How to choose a diamond necklace or pendant? Whether you’re buying a diamond necklace for yourself or as a gift, it’s important to get the length and style right. In this article, we explain what types of necklaces there are, how to measure their length, and how to pick a perfect diamond necklace style that suits you.
Why a diamond necklace?
Diamond pendants and necklaces make easy gifts, guaranteed to make your recipient happy. They’re also beautiful accessories that add elegance, luxury and sparkle to your outfit.
What’s the difference between a necklace and a pendant?
A necklace is simply the name we give jewellery that’s worn around the neck. A pendant is the charm that hangs from the chain.
A necklace in its box
Several sapphire pendants
How do you choose a diamond necklace?
You need to decide the style and the length that you, or the person you’re going to give it to, prefers.
How long should a necklace be?
Necklace length can depend on personal preference, as well as the measurement of your neck. Be careful if you choose a very short choker necklace of 14 inches or less. Always measure your neck first to make sure it won’t be too tight. On the same note, very long necklaces don’t look good with tiny pendants, they need something bigger for visual impact.
For an average size person, these are the rough guides for diamond necklaces:
Collar – 14 inches (35cm) – Wraps around your throat
Choker – 16 inches (40cm) – Fits close to your throat
Princess – 18 inches (45cm) – Sits on the collarbone
Matinee – 20 inches (50cm) – Sits between the collarbone and the bust
The longer sizes, at opera and matinee lengths, tend to be pearls or long medallions.
NECKLACE LENGTHS BY NAME:
Popular diamond necklace designs
There are many different diamond necklace styles, so it can be tricky to know how to choose one. Here are some of the most popular ones, and what occasions they’re suited to:
Solitaire
A solitaire is a single diamond. It’s a gift you cannot go wrong with because it’s timeless and classic and looks good with any outfit. Perfect for any occasion.
Classic diamond necklace
This is the ultimate red carpet accessory; a continuous line of sparkling diamonds around your neck. Perfect for big, showy occasions.
Halo
A halo design has a centre diamond or gem that’s encircled by a ‘halo’ of smaller diamonds. It’s just as timeless and versatile as a solitaire, suited to any occasion, but provides that little bit of extra luxury and sparkle.
Cluster
This kind of pendant has several small diamonds or gems set together. The stones can either form a shape (like a star or a heart) or they can be set close together to create the illusion of one big diamond. They are perfect gifts, suited to any occasion.
Heart
A heart-shaped diamond or gem necklace is the perfect way to tell someone you love them. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and Valentine’s Day… And very versatile as you can gift one to your sweetheart, daughter, sister, friend or mother.
Initial
This is the perfect personalised gift idea. It’s a diamond letter, which usually represents the wearer’s name or someone dear to them, like a partner or child. Great for birthdays or to mark the birth of a baby.
Locket
A locket pendant has a real vintage feel. It consists of two halves that open on a hinge, and you can place a small photo or a lock of hair of your loved one inside. It’s an especially beautiful gift for young adults; perfect for graduation, birthdays and life accomplishments.
Cross
Sparkling and inspirational, some people consider diamond crosses religious accessories, others regard them as fashion pieces. Either way, it’s often the first item of jewellery that young adults receive as a gift and often turns into an heirloom. It’s also a popular bridal or communion gift.
Birthstone
Each month has an official gemstone assigned to it – find your birthstone here. For example, emerald is May’s birthstone, so it makes a perfect birthday gift that month. Most coloured gemstone pendants come with accent diamonds, added for extra sparkle.
General Tips
1. Match the metal of the pendant and chain
For example, a yellow gold pendant should be matched with a yellow gold chain. A white gold pendant can be worn with a chain of white gold, platinum or silver.
2. Let the pendant be the star of the show
Always choose a simple chain that won’t distract the eye from the pendant.
3. Add meaning
For example, a heart necklace tells your gift recipient you love them, a diamond solitaire symbolises big occasions, and birthstone gems mark birthdays.
Your face shape
The shape of your face can also be a consideration when choosing a diamond necklace.
Oval faces can wear any length and shape of necklace. If your face is rounded, a long necklace can create a slimming “V” shape on your neckline. For heart-shaped faces, a very short necklace flatters you best. Finally, for angular faces, a round pendant can often soften your features.
Read more here about how to choose a necklace for your face shape.
Your clothing neckline
Certain pendants match certain necklines. For instance, if you’re wearing a strapless dress, you can get away with a big, showy piece. Whereas if you’re wearing a bateau neckline, it would look better with a short strand of pearls.
Read more here about how to match your jewellery with your dress neckline.
Your budget
The metal you prefer will play a big role in the price of your necklace:
- Silver is the most affordable but least durable precious metal
- Gold is a great choice, especially as you can choose between affordable 9K gold and slightly dearer 18K gold
- Platinum is the most expensive, but almost the most durable
Besides this, the size and quality of your diamond will affect the price – find out more here in our diamond buying guide.
? Top Tip – If a large diamond pendant is not in your price range, a silver necklace or a 9K gold necklace with a coloured gem or a cluster of smaller diamonds can bring the price down.
A final piece of advice
When you choose a gift necklace, the most important thing is that the wearer loves it. If you’re not sure, the one choice you can never go wrong with is a diamond solitaire pendant. It’s a classic item that will never go out of style – and is guaranteed to look as good with jeans as a little black dress.
Discover the best diamond necklaces at TheDiamondStore.co.uk.
Discover more
- How to Choose a Necklace for Your Face Shape
- Diamond Bracelet Buying Guide – How to Buy a Women’s Diamond Bracelet
- Find the Best Ring Style for Your Hand Shape
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