Settings for Diamond Necklaces
Diamond pendant necklaces are worthwhile additions to your jewellery collection. They’re elegant and timeless—no matter the era, you can use them to add sparkle to a simple outfit or complete a glamorous ensemble. Still, purchasing a diamond necklace is an investment, so you must ensure that you pick the right piece. Aside from selecting the chain and the diamond, one of the elements you must pay attention to when choosing your diamond necklace is its setting. There are generally three options: the prong setting, the bezel setting, and the halo setting, and each one highlights your centrepiece differently.
Solitaire Pendant
Most diamond necklaces come as a solitaire pendant, which is a necklace that features a single gemstone that hangs from a chain. The setting around the diamond can change, but a diamond pendant will always have only a single stone.
A diamond pendant’s versatility makes it a great piece. It works with almost any style and can be simple or dazzling depending on the outfit. With proper care and regular cleaning, you can wear a diamond pendant every day.
Types of Settings for Diamond Necklaces
Though a diamond necklace is often simple, there are several ways to switch up its style to make it unique. Apart from the diamond and the chain, the setting style and the precious metal you use for it can impact how your piece will look and feel.
Prong Setting
Most diamond pendants that you imagine probably use a prong setting. It’s a chic and classic option that maximises the sparkle of your diamond, making it a popular choice.
In a prong setting, prongs crafted from precious metal delicately hold the stone in place, allowing it to catch light from all sides. There are both four-prong and six-prong settings—the former has a more classic look, while the latter is more delicate.
Bezel Setting
A bezel setting features a rim of precious metal that surrounds the diamond. This style highlights the outline of the stone and provides excellent protection from bumps or drops. Though the brilliance of the diamond may be slightly reduced due to the encircling metal, the bezel setting provides a modern and highly secure way of displaying your diamond.
Halo Setting
A halo setting holds your diamond in the centre of accent diamonds set in a ring of metal–think of it as the bezel setting, except the rim is encircled by smaller stones. This setting adds brilliance to the centre stone while giving the appearance of a single large diamond, and is a great style if you want something with a bit more impact.
What to Consider When Choosing Settings for Diamond Necklaces
Consider these factors to choose the best setting for your diamond necklace:
Style
Whether you’re purchasing the necklace for yourself or as a gift, consider the personal style of the wearer. Ask yourself, “Which setting matches their personality the best?” For example, if their style is more classic, then a prong setting would work best; if they’re the more sophisticated type, then the halo setting might be the best choice.
Diamond
Though all types of diamonds work in any of the three settings, you might find that you prefer a certain one to match your specific stone. If you have a type of diamond you know you prefer, keep it in mind as you consider the various settings.
Budget
Diamond settings vary in their cost. Plan a budget to determine if it’s best to stay with something simpler or if you have the flexibility to splurge on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Longevity
If you’re hoping your diamond pendant will last for generations, you should consider how your piece’s longevity may be affected by its setting, both in terms of style and security.
Where to Buy a Diamond Necklace
If you’re still not sure about your diamond necklace prospects, make an appointment at Holloway Diamonds. Our expert jewellers can help you learn more about diamond pendants—not just settings—and help you choose or craft the perfect piece for you.