How to Select a Lab Diamond Solitaire Necklace for Her

We’ve been talking about the benefits of a lab grown diamond necklace gift for her a lot lately. This isn’t surprising, given that diamond jewelry in general is a popular choice for gifts. Unfortunately, picking the right lab diamond necklace can seem overwhelming due to the large selection available. This guide will help you pick the right one.

What is a lab diamond?

Since lab diamonds are a recent entry into the jewelry market, a lot of people will ask what they are. Simply put, lab diamonds are the same thing as mined diamonds, except they are made in a lab. Both mined and lab diamonds are very hard crystals of pure carbon. If the diamond was mined, then it formed deep in the earth millions of years ago. Carbon was subjected to high temperatures and pressures, forming it into a crystal over time.

However, the stones used in a lab grown diamond solitaire were formed when machines subjected a form of carbon to high temperatures and pressures. This can happen in two main ways, using an HTHP press, or using carbon vapors which crystalize around a diamond seed. Both processes take a few weeks, rather than thousands of years. In addition, diamonds of all sizes can be produced, including the ones needed for a 1 carat diamond solitaire necklace.

Lab diamonds are perfect for necklaces

Everyone knows the value of mined diamonds being made into necklaces. After all, diamonds have that special sparkle that is only enhanced by its setting. Diamonds are a timeless choice for jewelry since they literally go with anything. Ladies are seen walking down the street in a diamond solitaire necklace all the time, even when wearing something relatively casual. At the same time, the necklace can be worn with fancier clothing for that night out.

In many ways, a lab grown diamond necklace is no different. You can’t tell them apart from mined diamonds, and they have a lovely sparkle that light up her face. You can give her just a diamond solitaire pendant necklace for one occasion, then get matching earrings later. Styles are timeless, so you could even mix and match.

Considerations when choosing a diamond necklace

With all the options out there, how can you choose the right solitaire lab diamonds? The most obvious answer is “something that she’ll love, and that you can afford.” However, deciding what she will love requires knowing about the different diamond shapes and sizes, color of gold, and necklace length

Diamond shapes

Both lab and mined diamonds come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most popular is the round brilliant diamond, followed by a square princess cut. Other options include oval cut, cushion, and emerald. We have an in-depth article about different diamond cuts on our website.

Metal choices

At With Clarity, we carry two types and three colors of gold. In particular, we carry 10kt gold, which is more durable, and 14kt gold. The latter has a larger amount of gold in the mixture, and it softer. If she has metal allergies, it’s also the better choice.

Both our 10kt and 14kt gold come in white, yellow, and rose colors. White gold is more popular these days because it shows off the sparkle of diamonds that are set in it. On the other hand, a diamond solitaire necklace yellow gold is a classic choice. The warmth of the yellow gold brings out a sunny personality. Finally, rose gold adds a romantic touch to the jewelry.

Chain length

Next, think about the length of the chain. This is the thing which is easiest to adjust later, but you should still keep it in mind. A 16 inch chain is the shortest option for adult women, and it will suspend the solitaire necklace at about her collar bone. If she is tall or heavy, though, this length may be too short. 18 inches is a bit more popular, and it hangs a couple inches lower. Finally, 20 inches is the longest everyday length for most women. Keep in mind that if the chain is too short then she’ll need an extender. Too long for her taste, and it will likely get replaced.

Size

Finally, there’s the size issue. Most people cannot afford a 1 carat diamond solitaire necklace, at least not if it’s made with a single diamond. For most of us, opting for a multiple diamond design stretches the budget. Keep in mind, though, that she might prefer a single small diamond over many tiny ones even for the same money. This is where you need to know your recipient well.

Diamond solitaire necklaces are great gifts

One reason that diamond solitaire necklaces are so popular is that they’re classic. When jewelers use the term “solitaire,” they used to mean a single stone in the setting. Now, that meaning has expanded to include a cluster of diamonds. The commonality is that all solitaires have a single design element containing diamonds. These are perfect gifts because they never go out of style.

Diamond solitaire pendants at With Clarity

With all of these things in mind, let us show you some of our favorite diamond solitaire pendant styles. Each of these uses a larger center diamond with smaller ones as accents. Using this technique is stylish, but it also serves to stretch your budget while creating a “wow” look.

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Dial Lab Diamond Pendant

This one’s aptly named, because its design would remind you of a watch dial. Our expert gem setters have used a combination of 14kt white gold bands and diamond halos to make half a carat of diamonds look even more deluxe. Then, we add an 18 inch chain to complement most women.

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Relagio Lab Diamond Pendant

Next, there’s the Relagio. This diamond solitaire pendant is a classic double halo design, with all the “rings” touching each other. Because of this, the appearance is more compact than the dial pendant. However, this is compensated for with major sparkle. Consider this 14kt white gold pendant for the ultimate classic look.

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Solitaire Halo Pendant

Finally, let’s look at the solitaire halo pendant. This one features a small central diamond, with a single halo around it. We’ve put it in a gold-plated setting for budget-friendly giving. It’s also a great choice for a girl’s first diamond pendant.