Two Stone Pendants

Pendant size should work with your frame and neckline choices:

0.25-0.50 carats: Delicate and subtle. Works with high necklines and layering.

0.50-1 carat: The versatile range. Noticeable without overwhelming.

1-2 carats: Significant presence. Best with lower necklines that give the pendant room.

2+ carats: Statement pieces. Special occasions or bold personal style.

Consider your height and build. What looks proportionate on a petite person might look small on someone taller.

Round brilliant: Maximum sparkle, classic choice. Works with everything.

Princess: Square shape with lots of fire. Modern, geometric.

Pear: Teardrop shape elongates the neckline. Elegant and distinctive.

Oval: Similar sparkle to round, looks larger for the same carat weight.

Heart: Romantic statement. Quality matters—poorly cut hearts look off.

Marquise: Football shape, very distinctive. Vintage appeal.

Solitaire: Single diamond, simple bail. Classic and timeless. All attention on the stone.

Bezel: Metal rim surrounds the diamond. Modern, secure, low profile.

Halo: Small diamonds encircle the center stone. Makes the pendant look larger, adds extra sparkle.

Three-stone: Center diamond flanked by two smaller stones. Represents past, present, future.

Cluster: Multiple small diamonds grouped together. Budget-friendly way to get the look of a larger stone.

The bail connects the pendant to the chain:

Fixed bail: Permanently attached to the pendant. Simple, secure, pendant faces forward.

Hidden bail: Bail connects behind the pendant, invisible from front. Clean look.

Diamond bail: Bail set with small diamonds. Extra sparkle, elevated look.

Swivel bail: Allows pendant to turn. Can prevent chain twisting but may not always face forward.

Make sure the bail opening fits your chain. Some bails only work with thin chains.

The chain matters more than most people realize:

Length: 16" sits at the collarbone (choker length). 18" is the most versatile. 20-24" falls lower on the chest.

Style: Cable chains are classic. Box chains are sleek and strong. Wheat chains have a woven look.

Thickness: Match chain thickness to pendant weight. Heavy pendants need thicker chains.

Metal: Match your pendant metal or intentionally mix. Platinum chains are strongest but heaviest.

For pendants, prioritize in this order:

1. Cut: A well-cut diamond catches light beautifully at center chest, where everyone looks.

2. Color: G-H looks white and saves money. For white metal settings, don't go below I.

3. Clarity: VS2-SI1 is ideal. The pendant is close enough to see, but tiny inclusions still disappear.

4. Carat: Get the best quality you can afford in your target size range.