Know the 4Cs
As a general overview of the 4Cs of diamonds:
- Color and clarity tend to take precedence with necklaces, as both affect the appearance on a broader scale and are influenced by inclusions. In the case of color, these inclusions can result in a naturally pink, blue or other fancy stone. Inclusions may also affect how well light passes through the stone and its luminance.
- Cut influences how well light refracts inside a stone, potentially adding more of a fire effect based on the number of facets, their placement and the stone’s length.
- Carat pertains to size, yet bigger isn’t always better. For a diamond necklace, multiple large stones increase the weight.
Cost
Similar to shopping for an engagement ring, you’ll want to set a budget for the diamond necklace. Generally, this amount begins somewhere around $500 to $1,000 but can extend beyond this range, based on the number of stones and their grading.
Design
In considering budget and the value that the 4Cs bring, direct your search based on:
- Number of Stones: A greater number of stones will increase the price. Think about whether you want all stones spread out along the length of the necklace or concentrated in one location, pendant style.
- Metals: Metal adds to the price and contributes to the necklace’s character. Platinum and white gold create a silvery, shimmering effect and gold frames it with a classic, somewhat brassy halo. Pay attention to alloy; higher concentrations of gold like 18K will cost more than a lower concentration or plating.
Lengths
Think about how you’ll be wearing the necklace, including outfits and occasions, to determine the ideal length. Common lengths for diamond necklaces include:
- Collar: The most common type, this length grazes the collarbone and tends to complement all styles of shirts.
- Chokers: Popularity for choker silhouettes, designed to fit around or just below the neck, began to grow a couple of years ago in response to returning 1990s trends. Chokers tend to complement styles with some distance from the collar, particularly V-necks and anything sitting closer toward the shoulders.
- Matinee: This is a mid-length necklace extending partially down the chest. You’ll typically see a longer chain with a diamond pendant at the end or a fine chain with multiple stones spaced over its length. Matinee lengths tend to contrast against turtlenecks or collared shirts and flatter people with a more triangular or round face by adding more length.
Styles
Lastly, think about the relationship between the chain and single or group of stones on the necklace:
- Solitaire Pendant: The simplest, most direct style, a solitaire pendant adds a single, larger diamond typically in a prong setting to a narrow, more refined chain.
- Princess Necklace: A princess-cut diamond is mounted with a prong setting as a pendant on a narrow to medium-gauge chain.
- Heart Necklaces: A bit playful and romantic, a heart-shaped pendant gets fleshed out with a series of smaller diamonds – either in a linear, infinity-like formation or a three-dimensional cluster. Both sit at the end of a chain.
- Floating Necklace: This variation on a solitaire necklace places a suspended stone at the end to optimize how light passes through.
- Halo Necklace: This multi-stone pendant situates smaller diamonds around a single larger stone to maximize its sparkle and fire attributes.
- Cluster Necklace: A pendant is composed of multiple smaller stones, either diamonds alone or with other semi-precious stones.
- Multi-Stone: Not to be confused with a cluster, this necklace arranges two or more similarly sized diamonds next to each other. These may be in a drop or vertical formation or placed horizontally in a bar style.
- Tennis Necklace: This is a tennis bracelet on a maximal scale, with small to medium-sized diamonds set along the chain.
- Locket Necklace: A hinged heart or round pendant encrusted with diamonds sits at the end of a chain. Opening it up often reveals a photograph of someone important to you.
Searching for a diamond necklace? Explore the possibilities at Hannoush Jewelers of Connecticut. Shop online or stop into one of our stores today.
