Guide for Buying a Diamond Necklace

Guide for Buying a Diamond Necklace

March 28, 2020

A diamond necklace is an accessory that is timeless, classic, and ideal for almost any occasion. Whether you want to purchase a diamond necklace or give it as a gift to someone special, Unique Gold & Diamonds can help you find the best piece to fit your budget and style. Learn more about what to look for when purchasing a diamond necklace. You'll get answers to questions such as "how much should a diamond necklace cost" and find out what to look for when choosing a diamond and examining the different types of diamond necklaces.

How Much Should a Diamond Necklace Cost?

The price of a diamond necklace can vary greatly depending on the number of diamonds, their quality, their size, the manufacturer, and the metal used in the necklace. You can purchase a standard diamond necklace for a few hundred dollars. Famous or unique pieces can sell for millions. A typical price range for diamond necklaces is from $500 to $36,000. To obtain a good quality piece of jewelry, expect to pay a price somewhere in this range for your jewelry. Larger and flawless diamonds will cost more than smaller ones with imperfections.

If you want to sell your diamond necklace, you should expect to receive less than what you paid for it at a jeweler's shop. Much like buying a car or an engagement ring, the value of a diamond necklace typically drops after it's in your possession. Unique Gold & Diamonds will offer you the best price for your diamond necklace, as well as fast service and information you need to know about selling your jewelry.

How Do I Choose a Diamond for a Necklace?

If you want to select a diamond for a pendant or other type of necklace, you'll need to carefully examine each stone and talk to your jeweler before deciding. As you study the diamonds, keep the following points in mind:

  • Cut: A diamond that is cut well reflects light brilliantly. Turn the stone in the light and examine its sparkle. "Cut" usually refers to the shape and polish of the diamond and how many facets are on its surface. You can speak with your jeweler about the cut of a diamond to learn more about how it was made.
  • Color: The most high-quality diamonds are clear in color, while less expensive ones are more yellow. Inspect the diamond's color in relation to the setting. A diamond might look clearer or cloudier depending on whether it's next to yellow gold, white gold, or silver.
  • Clarity: Clarity refers to the number of inclusions, or marks, on a diamond. Look at whether the diamond has any imperfections or blemishes to check its clarity. Many jewelers should offer you a look at the diamond through a microscope so that you can examine its surface up close to review the clarity.
  • Carat: "Carats" are the unit used to measure the weight of diamonds. While a higher carat diamond will be larger, it will not necessarily be flawless in cut, color, or clarity. Consider which of these factors are most important to you.
  • Certification: Your diamond should come with a certification by an accredited agency stating its cut, color, clarity, carat weight, thickness, and other factors. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are a few of the most common and trusted providers of diamond certifications.
  • Shape: The shape of the diamond you choose should depend on your recipient's preference. Consider whether you or the person you're gifting it to prefers a square (princess), round, oval, heart shape, marquise, or other style.

What Are the Types of Diamond Necklaces?

You can purchase a diamond necklace in a variety of styles and settings. Some of the most common types of diamond necklaces include the following:

  • Solitaire pendant: A solitaire pendant diamond necklace has a single diamond hanging from a chain, usually held with four or six prongs. This style is timeless, classic, and can work with any outfit. 
  • Three-stone: The three-stone diamond necklace is similar to the solitaire pendant style, but it has three stones hanging from the chain in a vertical line instead of one. The diamonds may be the same size or different sizes. You can also purchase a three-stone diamond necklace with the stones alongside each other in a horizontal pattern.
  • Halo: A halo setting refers to a larger central diamond surrounded by a border of smaller diamonds or other stones.
  • Tennis: A tennis diamond necklace is a strand of diamonds fitted closely together so that you don't see the chain holding them together. Alternatively, you could find a design that looks like a diamond-encrusted chain. 
  • Choker: Choker necklaces fit snugly around the wearer's neck instead of hanging lower on the chest. This design is a more modern style, and you can find chokers with one, a few, or many diamonds.
  • Diamond heart necklace: A pendant made of small diamonds fitted into the shape of a heart is a common style for a necklace gift to a loved one.
  • Dancing: In a "dancing" jewelry style, the diamond is set so that it catches and reflects light from many angles, which gives it the appearance of movement. In other words, the diamond looks like it is dancing. 

How Can I Decide on the Right Chain Length for a Diamond Necklace?

As with the type of necklace and the shape of the diamond, the right chain length for a necklace depends on the wearer's preference and style. The most common chain lengths for necklaces are 14 or 16 inches, but you can opt for a longer or shorter chain. When considering how long the chain should be, think about whether you'd like the pendant to rest closer to the wearer's neck or farther down the chest. If the necklace is a gift, it may be a good idea to find out the length your intended recipient generally prefers before you make your purchase.

No matter the price or style of the diamond necklace you have in mind for you or your loved one, Unique Gold & Diamonds is here for you to help you buy the best piece that will last a lifetime. You can speak to jewelry experts, browse the selection, or design a custom piece of jewelry.