Because diamonds sparkle like nothing else, it isn’t a surprise that they make a popular addition to anyone’s jewellery box. One of the popular ways to wear a diamond is as part of a necklace. Diamond necklaces have been famous throughout history; older pieces are often surrounded by mystery and legend.
Necklaces can feature diamonds in a number of ways – it is popular to have a diamond choker, which is similar to a tennis bracelet in construction, just large enough to rest comfortably around the throat. The most popular way to set a diamond in a necklace is as a pendant. Pendants are made either from a single large diamond, known as a solitaire, or from a group of smaller diamonds arranged to form a significant shape.
Popular shapes for diamond pendants are symbols, such as a cross, heart or the first letter of a person’s name. It is also popular to purchase silver or gold pendants that are embellished with a small diamond – like a sterling silver heart with a diamond in the middle, or a gold dolphin with a diamond accent where the eye would be.
Necklaces with a diamond solitaire pendant are more expensive – this is because a single large diamond is generally more expensive than a group of smaller stones. Often, if you want to buy a diamond solitaire pendant, you can choose the stone first and then work with either your online jeweller or a local artisan to find a setting and chain that suit your taste.
When purchasing a diamond necklace online, particularly if it is a solitaire, it is important to work with a jeweller who offers a quality guarantee as well as a clear statement regarding returns, refunds and exchanges. Also, once you’ve received your purchase, you should take it to a local appraiser to confirm you’ve got what you paid for and get a statement of value for insurance purposes.
© Jewellery Box.org.uk 2006.