Your qualifications for diamond for pendant?

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

Boy, this website is draining my savings account.

I am currently having my engagement ring recreated with the new diamond that you guys helped me select. I cannot wait to see the finished product. The setting was cast a few days ago— so just about a week to go! I went from an uncertified 1.24 carat diamond, approx I-J color, VS2 (these are just guesses from my jeweler) to a GIA certified 1.8 carat, F, VVS2 that meets the PS guidelines.

However, I also want to create a pendant (see above about my poor savings account ) and I’m wondering if you guys relax the standards a bit on a diamond for a pendant? I’m not looking to spend the kind of money I spent on my ring stone. I already sold my original diamond or I would have used that (hind sight is 20/20).

Any good ideas for a pendant diamond? I’m looking for 1.2-1.4 carat. The budget is - as inexpensive as possible for something that will sparkle and still look good. Ideas?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

this is a work in progress - but I recomend a diamond under 1.0 HCA on the left side of the chart - scroll about half way down.
This will get you a bigger diamond for a given carat weight.
You can also consider a GIA VG XX as that will save you quite a bit.
Also SI1 or even SI2 as anyone who gets close enough to scream to the world HER DIAMOND HAS FLAWS is close enough for a punch on the nose.
Diamond with those proportions also hide color best.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

Pendants are more forgiving than rings since they aren’t seen so up close. If your old e-ring was an uncerted I-J you might find yourself comfortable with going down to GIA K or maybe even L or lower. I also think that you would only need something eyeclean to around a foot away at most, so definitely concentrate on SI1-SI2, maybe even a really good I1. I think VG for polish or symmetry could be okay if the diamond is otherwise beautifully proportioned. Some amount of fluorescence can also make the stone a bit cheaper without measurably impacting the stone’s performance (as long as it’s not milky).

you could also consider a fancy shape - pears for example face up bigger than rounds do, so you could get a lower ctw pear for the same/similar presence of a round.

 

[Big Fat Facets]

its a very individual thing. some relax significantly more when selecting a diamond for a pendant than a ring. Some do not relax at all. it really is personal.

Cut is the most important if you are seeking maximum sparkle. Thereafter, only you can determine of the 3 c's left which order to prioritize them. If you have carat weight range then you've only got color and clarity left.

The popular opinion is not to deviate too far from the color of your ring so that its appears cohesive(ish) But again, its totally personal.

Are you just considering a mrb for a pendant or are you open to other cuts/shapes??

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

its a very individual thing. some relax significantly more when selecting a diamond for a pendant than a ring. Some do not relax at all. it really is personal.

Cut is the most important if you are seeking maximum sparkle. Thereafter, only you can determine of the 3 c's left which order to prioritize them. If you have carat weight range then you've only got color and clarity left.

The popular opinion is not to deviate too far from the color of your ring so that its appears cohesive(ish) But again, its totally personal.

Are you just considering a mrb for a pendant or are you open to other cuts/shapes??

I never thought of another shape and now I think that would be a great idea. I like both ovals and pears.

 

[Big Fat Facets]

I never thought of another shape and now I think that would be a great idea. I like both ovals and pears.

oh my goodness, ovals and pears make the most beautiful pendants because they are slightly elongated and is very pleasing on neckline. And they are a bit more unique than the modern round brilliant, if you care about that sort of thing...

I enclosed a link for you to look at what a pear or oval and all the other shapes will look like on someone. I find that visual very helpful.

Solitaire Pendant Necklace | VRAI Created Diamonds

Our response to the timeless look of a classic style, this refined setting features an open back gallery, inviting light in from all angles so when your diamond pendant moves it reflects a brilliance matched only by the meaning or memory you’d want close to your heart.

www.vrai.com

 

[Lookinagain]

How did you feel about the color on your original diamond? I think it is fine for your pendant to be of a lower color than your ring. They won't be worn next to each other and if the I-J stone didn't bother you, why not look at that color range to get more bang for your buck. Also, how do you feel about an older cut stone? I have a K OEC that looks very white and I only see some tint from the side, which probably isn't an issue with a pendant. I'd consider something like this (after checking out the feather) if you'd consider an old cut.

Old World Diamonds » Diamond

The World's Largest Collection of Antique Diamonds

oldworlddiamonds.com

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

How did you feel about the color on your original diamond? I think it is fine for your pendant to be of a lower color than your ring. They won't be worn next to each other and if the I-J stone didn't bother you, why not look at that color range to get more bang for your buck. Also, how do you feel about an older cut stone? I have a K OEC that looks very white and I only see some tint from the side, which probably isn't an issue with a pendant. I'd consider something like this (after checking out the feather) if you'd consider an old cut.

Old World Diamonds » Diamond

The World's Largest Collection of Antique Diamonds

oldworlddiamonds.com

I love old cuts! Thanks

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

oh my goodness, ovals and pears make the most beautiful pendants because they are slightly elongated and is very pleasing on neckline. And they are a bit more unique than the modern round brilliant, if you care about that sort of thing...

I enclosed a link for you to look at what a pear or oval and all the other shapes will look like on someone. I find that visual very helpful.

Solitaire Pendant Necklace | VRAI Created Diamonds

Our response to the timeless look of a classic style, this refined setting features an open back gallery, inviting light in from all angles so when your diamond pendant moves it reflects a brilliance matched only by the meaning or memory you’d want close to your heart.

www.vrai.com

Thanks! That was really helpful.

 

[Karl_K]

High top slightly plump pear .....woops did I say that??
or a step cut.....
a gemstone can kick it while not breaking the bank.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

this is a work in progress - but I recomend a diamond under 1.0 HCA on the left side of the chart - scroll about half way down.
This will get you a bigger diamond for a given carat weight.
You can also consider a GIA VG XX as that will save you quite a bit.
Also SI1 or even SI2 as anyone who gets close enough to scream to the world HER DIAMOND HAS FLAWS is close enough for a punch on the nose.
Diamond with those proportions also hide color best.

Recommended PriceScope RBC proportions - project to establish some guidelines

I lost it a few times when proportion recommendations were very narrow. The seem to have been based on super ideal branded #'s. (I am not intending this as guide for those companies - if you are buying from our esteemed branded vendors you do not need HCA or guides like these) So I thought it...

www.pricescope.com

forgot the link

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

this is a work in progress - but I recomend a diamond under 1.0 HCA on the left side of the chart - scroll about half way down.
This will get you a bigger diamond for a given carat weight.
You can also consider a GIA VG XX as that will save you quite a bit.
Also SI1 or even SI2 as anyone who gets close enough to scream to the world HER DIAMOND HAS FLAWS is close enough for a punch on the nose.
Diamond with those proportions also hide color best.

Great info!