Diamond Necklaces & Pendants

Solitaire, halo, station or tennis?

Pick a solitaire for simplicity, a halo for presence, a station for a light scatter of sparkle, and a tennis necklace for full glamour. A solitaire pendant hangs one diamond from a bail and goes with everything; compare solitaire styles if that is your look. A halo pendant rings the center with small diamonds so it reads larger than its weight. A station necklace spaces diamonds along the chain itself, so the light moves as you do. A tennis necklace, also called a riviera, carries a continuous line of diamonds all the way around and is the dressiest of the four; see tennis necklaces for that full line.

Which chain length should you choose?

For a pendant, 18 inches is the usual answer: it lands just beneath the collarbone and is the length worn most. Sixteen inches sits right on the collarbone and shows well with open necklines. Twenty inches drops a little lower, clears a higher neckline and layers neatly beneath a shorter chain. Chain style plays a part too. Cable and box chains are fine and classic, rope and Franco feel more substantial, and paperclip links make a modern statement by themselves.

If you are buying a surprise, choose 18 inches. It sits comfortably with most necklines and is easy to wear under a collar.

Why 14K gold suits a necklace worn daily

14K gold is 58.3 percent pure gold, and the rest of the alloy makes it harder and more scratch resistant than 18K. That matters on a necklace more than most people expect, because the bail, the clasp and the fine links take a constant stream of small strains from clothing, hair and movement. A harder alloy helps prongs stay snug around the diamond and keeps thin links from stretching. You give up a little of the deep color of 18K, but for something worn daily the trade is worth it.

Shop diamond necklaces by style

Begin with the look, then choose the diamond. To pair one stone with one chain, pendant necklaces are the place to start. For more stone for the money, lab grown necklaces use real diamonds that cost far less than mined ones of equal size and grade.

Not sure which length or style suits the wearer? Rare Carat gemologists can help you decide, and because they earn no commission, they have no reason to steer you toward a bigger spend.