Thinking about a little pendant...

[Elmorton]

This afternoon, I fell in love with a pendant at my local jeweler''s (with whom I''ve never worked with before)... it''s very similar to the Whiteflash XO pendant (4 rb at .25 tcw), but instead uses SI w/ H-J color (the price does reflect the lower quality of the stones). I looked at the pendant through a 10x loupe, and couldn''t really see anything egregious, and for the size, there was a lot of sparkle. I''ve been wanting a small diamond pendant for everyday wear, and I think this might fit the bill.

But, reservations: I am worried about the strength of the chain (it''s pretty delicate), especially since I plan to wear this nearly every day. I currently wear a small emerald cut sapphire in a basket setting on a box chain - I know it''s not good for jewelry, but I really don''t take it off and haven''t had any problems with it. Since the diamond pendant is fixed on this delicate chain, I''m assuming that I''ll need to change it to something sturdier, right? How hard would the chain be to replace? How much should that cost? What kind of chain should I look at? Will I have problems wearing this pendant every day because it''s fixed on the chain?

Also, is there anything else I should consider, check, or ask about before making the purchase? I know it''s a small item, but I do want to buy smart.

Thanks in advance!

 

[monarch64]

Date: 10/12/2007 12:23:18 AM
Author:Elmorton
This afternoon, I fell in love with a pendant at my local jeweler''s (with whom I''ve never worked with before)... it''s very similar to the Whiteflash XO pendant (4 rb at .25 tcw), but instead uses SI w/ H-J color (the price does reflect the lower quality of the stones). I looked at the pendant through a 10x loupe, and couldn''t really see anything egregious, and for the size, there was a lot of sparkle. I''ve been wanting a small diamond pendant for everyday wear, and I think this might fit the bill.

But, reservations: I am worried about the strength of the chain (it''s pretty delicate), especially since I plan to wear this nearly every day. I currently wear a small emerald cut sapphire in a basket setting on a box chain - I know it''s not good for jewelry, but I really don''t take it off and haven''t had any problems with it. Since the diamond pendant is fixed on this delicate chain, I''m assuming that I''ll need to change it to something sturdier, right? How hard would the chain be to replace? How much should that cost? What kind of chain should I look at? Will I have problems wearing this pendant every day because it''s fixed on the chain?

Also, is there anything else I should consider, check, or ask about before making the purchase? I know it''s a small item, but I do want to buy smart.

Thanks in advance!

First of all, nothing wrong with the color and clarity of the stones within the pendant you''ve fallen in love with! Sounds like you''re ok with the stones'' brilliance and color no matter what, so all in all the purchase sounds like a "go." As far as the strength of the chain, yes, you might have to switch the existing chain to a stronger one if you''re planning to wear this pendant on an everyday basis. Box chains are pretty durable, but you''re correct, it''s not recommended that you sleep in your jewelry. It''s a lot more wear and tear than just plain everyday wear. It''s not a difficult thing to replace a pendant chain, just have your jeweler help you find one you like that will go well with your pendant but still be durable, maybe another box chain? You could possibly have a box chain or a thicker sort of pendant chain affixed to your new pendant. Not that big of a deal at all, really.

Other considerations about your potential pendant purchase might include inquiring about the jewelers return/exchange policy, and insurance questions, and maybe trade-in value or appraisal prices if you would ever decide to trade the piece in or put it on your existing or new insurance policy. Good luck!

 

[Elmorton]

Thanks, Monarch!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Hi,

I had my bezel pendant set with a stronger chain. It''s a platinum wheat chain and I paid a few hundred for the chain. I bought it from a small custom jeweler rather than a chain store. You may call around and get a few quotes on prices.

FWIW, I''ve only had one chain break on me and it was one of the Tiffany & Co. delicate silver chains and it was tugged on pretty hard! I doubt it happens often but if you''re active, it''s probably better to have a stong chain.