Diamond Necklaces

Solitaire pendant: Single diamond on a chain. Versatile, everyday piece.

Station necklace: Multiple diamonds spaced along the chain. Modern, delicate look.

Tennis necklace: Continuous line of diamonds all the way around. Formal and luxurious.

Riviera: Like a tennis necklace but with graduated sizes—larger in front, smaller toward the back.

Lariat: Y-shaped, doesn't close in the back. Contemporary styling.

Collar: Sits close to the neck, often with dramatic diamond arrangement.

Length changes the entire look:

14-16" (Choker): Sits at base of neck. Works best with open necklines.

17-19" (Princess): The most versatile range. Falls just below the collarbone.

20-24" (Matinee): Falls between collarbone and bust. Good for pendants you want to show off.

28-34" (Opera): Longer, often doubled for layered look.

36"+ (Rope): Very long, can be wrapped multiple times.

Your neck length and typical necklines should guide your choice.

For multi-diamond necklaces, total carat weight (TCW) is what matters:

1-3 TCW: Delicate, everyday appropriate
4-7 TCW: Noticeable presence, special occasions
8+ TCW: Serious luxury, major statement

The same TCW looks different depending on how it's distributed. 3 carats in a single pendant looks different than 3 carats spread across 20 stations.

White gold: Most popular for diamond necklaces. Neutral, lets diamonds shine. Needs rhodium replating periodically.

Platinum: Won't tarnish or need replating. Heavier and more expensive. Most durable.

Yellow gold: Warm tone, classic appeal. Makes a different statement than white metals.

Rose gold: Romantic, feminine look. Growing in popularity.

For mixed metal wardrobes, white gold or platinum is most versatile. For a specific aesthetic, match to your preferred metal tone.

The viewing distance affects what quality you need:

Pendants (close viewing): Higher quality makes sense. VS2 clarity, G-H color.

Station necklaces: Mid-range quality works well. SI clarity, H-I color.

Tennis necklaces: All stones should match. SI clarity, G-H color is the sweet spot.

Cut quality matters across all styles—it's what makes diamonds sparkle.

Consider these when choosing:

Lobster claw: Standard, reliable, easy to use.

Spring ring: Smaller, can be tricky to operate.

Box clasp: More secure, often with safety latch.

Toggle: Easy to use but less secure. Better for casual pieces.

Magnetic: Convenient but can come undone. Not recommended for valuable pieces.

For expensive necklaces, always choose a clasp with a safety backup.