Lab Diamond Necklace: Choosing the Right Design and Stone
A necklace can transform the visual presence of a diamond beyond what the same stone would offer as a ring. Differences in distance from the eye, movement within a chain, height of the setting, length of a pendant or chain, and the position of the neckline all play roles in the overall appearance of a diamond.
As such, the purchase of a necklace features less in seeking one specific attribute and more about finding multiple smaller choices that combine well together. The right beginning for an Australian buyer shopping for lab-grown diamond jewellery is to consider how often the piece will be worn and how noticeable it should look at a normal distance of vision.
Visible Size Matters More Than Carat Weight Alone
Carat is the weight of a diamond; it does not indicate the diamond’s width or diameter. Therefore, when comparing two diamonds, the ones with the same carat weight can have different sizes.
Moreover, the shape of a diamond significantly impacts its appearance.
A round brilliant cut is standard for a solitaire pendant. Other popular shapes are oval, marquise, and pear. Emerald cut is a modern popular choice, but inclusions are too prominent, especially on lower clarity grades.
When shopping for a pendant that will be worn from a regular distance, considering a lower grade of clarity can be an option. A well-cut diamond with inclusions that are not visible to an untrained eye can be a great value.
Furthermore, a great amount of attention should be paid to the cut of a diamond. The quality of a diamond’s cut affects the symmetry, which, in turn, impacts light reflection.
A well-finished round brilliant cut diamond will have greater brightness than a poorly cut one. And the brightness, in turn, makes the diamond more prominent. Therefore, a bigger but poorly cut diamond might not attract as much attention as a smaller one with a great cut.
The Setting Can Make a Diamond Discreet or Make It Stand Out
The shape of a diamond is not the only factor affecting its appearance. The setting also plays a vital role in securing a diamond and impacting its general look.
A prong setting is a popular choice for most engagement rings. Such rings do not have a bezel surrounding the diamond, making the pavilion of a diamond visible. Four-prong settings make a diamond lean more prominent. At the same time, six or more prongs will ensure greater security. In addition, multiple prongs also impact the overall visibility of a diamond.
A bezel setting is another popular option for pendants. It provides a more secure fit while also making the diamond appear smaller. A bezel also ensures the edges of a diamond are protected, which might be necessary for people who lead an active lifestyle.
Finally, a halo setting makes a diamond appear more prominent. A halo setting adds smaller diamonds around the central one, thus creating the desired effect. However, a woman with a halo pendant will notice that her necklace’s general look changes dramatically when viewed without magnification. Additionally, the weight of the pendant is substantially more due to additional diamonds.
Therefore, buyers searching for a lab diamond necklace should remember that the settings, including bail and chain, also impact the overall look and comfort of the piece.
Chain Length Changes the Entire Look
Chain length is sometimes treated as a secondary choice, but it can completely change how a diamond pendant sits.
A shorter chain keeps the diamond closer to the base of the neck, while a longer chain positions it lower on the chest. The right choice depends partly on body proportions, clothing, and layering plans.
Before ordering, consider:
- where the pendant should sit with everyday clothing
- whether other necklaces will be layered with it
- the size and weight of the pendant
- whether an adjustable chain would be useful
- how secure the clasp feels during daily wear
A very fine chain can suit a small pendant visually, but it still needs enough strength for regular use. Larger stones or heavier settings generally need a chain that feels proportionate rather than visually fragile.
Colour Grade Should Be Judged With the Metal
Diamond colour cannot be considered independently of the necklace metal.
White gold and platinum provide a cool background, against which the slightest hint of warmth in a diamond becomes apparent. By contrast, yellow and rose gold provide a warmer surrounding colour, against which near colourless grades are less likely to appear different to the eye.
This leaves scope for pragmatic compromise. A buyer opting for a yellow gold setting, for example, may be less inclined to pay a premium for a high colour grade if he or she has no intention of close inspection at a distance.
Metal choice also impacts on lab grown diamonds. White gold jewellery is often rhodium plated, and the plate may require periodic renewal to disguise wear. Platinum is less prone to surface wear, but acquires a distinctive patina with age. Yellow and rose gold present no such issues, but do require routine cleaning and inspection.
Diamonds Reports Still Deserve Attention
Lab diamonds can be assessed using the four key criteria for mined diamonds: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.
For a major centre stone it is always a good idea to obtain an independent grading report, to verify the information not immediately apparent from photographs. Confirm that the grading document makes explicit whether the diamond is lab grown, and that the measurements and colours are stated clearly.
Bear in mind that a grading document should not be substituted for visual examination. Two diamonds of similar grade can appear strikingly different due to differences in balance, optical performance or location of inclusions.
It is a good idea to compare the grading report with the image or video provided, if these are available.
Think About How the Necklace Will Actually Be Worn
An everyday evening necklace might have different requirements to one worn only on special occasions.
A regularly worn necklace has to provide satisfactory security, so a simple but robust profile, a secure clasp and appropriate thickness of chain are important considerations. The same person is likely to choose a different style if the necklace will never be worn more than once or twice a year. A busy lifestyle may also rule out intricate or protruding settings in favour of a low-profile bezel or simple solitaire.
Cleaning should also be considered. The accumulation of oils, lotions, sunscreen and cosmetics around the stone can detract from its appearance, and regular descaling may be necessary to remove these deposits. This is particularly relevant in Australia, where sunscreen use is ubiquitous and can cause prolonged adhesion to the diamond surface.
Decide Where Your Budget Should Work Hardest
There is little point to paying equal attention to each specification.
Diamond cut and visible size should have more weight than clarity grades which cannot be seen without magnification, and setting construction and chain quality should be given due consideration as they affect the piece’s performance after purchase.
Before buying, request the diamond’s measurements, grading, metal specification, chain length, clasp, setting style, and adjustment options, and these will provide a more accurate image than carat weight.
A well-balanced design often produces better results than allocating the entire budget to the centre diamond and leaving the setting and chains to chance.
