How to Buy a Diamond Pendant Necklace

Buying your first diamond pendant is an exciting experience. They are timeless, perfect for any occasion, and are a must-have for your jewelry collection. A diamond pendant necklace is one of those jewelry box staples that you can wear and style with virtually any outfit. You can layer it up or down or mix and match your necklaces with different charms and pendants to create new looks. They are definitely accessories worth investing in, and at Ritani, you will find options for every budget. Here are our tips to buy the perfect diamond pendant.

Know Your Budget

This is probably the number one step in the process of purchasing any kind of diamond jewelry. Determining a price range will help you have a clear view of your options. Having a clear budget will also allow you to focus on which features you want to spend more on. The same necklace can have drastically different costs depending on the desired carat weight of your diamond if this is earth or lab grown, and the metal alloy. Below is a price comparison of the same pendant, with the earth diamond pendant on the left ($5,224) and the lab diamond pendant on the right ($1,840).

Preset or custom?  

The next step in shopping for a diamond pendant is deciding whether you want to purchase a preset diamond pendant or create a custom pendant.  

Preset pendants feature a diamond that is already selected for you. This allows for an easier shopping experience. Preset diamond pendant necklaces typically come in popular carat weights, such as 0.25 carats, 0.50 carats, and 1 carat. Keep in mind that our preset diamond pendants don’t necessarily ship faster than custom pendants. If you are in a rush, you can always view the estimated delivery date for each of our pendants, whether it is custom or preset.  

Before deciding on a preset diamond pendant, you should always review its attributes, such as its minimum clarity and color.

Some prefer to create a completely custom pendant. By designing your own pendant, you get to choose the setting that the stone rests in, plus the diamond for a completely unique necklace. You may be able to get a better deal on a custom pendant because by choosing the diamond yourself, you get to decide the stone’s 4 Cs. For example, a preset diamond pendant might come with H as its minimum color grade, but if you choose to design your own pendant, you can choose I or J as your diamond’s color grade instead, saving you money. Another benefit to creating a custom pendant is that your pendant will come with the diamond’s grading certificate, giving you the added assurance of the stone’s quality. Our preset pendants only come with an appraisal, which is a confirmation of your diamond’s quality from one of our in-house gemologists.

Lab-grown or earth-grown?  

Modern technology provides a less expensive alternative to mined diamonds: lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are the same as earth-grown diamonds, the only difference between the two is their origin. Lab-grown diamonds can be 30-50% less expensive than mined diamonds, making them a more and more popular choice. You won’t be able to tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond pendant or an earth-grown diamond pendant. Some prefer earth-grown diamonds since they are seen as a classic option. You can learn more about lab-grown diamonds here. 

Diamond Pendant Settings & Styles 

The setting is what will hold your diamond. Diamond solitaire pendants, which feature a single diamond, are the most sought-after. If you prefer something with a little extra flair, choose a halo diamond pendant.  

A diamond solitaire pendant (left) compared to a diamond halo pendant

Three-Prong Martini Settings

Three prongs secure the stone, allowing more of the diamond to show. The martini setting has slightly a lower profile that will allow the diamond to sit flusher to your neck.

A martini setting (left) compared to a typical basket setting (right)

Martini settings are typically less expensive than four-prong settings since there is less metal used to craft the pendant.

Four-prong Settings

This is the most popular choice for diamond pendants. Some prefer the added security of four prongs as opposed to three.

Halo Settings

Halo pendants feature a circle of diamonds surrounding a center diamond. This glamorous look creates extra sparkle and the illusion of a larger stone.   

Stationary Pendants   

Stationary pendants appear to be resting on the necklace’s chain for a minimalist look. They won’t slide around the chain. Stationary pendants can have three or four prongs. However, if the chain of a stationary pendant is too short, the diamond may flip up.

Bail Pendants

Pendants with a bail (the metal loop that connects the diamond to the chain) can slide around the necklace's chain. The downside is that they can overpower the diamond if the diamond is too small. However, pendants with a bail are removable from the chain, unlike stationary pendants, so you can add them to new chains easily. 

​Learn More About Bails​

Choosing a Necklace Chain Length 

Diamond pendants come in varying lengths. For a new necklace, taking the length into account is worth it. The length of the chain will dictate where the pendant will rest on your neck. Depending on your personal fashion style, you might prefer a shorter chain or one that sits lower on your chest. If you commonly wear crew-neck sweaters or t-shirts, select a necklace with a longer length, so it doesn’t end up sitting right on top of your clothes’ neckline. The same goes for V-necks or open shirts. Depending on how low are your V-necks or how high you button up your shirts, you might want to go for a shorter necklace to make sure it will stay visible at all times. 

The most popular chain length for diamond pendants is between 16 and 18 inches, which is the length of our adjustable diamond pendants.

Choosing a Metal

Silver-colored metals like white gold and platinum are the most popular choices for diamond pendants. Platinum is ideal for those with sensitive skin since it is a hypoallergenic metal. Platinum is also extremely durable, so it’s a great option if you plan on making your diamond pendant an heirloom piece (and diamond pendants are timeless - so you might as well!). Silver-colored metals like white gold and platinum tend to suit those with cooler undertones best.

Yellow gold is very popular right now. The warm-toned metal will complement diamonds beautifully. A yellow gold diamond pendant will suit someone with warm olive undertones best.

Rose gold is a trendy choice for all types of jewelry and will look great on both warm and cool skin tones. Since rose gold gets its color from copper, it may not be suitable for you if you have sensitive skin.

Are you buying a diamond pendant for someone as a gift and aren't sure which metal to choose? Think about the jewelry they wear the most. Do you see them sporting silver pieces more frequently, or gold pieces? If they wear both, you're in luck - you can't go wrong by choosing either one. Whatever the answer is, it's best to choose a precious metal you know for sure that they wear and love for the pendant. 

Choosing Your Diamond

It’s important to learn the 4 Cs so you can understand the quality of your potential diamond. The 4Cs are color, clarity, carat, and cut. Learning the 4 Cs can also help you prioritize which traits are the most important for your stone, helping you get the best deal on your diamond. You can learn about the 4 Cs in-depth here.

Color

Since diamond pendants rest on your neck and aren’t examined as closely as an engagement ring, it’s safe to choose a near-colorless diamond for your pendant. It will still appear white. Choose a color grade of J or better to save money on your diamond.

 This D color diamond is 0.50 carats with SI1 clarity and an ideal cut is $1,167.

This J color diamond is 0.50 carats with SI1 clarity and an ideal cut is $803.

Clarity

Inclusions won’t be easily detectable in a diamond pendant. You can choose a clarity grade of SI1 or SI2 for your pendant. If you are choosing a step-cut diamond for your pendant, like the Asscher-cut or emerald-cut, choose a clarity grade of VS2 or better. These diamonds are cut with an emphasis on clarity, making inclusions more obvious.

Make sure to always view HD imagery of your diamond before selecting it for your pendant.

Carat

The carat size you choose for your diamond pendant depends on your preferences as well as your budget. Of course, the larger your stone is, the more expensive it will be. If you are looking for a simple everyday pendant, choose one that is between 0.25-1 carat.

You can save on your pendant by buying shy. For example, if you would like a 1-carat diamond pendant, select a diamond in the 0.95-0.99 carat range. These stones will still appear to be the size of a 1-carat diamond but can save you hundreds of dollars.

Cut

A quality cut grade will create a sparkling diamond. Choose an ideal cut for a round-cut diamond, or a very good cut for a fancy shape (a fancy shape is any diamond that is not a round-cut diamond). Make sure to choose a stone with excellent polish and excellent symmetry.

​Learn More About the 4 Cs​

Choosing a Diamond Shape

Each diamond shape has a different look and personality. If you are buying a diamond pendant for someone else, you should consider their style and tastes with great care before settling on a shape. 

Round-Cut Diamond Pendants

Round-cut diamonds are the most common choice for diamond pendants. This shape is both timeless and super sparkly.

Heart-Shaped Diamond Pendants

Heart-shaped diamond pendants are a great choice if you are looking for a romantic and thoughtful gift for your loved one.

Pear-Cut Diamond Pendants

​Pear-cut diamond pendants, also sometimes called teardrop diamond pendants, will create a flattering effect on your neck.

Emerald-Cut Diamond Pendants 

If you are looking for a glamorous Art Deco-inspired pendant, choose an emerald-cut diamond pendant or an Asscher-cut diamond pendant.

Princess-Cut Diamond Pendants

Princess-cut diamonds contain clean lines for a sleek, modern look, and offer lots of sparkle. In pendants, they are often set diagonally in what is called a compass or kite setting, shown above.

Click here to explore more diamond shapes and discover which one is right for you.

How To Design Your Own Ritani Pendant

Always looking for ways to innovate, at Ritani, we have created an easy, two-step Diamond Pendant Builder to allow you to fully customize your favorite styles.

Click here to go to the Diamond Pendant Builder.

Step 1: Choose a Pendant Setting

Select one of the eleven available styles of diamond pendant settings. There are both Stationary and Bail options that you can personalize with your favorite metal. 

Step  2: Find Your Dream Diamond

Once you’ve chosen a setting style, you can access our exceptional online inventory of Earth and Lab Grown diamonds. Apply filters to find a stone that fits your taste. You can specify a Color range, the Clarity you feel comfortable with, or the Carat weight of your preference. You will instantly see the available options and find the ideal gem for your budget.

Paying for your Pendant

Some choose to pay for their pendant in whole upfront. Paying via bank wire for your Ritani diamond pendant will give you a 1.5% discount on your purchase. If you prefer, take advantage of our 12-month interest-free financing option. Apply Now.

​FAQs About Diamond Pendants and Necklaces

How Much Is A Diamond Necklace?

You can spend as little as $600 or over $30k on a diamond necklace. It all depends on the style you want and which features are more valuable to you. More diamonds will increase the cost of the piece, as well as higher carat weight or a better Color or Clarity grade. Solitaire diamond pendants cost less than a tennis necklace. You will also find many value options in our Fashion Necklaces & Pendants category.

Which Gold Color Should I Choose For A Diamond Pendant Necklace?

As a general rule, most feel that white metals such as white gold and platinum will make a center diamond appear larger. This is because the white prongs or bezel setting will blend in with the diamond better. But the truth is, contrast makes some designs more attractive. If you like rich, warm tones, pick 14 or 18kt yellow gold. If you want something in between, rose gold has a softer tone.

What Are Good Diamond Pendants For Men?

Our Signature Diamond Rolling Pendant combines a 14kt yellow pendant with a 14kt white gold chain. The riveted edges and the small diamonds make this design an excellent option for men.

What Is a VVS Diamond Pendant?

VVS stands for Very Very Slightly included. It's an excellent clarity grade. This means the diamond has only tiny inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye. When using our Diamond Pendant Builder, you can apply filters to your search and look for VVS diamonds only if this is an important characteristic for you.

Want to know more about VVS diamonds? Read our VVS Clarity Guide.

How to Clean a Diamond Pendant

Cleaning a diamond pendant at home is easy. Grab a soft toothbrush, dish soap, and a cup or bowl of warm water. Mix a few drops of dish soap in with the water, then mix it. Put your diamond pendant in the bowl and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. Next, remove the pendant and scrub your diamond with your soft toothbrush to remove any residue. 

Never rinse your diamond pendant off over an open drain. You can grab another cup of warm water, hold the pendant over your bowl or cup, and rinse it off with clean water. Allow it to air dry or pat it dry with a microfiber towel. 

Final Tips For Buying A Diamond Pendant Necklace

Remember there are many different types of diamond necklaces, including:

• Bar Necklaces

• Station Necklaces

• Lariat Necklaces

• Solitaire Pendants

• Tennis Necklaces

Price increases in response to a higher carat weight, Color and Clarity grades, and/or more valuable metal choices.

Customer service is crucial when buying diamond jewelry online. At Ritani, we have implemented features and purchasing options designed to offer you an excellent shopping experience, such as:

• Flexible Financing

• Free In-Store Preview

• 30-Day Return Policy

• Complimentary Services

Contact us and ask for our Custom Design services. Our team will guide you in the process of creating a unique custom piece.