How Much Does a Diamond Necklace Cost - What You Need to Know Before You Buy
When you decide you would like to add a diamond necklace to your jewelry collection, there are several considerations that will impact your final decision. The cost of a diamond necklace is influenced by a combination of components which contribute to the overall value and appeal.
Central to its pricing are the diamonds themselves, evaluated through the “4Cs” - carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. These 4Cs determine the diamond’s intrinsic quality and rarity. Beyond the diamonds, the necklace's design which includes the type of setting, the choice of precious metal, and the craftsmanship involved all play a significant role.
Market trends, brands, and certification are also additional considerations. Understanding these details helps buyers make informed decisions and find a piece that balances beauty, quality and budget.
Start With Your Budget
Having a budget helps you prioritize what matters most, whether it’s the diamond’s carat weight, clarity, or the overall style of the necklace. It prevents overspending and narrows down options to those within your financial comfort zone, saving time and reducing stress.
A clear budget also allows you to compare features and focus on finding a necklace that offers the best value for your money without compromising on quality or aesthetic appeal. This enables you to fulfill your wishlist of getting diamond jewelry.
Knowing a Diamond’s 4Cs
The 4Cs were established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a universal standard for evaluating and comparing diamonds. The 4Cs of diamonds - carat, cut, color, and clarity are the key qualities used to evaluate a diamond’s overall beauty, rarity, and value. Each contributes uniquely to a diamond’s appeal. It is wise to have a good understanding of the value of diamonds before you make your purchase. Below is what makes them special.
Carat (Weight)
A diamond is measured in carat weight, not by its size. Larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable, making carat weight a major driver of cost. However, two diamonds of the same carat can look different in size depending on their cut. A diamond's brilliance and beauty are not solely dependent on carat weight; smaller diamonds with excellent cut and clarity can appear just as striking.
Cut
The cut refers to how well a diamond is shaped and faceted to interact with light (the cut is not the diamond shape). A well-cut diamond maximizes sparkle, brilliance (white light reflection), fire (colorful light dispersion), and scintillation (light flashes when moved). The cut is the most important factor for visual appeal. Even a high-carat, flawless diamond can appear dull if poorly cut. Ideal proportions and symmetry are crucial for enhancing a diamond’s beauty.
Color
Color is graded by evaluating the absence of color in a diamond. Graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds (D-F) are the most sought after and valuable because they allow the most light to pass through, enhancing brilliance. Slight color variations in near colorless diamonds (G-J) can be imperceptible to the naked eye which offers great value for budget-conscious buyers.
Clarity
Clarity measures the purity of a diamond by evaluating internal inclusions and surface blemishes. Clarity grades range from Flawless(FL) to Included (I1-I3). Flawless diamonds are exceedingly rare and highly prized. Most inclusions are microscopic and don’t significantly impact beauty, especially in diamonds graded VS1-VS2 or SI1-SI2. Inclusions in lower grades (SI or I) may not be visible to the naked eye, allowing buyers to prioritize size or cut over clarity without sacrificing appearance.
Necklace Styles
The style of a diamond necklace significantly impacts its price due to differences in design complexity, additional gemstones, materials used, and overall craftsmanship required.
Diamond Solitaire Necklaces
A solitaire necklace has a single diamond suspended on a chain. The cost is heavily influenced by the quality (4Cs) of the single diamond. Simple settings and minimal metal use keep craftsmanship costs lower. Prices can vary widely depending on the carat weight and quality of the diamond. The first solitaire is shown with prongs and the second one is a round diamond in a bezel set. The third solitaire is sterling silver and 18K yellow gold.
Pendant Necklaces
A diamond pendant necklace includes a diamond or cluster of diamonds attached to a chain with a decorative setting or frame. A pendant’s complexity and materials can add to the price, especially if it has an intricate design or multiple gemstones. Below is a baguette heart pendant, a diamond solitaire pendant, an amethyst and diamond halo necklace in 14K yellow gold, and a two-tone diamond heart.
Tennis Necklace
A diamond tennis necklace has a continuous row of diamonds encircling the neck. This is one of the most expensive styles due to the large number of diamonds required. The size and quality of each diamond, as well as the precious metal used for the settings significantly impact the price. This style necklace requires high craftsmanship to ensure symmetry and durability, adding to overall labor costs. Below a diamond tennis (Riviera-graduated gemstones) necklace in yellow gold and a halo tennis necklace.
Cluster Necklaces
A cluster necklace uses multiple smaller diamonds grouped to create the appearance of a larger centerpiece of design. This is typically more affordable than solitaire designs with a single large diamond because smaller diamonds cost less per carat. An intricate cluster design may increase labor costs. Below a round cut diamond necklace and a 14K white gold diamond cluster princess cut necklace.
Lariat or Drop Necklaces
In lariat or drop necklaces the design features diamonds arranged along a chain or dangling in a drop-like style. The total diamond carat weight and the number of diamonds used influences the cost. Unique and artistic designs may demand higher craftsmanship which increases the value and price. Featured is an 18K white gold/18K yellow gold diamond lariat style necklace and a pave diamond lariat necklace. Below them are a three-stone diamond drop necklace, and a diamond oval, chevron and marquise drop necklace.
Choker Necklaces
A choker necklace sits tightly around the neck, often with diamonds integrated into the band. The cost depends on the number of diamonds, the design intricacy, and the materials used. Custom-fit chokers or those with detailed craftsmanship can be pricier. Below a Diamond Station Wave Link Choker and a Gabriel & Co. Bujukan Bead Diamond Choker.
Vintage or Antique Styles
These styles are replicas or authentic historical pieces with intricate patterns and embellishments. Authentic vintage necklaces are more expensive due to their rarity and historical significance. Modern vintage-inspired designs may involve more labor-intensive craftsmanship, driving up costs. Below is a vintage diamond and emerald flower and ribbon drop necklace.
Gold Chain Styles
The type of chain (box, rope, curb, etc.) impacts the necklace’s overall appearance and durability. Heavier or more intricate chains made from platinum or high-karat gold will increase the cost. The chain style also affects how well it complements the diamonds, influencing its overall perceived value. Featured below are a diamond box slide on a box chain rose gold necklace, an emerald cabochon and diamond drop on a rope chain necklace, an elongated diamond drop on a curb chain, and a diamond heart necklace on a wheat chain.
Additional Cost Variants
Natural Diamond Versus Lab-Grown Diamond
Natural diamonds are extracted through mining and are limited in supply. Genuine diamonds are associated with tradition, luxury, and exclusivity which increases their value.
Lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology. Lab-grown diamonds are more affordable, but their perceived value does not compare to natural diamonds. The accessibility of lab-grown diamonds is greater because they are production scaled. Featured is a lab-grown diamond necklace.
Precious Metal Type
The type of precious metal used in the setting influences the cost. Platinum is more expensive due to durability and rarity. The price of gold varies by karat (e.g. 18K vs.14K) and color (yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold). Silver is less expensive, but less durable and is often used with more affordable pieces. The following necklaces are in platinum, yellow gold, white gold, and white and rose gold.
Type of Setting Used
Different setting styles require varying amounts of craftsmanship and materials which impacts the overall cost.
- Prong settings require less metal making it relatively affordable.
- Bezel settings surround the diamond and use more metal, increasing costs.
- Pave setting features small diamonds set close together which requires intricate craftsmanship as seen in this micro pave teardrop necklace.
- Channel setting (as seen in this 3 row diamond crossover station necklace) has diamonds set in a groove between two strips of metal. This requires precise work and can increase the cost.
- Halo pendant setting will have a central gemstone surrounded by smaller diamonds adding sparkle, The additional diamonds increase the value and price.
- Invisible setting has the diamonds fitted closely together without visible metal requiring expert craftsmanship.
Custom and Brand Name Fine Jewelry
Depending on your choices of jewelry design, settings, gemstones, precious metal, etc., brand name and custom fine jewelry may cost more than regular jewelry. Both options provide exceptional value and high quality with exclusivity and craftsmanship. If your desire is to have a unique or personally designed piece of custom fine jewelry, you may choose to go with custom made jewelry.
Conclusion
The cost of a diamond necklace is influenced by a combination of factors, each contributing to its overall value and appeal. The quality of the diamonds, as determined by the 4Cs - carat weight, cut, color, and clarity all play a significant role in driving the price, with larger, higher-quality diamonds commanding a premium.
The necklace’s style and setting further impact the cost, as more intricate or labor intensive designs require greater craftsmanship. Additionally, the choice of precious metal, such as platinum or gold, adds to the expense, especially with higher purity levels.
Brand reputation, custom designs, and unique features can also elevate the price, reflecting exclusivity and attention to detail. By understanding these factors, buyers can navigate their options confidently and choose a diamond necklace that perfectly balances beauty, quality, and their budget.
When you want to find that diamond necklace that meets your budget, with high quality and beautiful jewelry, we are the jewelers you can trust. At E.D. Marshall Jewelers, we have a large selection of diamond jewelry in various styles and settings. Our experienced staff would love to help you find the diamond necklace of your dreams!