A Complete Guide to Diamond Solitaire Necklaces
You can wear one on the red carpet, like Jennifer Aniston. Or to the supermarket like J Lo. Or to a football game, like Taylor Swift. The diamond solitaire necklace is that wear-everywhere accessory that will make any day more brilliant. It's the little black dress. The classic trench. The black pump. With your diamond stud earrings, it will anchor your jewelry wardrobe in style.
The focus of your diamond solitaire necklace is, of course, the diamond. What size diamond should you choose for your diamond solitaire necklace? A half-carat diamond solitaire necklace is delicate and subtle. One carat is the classic size: big enough to sparkle brilliantly in any light but small enough to wear every day with everything in your closet.
Thankfully, lab grown diamonds are affordable enough that a one-carat lab diamond solitaire necklace is now less than $1,000. You can afford the gorgeous lab-grown diamond necklace of your dreams. That's why most diamond solitaire necklaces today feature a lab-grown diamond. Want to dream even bigger? A two-carat lab grown diamond necklace will turn heads. And if you buy from jewelers like Brilliant Carbon who source lab-grown diamonds created using solar and wind power, you can feel good about the low carbon impact of your purchase too.
Whether you choose a mined diamond or a lab grown diamond, make sure any diamond above a half-carat is certified by an independent grading lab like the Gemological Institute of America or International Gemological Institute. Your grading report confirms the 4Cs of your stone so you can be confident in its quality and value.
Your diamond solitaire necklace is buy-it-for-life jewelry, so you want to get the details right. Choose a sturdy curb chain and setting in 14k gold so it will hold up to everyday wear for decades to come. You can match the gold color to the other jewelry you wear every day or choose 14k white gold to match the color of the diamond. We find an 18-inch chain to be the most versatile length since you can wear it over a crewneck or under a collar as well as with v-necks and tanks. If you have a thin neck, you might prefer a 16-inch length. If you like to layer necklaces over your clothes, 20-inch lengths are very versatile and flattering, elongating your silhouette.
Fancy That
The recipe for a lab grown diamond solitaire necklace is simple: one gorgeous diamond on a chain. But there are so many variations that you can choose to make this style your own. A prong setting is the traditional favorite, letting plenty of light into the diamond. A round floating bezel set lab diamond solitaire necklace is more sleek and minimalist.
Changing the shape of the diamond changes the style of a solitaire necklace too. Round diamonds are the most popular but other fancy shapes like oval shapes, emerald cut, pear shapes, and princess cuts are trending. A fancy-shape diamond adds a surprising twist to the classic. What shape speaks to you?
With more and more brides today choosing oval engagement rings, it's not surprising that oval lab diamond necklaces are trending. Oval diamonds are elegantly elongated, with graceful curves that catch the eye. You can choose a vertical oval lab diamond solitaire necklace to match an engagement ring or an east-west oval solitaire lab diamond necklace to make a modern statement. It's a great way to add a personal touch to the timeless design (and our best-selling style.)
An emerald cut lab diamond solitaire necklace has distinctive long flashing facets and a sophisticated geometric silhouette. There's a reason why this diamond cut attracts strong women, like Beyonce, Amal Clooney and Angelina Jolie: it has main character energy. A vertical lab diamond solitaire necklace has Art Deco flair. A horizontal lab diamond emerald cut necklace is a fashionable twist on the classic that feels fresh.
A pear lab diamond solitaire necklace has a sparkling teardrop shape that's dramatic and glamorous, especially in large carat sizes. It's like a drop of brilliant sunshine around your neck that lights up everything you wear.
If you want to give your diamond pendant geometric flair, consider a princess lab diamond necklace, with a square silhouette. The four corners give this style more of an edge than the traditional round. The many small triangular facets mean it has plenty of sparkle too.
Solitaires With Something Extra
If you are looking to make even more of a style statement, a lab diamond necklace with additional accent diamonds might be the right choice for you. Although not technically a solitaire, these diamond pendant necklaces have a similar place in your wardrobe, with versatile designs that work every day.
The simplest variation on the solitaire necklace is a lab diamond halo necklace, with a solitaire enhanced with a ring of small stones around a larger center lab diamond. Like halo engagement rings, a halo pendant is delicate and detailed, with a romantic vintage inspired design. Another design we love is a lab diamond starburst necklace. Instead of a halo it has a radiant star-shaped surround that's celestially inspired. If one large diamond isn't enough brilliance, you can also choose a two-stone lab diamond pendant or a three-stone lab diamond necklace.
Diamond Solitaire Necklace FAQs
How do I know if I'm buying a real diamond solitaire necklace?
Whether you choose a lab-grown diamond necklace or a natural diamond necklace, make sure the jeweler provides a diamond grading report from a respected independent institution like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Brilliant Carbon provides IGI grading reports for every lab diamond of 0.50 carats or more.
What about quality and grading?
Diamond quality is evaluated according to the Four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. We recommend a grade of G-H color and VS2 clarity to make sure your necklace has plenty of icy brilliance and sparkle. Lab-grown diamonds go through the same rigorous grading process as their mined counterparts and are graded in the same way to the same standards as mined diamonds.
Should I insure my diamond solitaire necklace?
Yes, most insurance companies offer separate fine jewelry policies that that protect your precious jewelry is protected from theft and loss. Fine jewelry generally isn't covered under standard rental or homeowner policies.
Is it better to buy a necklace with one large stone or several smaller ones?
That really depends on what makes you feel fabulous! Some people prefer the look of one big stone, while others adore the sparkle and visual interest of multiple smaller stones. It's all about personal preference.
Do lab-grown diamond solitaire necklaces look any different from natural ones?
No, lab-grown diamond solitaire necklaces do not look different from mined diamond ones when viewed by the naked eye. Both types of diamonds reflect light in the same way, displaying the characteristic fire and brilliance. A lab-grown diamond and a naturally mined one in identical settings will appear identical, offering the same stunning sparkle and elegance. Even professional gemologists can only reliably differentiate between the two using specialized tools under high magnification.
Can you see any difference between lab-grown and mined diamonds?
No, lab-grown and mined diamonds are visually identical. A trained gemologist is required to differentiate between the two using specialized gemological equipment.
Do lab-grown diamonds have the same fire and brilliance as mined diamonds?
Absolutely! Both lab-grown and mined diamonds exhibit the same sparkle and brilliance due to their identical atomic structure. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, scientifically and chemically identical to naturally occurring diamonds, created in a controlled laboratory environment.
Are lab-grown diamond necklaces cheaper than natural diamond necklaces?
Lab grown diamonds are much more affordable than mined diamonds. The difference in price per carat goes up with quality and carat size. The primary reason for this price difference is that the production cost for lab-grown diamonds is significantly than the cost of mining diamonds from the earth. Lab-created diamonds are grown in a controlled environment where conditions are precisely managed, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective production of high-quality crystals.
Are there any environmental benefits to choosing lab-grown diamonds?
Producing lab grown diamonds requires large amounts of energy. The environmental impact of a lab-grown diamond depends on the source of that energy. Brilliant Carbon is proud to offer climate-neutral lab diamonds produced using renewable energy from solar farms and wind turbines.
How do I care for my diamond solitaire necklace?
Treat your necklace, whether it is has lab-grown or natural diamonds, just like you would any other fine jewelry: with love and care. Regular cleaning, safe storage, and periodic check-ups will keep your necklace looking stunning season after season.
How do I clean my diamond solitaire necklace?
Regular cleaning maintains the brilliance of your solitaire necklace. Use a gentle soap mixed with warm water to carefully clean the diamond setting and chain. Using a soft-bristled brush or cloth, gently scrub behind the gem where dust and oils collect. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and let air dry on a soft lint-free cloth.
Are there any special care instructions for lab-grown diamond solitaire necklaces?
Treat them exactly like you would a mined diamond necklace: avoid harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and rough handling to ensure longevity.
Can you wear a lab-grown diamond solitaire necklace every day?
Yes! Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable as mined diamonds. They're suitable for daily wear and can withstand the rigors of your busy life without losing their sparkle.
How do I store my solitaire necklace?
Store it in a cool, dry place in a velvet pouch or jewelry box lined with soft material to prevent the diamond from scratching other jewelry.
