When choosing the perfect antique diamond necklace, it’s important to take various factors into account. This diamond necklace guide will walk you through essential considerations when choosing your next accessory, ensuring that you make a choice that’s not only beautiful but valuable as well!
Understanding Diamond Quality: The 4Cs (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat)
When buying any kind of diamond jewellery, especially antique pieces, understanding the 4Cs is crucial. The four ‘C’s’ provide clearer information to the physical appearance and shape of the diamond; the balance of such factors will determine the value and cost of the gemstone.
Cut
The cut of a diamond influences its brilliance and ‘sparkle’. The facets allow light entering the diamond to be reflected internally creating that sparkle through the top of the stone, also known as the table. In some cases, an antique necklace may feature older cutting styles like Old European or Rose cuts. These cuts were made before modern laser technology, meaning they are hand cut in their own unique way.
Colour
The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond body colour from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow), shown on this scale below:
It is generally accepted that the whiter the diamond, the more sought after it is, with the colourless grade D being the highest grade. However, in many cases coloured diamonds achieve remarkable prices at auction. Coloured diamonds are ‘off the scale’, graded Z+ followed by their own colour grading scale including terms like ‘fancy’ and ‘fancy intense’. This famous necklace by Moussaieff suspends an 8.01ct fancy vivid blue diamond from a fancy intense pink diamond. The pendant necklace sold for just over £15 million.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond is determined by the size, number and location of flaws or inclusions within the stone when viewed under 10x magnification. The GIA grades clarity from flawless to imperfect/included 3 (see chart above for pictorial representation).
Carat Weight
The carat refers to the diamond’s weight. Generally, as the diamond carat weight increases, so does the price however clarity and colour always plays apart in this. Many buyers have an ideal carat weight in mind, but it’s important to remember that cut can also make a diamond appear bigger or smaller depending on it’s deepness!
Identifying Authentic Antique Jewellery: Tips on ensuring authenticity
When investing in antique jewellery, authenticity is key to securing a piece that’s both valuable and genuine. To ensure you’re buying authentic antique jewellery, start by researching reputable dealers, antique stores like our own or a certified appraiser to provide peace of mind.
If the necklace has a hallmark or maker’s mark this might be able to verifies the piece’s metal, origin and even age – but do not fear if it doesn’t! Jewellery hallmarking did not become compulsory until 1975 so items before this may not be hallmarked.
Lastly examine the craftsmanship—authentic antiques often display intricate, hand-finished details not found in modern reproductions and a particular style may give you more of an idea of the age of your piece.
Matching Your Style: Choosing a necklace that complements your wardrobe
When looking for your perfect diamond necklace, it’s important to consider your personal style and your wardrobe. Here are some things to consider:
Consider your personal style:
- Explore various antique and vintage styles.
- See if any distinctive styles from these eras appeal to you.
- Look into iconic eras like:
Think about your wardrobe:
- Decide if the necklace is for:
Consider your go-to necklines:
- Would a longer drop necklace suit it?
- Or would a shorter, more decorative necklace be better?
Before you get overwhelmed with all the questioning, here’s a few style suggestions that might inspire you:
Everyday Diamond Necklaces
For the everyday wear or layering, a diamond solitaire necklace is sure to tick your boxes. This classic style will never go out of fashion and is a piece you can hold onto forever or pass on through generations. Diamond solitaire necklaces are a great gift idea for loved ones, daughters or partners as an everlasting symbol of love and a piece they can wear everyday! Don’t forget you can always grow their collection with a pair of diamond stud earrings to match!
Diamonds for Special Occasions
Pear cut diamond necklaces are the perfect choice when looking for an elegant but distinctive necklace. The elongated teardrop shape blends the attributes of round and marquise cuts for a beautiful drop that looks good on any neckline but might look especially sophisticated on special occasions with something a little lower.
Diamonds for Day to Night
A diamond riviere is a luxurious style that can take you from all the way from day to night. Diamond tennis bracelets are the principle of classic luxury, so turn it up a notch with the sister necklace! Spotted on celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Zoë Kravitz and queen of clean girl aesthetic Hailey Bieber, the diamond necklace is a classic piece that can be styled on the red carpet or elevate a simple top and jeans during the day!
Classic Designs for All
An Art Deco style is widely appreciated and can be (and should be!) worn by women of ages and fashion tastes, though we think looks best as a subtle statement necklace with evening attire! Art Deco pendants are often distinctive for their geometric shapes and symmetry, seen with this tiered effect in this citrine necklace or Art Deco stellate design in this diamond pendant.
We hope this helpful guide has broadened your knowledge and aided you on your journey to choosing the perfect antique diamond necklace! Check out our antique and vintage necklace collection online to find your perfect style!
