• Is the chain included with the pendant?
• What is the chain length?
• Is the chain strong enough for the pendant?
• Is the bail securely attached?
• Does the clasp close securely?
• Is grading documentation provided where appropriate?
• What return policy and warranty does the seller provide?
• How should the pendant be cleaned and maintained?

Choose the Complete Pendant, Not Just the Diamond

A diamond pendant should be evaluated as a complete piece of jewelry. Diamond quality and size are important, but the setting, precious metal, chain, bail, clasp, proportions and workmanship also determine how attractive, secure and practical the pendant will be.

A well-cut diamond in a secure setting, paired with a properly constructed chain and dependable clasp, can provide greater satisfaction than a pendant selected primarily because of a larger advertised carat-weight number.

Learn More About Diamond Quality

Understanding diamond characteristics can make it easier to compare diamond pendants and other jewelry. DiamondAvenue.com provides additional information about diamond carat weight, color, clarity, cut, shape, lab-created diamonds and the Four C's.

Diamond Carat Weight   |   Diamond Color   |   Diamond Clarity   |   Diamond Cut   |   Diamond Shape   |   The Four C's

Lab-Created Diamonds   |   Diamond Simulants   |   Diamond Care