Solitaire Necklace: How Big Is Too Big?

[Tonks]

I’m hunting for the perfect size floating fixed diamond necklace. My lifestyle is very casual, I work in an administrative assistant role, and I’m mid-40s and petite with a small frame. I’m limiting my search to a trusted local jeweler. Below is a 0.69-carat I tried on today. Is it too much for casual daytime? They’re very kindly bringing in some smaller sizes (0.25, 0.3, 0.4), but I am falling in love with this one even though it feels HUGE. Any thoughts? Thanks, folks!

That looks lovely on you!!!

I have also had a pendant search on my list so I’ve been casually reading about ideal size. It’s so funny, people all have different ideas.

Some of the preferences I’ve seen are for a size between your studs and ER. Others take into account your frame and size.

I say go with your gut. If this one feels right (and huge) now, it will be perfect. Diamonds shrink alarmingly quickly. If you can purchase from a place with an upgrade option, that’s always a nice way to future-proof!

 

[dnfd]

if i was Queen Camila i would wear this every day

i mean its a brooch but it could be set as a pendant

Simply stunning!!!!!

 

[dnfd]

That looks lovely on you!!!

I have also had a pendant search on my list so I’ve been casually reading about ideal size. It’s so funny, people all have different ideas.

Some of the preferences I’ve seen are for a size between your studs and ER. Others take into account your frame and size.

I say go with your gut. If this one feels right (and huge) now, it will be perfect. Diamonds shrink alarmingly quickly. If you can purchase from a place with an upgrade option, that’s always a nice way to future-proof!

Ha! I love the idea that if it feels huge now it will be perfect And I appreciate another reminder to ask about an upgrade policy! You folks are the best! Good luck in your search. What sizes are you considering?

 

[Tonks]

Ha! I love the idea that if it feels huge now it will be perfect And I appreciate another reminder to ask about an upgrade policy! You folks are the best! Good luck in your search. What sizes are you considering?

An upgrade policy is always a good idea!

I’m not as far down the path as considering size. I’m more trying to decide if a pendant should even be my next piece or whether I should continue my bracelet addiction. (You can *see* bracelets, you see.)

 

[MissGotRocks]

An upgrade policy is always a good idea!

I’m not as far down the path as considering size. I’m more trying to decide if a pendant should even be my next piece or whether I should continue my bracelet addiction. (You can *see* bracelets, you see.)

A diamond tennis bracelet? Would love to hear your thoughts!

 

[glitterata]

I'm in a

I love the description of perfectly respectable! That’s exactly what I’m after. My spouse and I both work for a nonprofit and are in the publishing field, so we don’t make a ton. I inherited money from a distant relative, which is the only way I could afford things like this. I don’t want to look out of place at the office. I confess I really do want a natural stone, but I did consider lab. Thank you for your thoughtful reply!

I'm in a similar situation. But with the proliferation of lab diamonds, I don't think you have to worry about a (natural) diamond looking extravagant anymore. Because lab diamonds are so relatively affordable, people are getting used to seeing big diamonds on people who may not have tons of extra money for jewelry. Nowadays you can probably just buy whatever size you like (and can afford) and not worry about people thinking you spent a zillion dollars on a necklace.

If you want people to think it's natural, not a lab diamond, you should probably limit the size. But that's a different question.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

This is a great size!

cheers--Sharon

 

[caf]

Who wants to see some CBI/HPD glamour shots?

I ordered a CBI 1.23 cts K VS1 from High Performance Diamond in January. Then the weather hit and I had to be patient. I remained calm until photos today. I had her set in a platinum bezel with a not fixed platinum chain/necklace. I should get her tomorrow! Here she is:

www.pricescope.com

Mine is a K VS1 CBI from the now closed High Performance Diamonds.

It rocks and I wear it most everyday. The one you’re considering looks nice.

 

[MiniMinerva]

I think the size is a perfectly effortless and casually elegant look on you! At that size it has enough presence to stand alone, but also plays well in a layered stack. I have a 0.91 ct solitaire necklace that I wear casually and have been happy with the size, personally (I am also petite).

 

[dnfd]

I'm in a


I'm in a similar situation. But with the proliferation of lab diamonds, I don't think you have to worry about a (natural) diamond looking extravagant anymore. Because lab diamonds are so relatively affordable, people are getting used to seeing big diamonds on people who may not have tons of extra money for jewelry. Nowadays you can probably just buy whatever size you like (and can afford) and not worry about people thinking you spent a zillion dollars on a necklace.

If you want people to think it's natural, not a lab diamond, you should probably limit the size. But that's a different question.

I think I'd prefer people to think it's not a real diamond What size are you considering? Glad to hear I'm not alone in thinking about how people perceive things. And very, very good point how lab diamonds have shattered the old assumption that a big diamond equals big money!

 

[dnfd]

HI:

This is a great size!

cheers--Sharon

Aw, thank you!

 

[dnfd]

Who wants to see some CBI/HPD glamour shots?

I ordered a CBI 1.23 cts K VS1 from High Performance Diamond in January. Then the weather hit and I had to be patient. I remained calm until photos today. I had her set in a platinum bezel with a not fixed platinum chain/necklace. I should get her tomorrow! Here she is:

www.pricescope.com

Mine is a K VS1 CBI from the now closed High Performance Diamonds.

It rocks and I wear it most everyday. The one you’re considering looks nice.

That is exquisite! I really like how the bezel is constructed, too.

 

[dnfd]

I think the size is a perfectly effortless and casually elegant look on you! At that size it has enough presence to stand alone, but also plays well in a layered stack. I have a 0.91 ct solitaire necklace that I wear casually and have been happy with the size, personally (I am also petite).

Glad to hear from another petite person Thank you for the kind words! I bet yours is beautiful.

 

[0515vision]

Have you tried on the smaller stones? Please let us know what you decide and share photos. We’re rooting for you to find your perfect match!

 

[glitterata]

I think I'd prefer people to think it's not a real diamond What size are you considering? Glad to hear I'm not alone in thinking about how people perceive things. And very, very good point how lab diamonds have shattered the old assumption that a big diamond equals big money!

I meant I'm in a similar work situation (nonprofit) with additional resources from outside my job, so I have worried about what my colleagues would think about my jewelry. Like you, I'd rather they assume it's all fake! I don't have a diamond (or diamondlike) pendant, but I do have TONS of antique treasures, some more showy than others. I wear them, and for the most part everybody politely ignores them.

However, I might be getting a pass for being a lovable old weirdo--I'm approaching retirement age. (With no intention of retiring!)

 

[caf]

That is exquisite! I really like how the bezel is constructed, too.

Thank you. @Wink ’s former bench (his jewelry store) did it. It’s platinum, as is the chain. It’s pretty perfect. I wear it daily. It’s funny (or maybe not) but my 2 favorite pieces are from him. This necklace and my 5 stone CBI ring. My photo is bad but his glamour ones are good.

 

[dnfd]

Have you tried on the smaller stones? Please let us know what you decide and share photos. We’re rooting for you to find your perfect match!

The shop sourced 0.25 and 0.33 stones for me to try, but I couldn't get the 0.69 out of my head. I bought it yesterday! They're changing the clasp to a lobster clasp, and I pick it up tomorrow. I'm extremely excited!

 

[dnfd]

I meant I'm in a similar work situation (nonprofit) with additional resources from outside my job, so I have worried about what my colleagues would think about my jewelry. Like you, I'd rather they assume it's all fake! I don't have a diamond (or diamondlike) pendant, but I do have TONS of antique treasures, some more showy than others. I wear them, and for the most part everybody politely ignores them.

However, I might be getting a pass for being a lovable old weirdo--I'm approaching retirement age. (With no intention of retiring!)

Whoops! Apologies for my misunderstanding. I'm really happy to hear from someone in such a similar circumstance and who would rather just have people assume all the bling is fake. And now I look forward to looking through your post history at some of your antique findings The cameo in your avatar is stunning!

 

[dnfd]

Thank you. @Wink ’s former bench (his jewelry store) did it. It’s platinum, as is the chain. It’s pretty perfect. I wear it daily. It’s funny (or maybe not) but my 2 favorite pieces are from him. This necklace and my 5 stone CBI ring. My photo is bad but his glamour ones are good.

That ring is spectacular! I'm just starting to learn people's usernames and histories. Where was wink's shop? I believe that user @oldminer is based where I am in Philadelphia While I love the glamor shots, I always prefer seeing how people wear their jewelry. The ring looks beautiful on you!

 

[Dreamer_D]

That ring is spectacular! I'm just starting to learn people's usernames and histories. Where was wink's shop? I believe that user @oldminer is based where I am in Philadelphia While I love the glamor shots, I always prefer seeing how people wear their jewelry. The ring looks beautiful on you!

Wink closed his shop. He is still around PS in another diamond related profession! But not making jeweler anymore I believe.

 

[caf]

That ring is spectacular! I'm just starting to learn people's usernames and histories. Where was wink's shop? I believe that user @oldminer is based where I am in Philadelphia While I love the glamor shots, I always prefer seeing how people wear their jewelry. The ring looks beautiful on you!

His jewelry store was in Idaho, I believe.

Thank you! The ring does glam up my 64 year old hands. CBIs were like Whiteflash’s ACAs, Victor Canera’s ideal cut stones, etc. they’re just spectacular.

 

[mrs-b]

Congratulations on your new purchase! Wishing you many years of happy, healthy wearing. <3

And - agreeing with everyone else on this thread - it looks perfect on you.

 

[Natylad]

The shop sourced 0.25 and 0.33 stones for me to try, but I couldn't get the 0.69 out of my head. I bought it yesterday! They're changing the clasp to a lobster clasp, and I pick it up tomorrow. I'm extremely excited!

Congratulations on your purchase! I also believe that this size is perfect for your lifestyle. And i have an idea! Why don't you buy the 0.25 - 0.30 ct also, if you have the funds? That way, you can alternate between the two and for more special occasions you can also stack them!!!
Please come back with more photos of your beautiful pendant once you pick it up from your jeweler!

 

[dnfd]

Congratulations on your new purchase! Wishing you many years of happy, healthy wearing. <3

And - agreeing with everyone else on this thread - it looks perfect on you.

Thank you so very much

 

[dnfd]

Congratulations on your purchase! I also believe that this size is perfect for your lifestyle. And i have an idea! Why don't you buy the 0.25 - 0.30 ct also, if you have the funds? That way, you can alternate between the two and for more special occasions you can also stack them!!!
Please come back with more photos of your beautiful pendant once you pick it up from your jeweler!

Thank you! Getting 2 sizes is a lovely idea. I will definitely think on it. As for pictures, they’re incoming

 

[dnfd]

Pictures below! Thanks again to everyone for the kind words

 

[0515vision]

GORGEOUS! What a beautiful chain, too! Thanks for sharing photos!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Congratulations on your purchase! I also believe that this size is perfect for your lifestyle. And i have an idea! Why don't you buy the 0.25 - 0.30 ct also, if you have the funds? That way, you can alternate between the two and for more special occasions you can also stack them!!!
Please come back with more photos of your beautiful pendant once you pick it up from your jeweler!

I love how "more diamonds" is the solution to most problems for veteran PSers

 

[caf]

Gorgeous and perfect!

 

[dnfd]

GORGEOUS! What a beautiful chain, too! Thanks for sharing photos!

Thank you! I am really enjoying how the chain is different.