Buying a diamond pendant may not be as easy as it seems to some people. In fact, knowing what style, design and chain length to buy can be a bit confusing. This article handles all these aspects of purchasing a valuable jewellery piece and helps you not to miss the mark. Diamond pedants not only complement an outfit but can also be used as symbols of wealth and privilege status. It therefore goes without saying that it needs careful thought and time to select a design that matches your style.
Diamond solitaire pendants and necklaces are fashion accessories that are very popular amongst women. They come in different styles and designs from understated elegance and exquisite forms to eye-blinding pieces common among Hollywood stars. The position of the diamond mounting defines the entire necklace piece whether it is an elaborate solitaire setting or halo design. With pendants, the round cut and princess diamonds are the most preferred designs. If you are in an adventurous mood, you can have a timeless jewellery piece from a fancy solitaire shape.
Whatever the purpose or status you may have, it is always advisable to have a good understanding of the item(s) you wish to purchase. That said here is a short guide that highlights the key things to know when choosing diamond solitaire pendants.
Is a Grading Report Necessary?
In a nutshell, a grading report is an assessment that shows all the characteristics of the diamond that you purchase. This uses gemological tools and is done by a 3rd party with no vested interest; in other words, the assessor is non-partisan and unbiased. The assessor is an establishment such as AGS or GIA. Sometimes jewellers will grade the diamond in-house but this can be biased information. In such an event, be cautious as the grading could have been done in a loose way.
While on the same issue of grading, not all pendants or necklaces will come with a grading report and this is because it is costly to have the assessment done. For example, if you are looking to purchase a diamond that is 0.30 carts or less, it will not come with a grading report since the cost of the exam is far higher than the total cost of the stone.
Also, for necklace styles that are clustered and which have a melee of diamonds, it will be okay to purchase it without an individual report for each diamond. The important thing is to be comfortable with your choice of purchase. You need to double check to ensure that you get value for your money, not too high and not too low either.
If you are having your diamond pendant customized, or if you want to purchase one whose center stone is bigger than 0.30 carats, ensure that you have seen a grading report that is certified by AGS or GIA. Other labs will typically have grading standards that are softer.
Other Considerations
The Wearer’s Age
What your mother would find suitable may not necessarily be appealing to your teenage daughter’s liking. Sophistication and elegance in a jewellery piece is what older women find appealing. On the other hand, a teenager will tend to like a trendy and fun design. Make sure that you first find out what the wearer would like to avoid any disappointments.
Fashion Sense and Style of the Recipient
If you’re purchasing the jewellery piece for someone else other than yourself, knowing their fashion sense and style may prove to be a bit challenging unless such a person is particularly close to you. If that is the case, you can go through their collection of jewellery to get an idea of what the person would like.
Also you will want to get a piece that does not overlap with one she has already. Why this is important is because most women have jewellery that matches with particular outfits and for different occasions. If you keep this in mind, it will be easy to get something suitable.
Length and Type of Chain Designs
The chain’s length will ultimately determine the location at which the pendant will rest. The clothing type of the wearer will also determine the necklace to be worn and hence also the length of the jewellery. For example, longer chains will go well with a high neck dress such as a turtle neck sweater. Shorter chains are preferred for shorter necklines such as on sun dresses.
So, there you have it. Selecting diamond solitaire pendants should not be a daunting task. Where necessary, get a grading report. When making a purchase for another, know the recipient’s fashion style and preferences to avoid any disappointments. Finally, get a pendant with an appropriate chain length that will go well with your outfits.