pendant upgrade-solitaire 2.1ct or 3-stone 3.9 TCW? which do you prefer?

[dumbo]

I am getting my wife a nice pendant, but rather than splurge on a big (2+ carat) diamond, I am thinking of upgrading her earrings (which are currently 2.2 TW super ideals in L color) to something more along the lines of 3 TW (K-L), getting her a nice 1.7ct center stone pendant in M color, and using the other diamonds at side stones. I would then have a 3-stone pendant: one on each side as a super ideal 1.1ct, and a center stone slightly larger at 1.7ct.

I can't decide though. Which would you rather have? A larger (say 2.1ct) single diamond pendant, or 3-stone, total weight of 3.9ct? Again, all are super ideal.

-I ran the costs of both transactions (assuming a full upgrade credit on the earring studs) and to go to a 2.1 carat solitaire for the center pendant, and upgrade on the earrings from 2.2 TW to 3 TW, will cost $24,000.

-If I upgrade the earrings, go with a slightly smaller center pendant (1.7ct), keep the studs and set them as part of a 3-stone pendant, I am out about $25,000. Again, this is 3.9 TCW for the pendant.

-If I upgrade the earrings only, send back the old ones, and go with the 1.7ct center stone, I am looking at $17,000

What offers the most "bling for the buck?"

 

[Snowdrop13]

What does she want? That’s the most important thing to consider.

If it were me, with 1.5 ct in each ear I’d feel a slightly bigger solitaire pendant would look the most balanced.

 

[dumbo]

What does she want? That’s the most important thing to consider.

"what she wants" is something she won't tell me. She is more than happy to see what I surprise her with. With that said, when I asked her friends, with regards to jewelry purchases, they say that I am batting 1.000 (admittedly, their husbands have set a pretty low bar). She likes classic pieces and vintage pieces: simple diamond settings; pearls; retro tubogas necklaces and bracelets; not to mention her mother's hand-me-down collection of David Yurman cable bracelets and necklaces. She probably has a rotation of 10 pieces to wear of the DY cables and chains alone.

Knowing her taste, she will be happy with either. She didn't like the idea of a 3-stone as her E-ring, but a pendant is completely different.

 

[Phoenix]

I like option 1. I don't like the idea of a 3-stone pendant, sounds fussy, esp if your wife only likes classic pieces.

 

[Matthews1127]

What does she want? That’s the most important thing to consider.

If it were me, with 1.5 ct in each ear I’d feel a slightly bigger solitaire pendant would look the most balanced.

+1.
I’d rather have the larger pendant. Can always use the earrings to create a 3 stone, later, if I change my mind.
That way, the center is larger than the sides, and still takes center stage.
This is very sweet; good luck with your decision!!

 

[Gussie]

I have both a 3 stone pendant and a solitaire pendant. The solitaire gets a lot more wear!

 

[missy]

Definitely a solitaire pendant. An elegant classic that will never go out of style and if she loves both options without preferring one over the other my choice would be a gorgeous solitaire pendant for her.

 

[tyty333]

Solitaire pendant!

 

[cmd2014]

I'd probably go with the 3 stone necklace (better coverage on my not swan-like neck), especially given that the 1.5 carat earrings would still be smaller than the center stone of the pendant, and would look smaller given that the 1.7 carat stone would be flanked by two 1 carat stones (which I imagine would give a really nice presence). The only thing is that the design of a 3 stone pendant can make or break it in terms of how it hangs, whether it flips, whether it's comfortable, etc..

You really can't go wrong with either. The 2 carat pendant sounds beautiful too.

 

[dumbo]

Thank you! It sounds like the solitaire is the more common choice. It is tough to say without seeing the 3-stone: 3.9 TCW is likely to have some presence, as will a 2ct solitaire. I will do some more research and find pics!

 

[dumbo]

I have both a 3 stone pendant and a solitaire pendant. The solitaire gets a lot more wear!

Why is that? A cleaner look, or something else? The pendant, if I go that route, will be around 2ct solitaire, or 3.9 TCW with the 3-stone design.

 

[HappyNewLife]

I'm a solitaire girl for all my jewelry, so I vote for a single stone necklace