Diamond Pendants

Pendants vs. Necklaces

By definition, a pendant is a type of necklace with a single suspended decoration rather than multiple accents woven into the necklace itself. Because the ornamentation is suspended from rather than attached to the chain, the jewelry can easily be shortened or lengthened as desired, and any damage to the chain is more easily repaired than with an elaborate necklace. In fact, many times it will be more cost effective to simply replace the chain rather than have it repaired. Chains can even be replaced with silk or leather cords for more variation.

Styles of Diamond Pendants

Diamond pendants are exceedingly popular in large part because they are available in so many styles with prices to suit any budget. Four designs are considered traditional favorites:

• Solitaires: A single stone, frequently a round or princess cut, with no other ornamentation or overwhelming metal accents.
• Three Stone Pendants: Similar to three stone rings, this classic design represents the past, present, and future, and comes in both prong and channel set designs.
• Crosses: Diamonds may be used as either accents to a metal cross or to form the cross itself, typically with emerald or baguette shapes.

Figural shoe design.

• Hearts: By far the most popular style, heart designs come in an enormous variety of styles and sizes.

Nearly every jeweler will offer these classic styles, but many other less traditional variations are also available, including:

• Geometric shapes such as circles, ovals, teardrops, and stars.
• Asymmetrical swirls, twists, or other patterns.
• Figural designs including horseshoes, butterflies, animals, flowers, cherries, palm trees, sandals, and other hot shapes.
• Ladder designs with two bars holding one or more diamonds in a straight line.
• Multi-pendants with more than one stone dangling independently on the same chain.

Contemporary Trends

As styles and fashions change, contemporary diamond jewelry also adapts, and diamond pendants are no different. The most prominent current trend is a uniform pave set circle, where small stones form the larger shape. Lower quality stones may be used because they are so small the flaws and imperfections cannot be easily noticed, and the overall effect of the circular shape is to create an optical illusion of a larger piece of jewelry. Circles range from one-half to more than two inches in diameter.

Bypass arrangements are another popular modern design. In this contemporary style, the stones are held in place by two parallel pieces of metal in an invisible channel setting, making them appear suspended in midair. This is a variation on the more common ladder style, though bypass designs are often curved to add even more illusion.

Heart Pendants

Partial diamond heart.

Diamond heart pendants are by far the most popular style, and they are available in many variations, such as:

• A metal heart accented by a single stone.
• A pave or channel set heart outline.
• Partial or full heart outlines.
• Double or triple hearts either centered or offset.
• Hearts with star, butterfly, key, or flower accents.
• Heart-shaped lockets with diamond accents.
• Solid hearts encrusted with diamonds.

Other variations include mother-and-child pendants with hearts, designs utilizing gemstones interspersed with diamonds, or hearts with “Mom” or other sentiments woven in either gems or metal.

Buying Diamond Pendants

The price of diamond necklaces and pendants varies depending on the quality of the stones, their total carat weight, the types of metal used, and how elaborate the design may be. Prices range from less than $100 to several thousand, but there is an extraordinary selection available for less than $1,000 at most jewelers. Diamond solitaire styles are not necessarily the least expensive option – many smaller, cheaper stones may be used to create elaborate designs for far less than the cost of a single, high quality diamond.

Interested consumers should always investigate diamond jewelry – whether it is a pendant, bracelet, or pair of earrings – just as carefully as they would an engagement ring. This means examining the quality of the stones, the metal, and the workmanship to determine if the price is reasonable. When choosing a pendant, the chain needs to be scrutinized carefully for weaknesses or flaws, and the clasp should be secure. The jeweler should be investigated as well, including any warranty, guarantee, and return policies to ensure a trustworthy transaction.

Diamond pendants are a treasured, classic item of jewelry suitable for a night out, wedding accessory, or just an expression of friendship or love. By knowing the different styles are available and how to purchase a pendant, consumers are sure to be able to find just what they are interested in without endless searching or financial hardship.