Few diamond necklaces are as timeless or as elegant as a diamond pendant. This historic necklace style has been sought after throughout history, beloved and worn by all. If you love the look of a diamond pendant, but you’re not sure if it’s right for you or how to style it, then this guide is for you.

Read on for everything you need to know before buying a lab-grown diamond pendant, including the top settings and styles for every taste.

What Is a Diamond Pendant?

A diamond pendant features a single diamond that dangles from the necklace chain by a small metal setting.

Diamond pendants can feature a variety of diamond shapes and metal choices. But a pendant typically has a specific necklace length so that it hovers just below the collarbone, above the heart.

What Is the Difference Between a Necklace and a Pendant?

Necklaces range in style and design while a pendant is a specific type of necklace. Diamond pendant necklaces have to fit the above definition to be considered a pendant.

Necklaces can feature numerous chain lengths, diamonds, or gemstones. They aren’t defined by one design.

Diamond Pendant History

Diamond pendants get their name from the Latin word pendere which means to hang down. Pendants are one of the oldest types of jewelry and have been worn as highly symbolic talismans or charms. However, due to the rarity of diamonds, pendants made from diamonds were not as common.

It wasn’t until the 1600s that diamond pendants were regularly worn by royalty or the wealthy in Europe to convey one's status. These pendants often featured decorative, engraved designs, or talismans adorned with diamonds or stones. Early renditions of the diamond pendants we know and love today were largely introduced in the late 1800s.

As diamonds became more accessible, and diamond cutting advanced, diamond pendants become one of the most popular types of diamond jewelry. During the 1900s, some of the most famous diamond pendants were created which solidified diamond pendants as a glamorous and coveted type of jewelry.

Today, diamond pendants are popular jewelry gifts for special occasions like graduation or given to romantic partners to signify their love.

What Does a Diamond Pendant Symbolize?

Diamond pendants are highly symbolic. They are used to represent everlasting love. Due to the diamond’s placement, dangling just above the heart, a diamond pendant is the perfect way to give someone your heart and keep their love close to yours.

Pendants were historically worn as talismans or amulets, and diamonds have long been associated with power and magical abilities. As such, diamond pendants are also considered to be a symbol of protection and strength.

Additionally, diamond pendants are recognized as a status symbol, signifying wealth and elegance. A refined and timeless diamond pendant is the epitome of quiet luxury jewelry.

Famous Diamond Pendants

With a rich and long history, there are numerous examples of famous diamond pendants throughout the ages.

The Hope Diamond is perhaps the most famous diamond pendant known today. Famously (but fictionally) referenced in the renowned Titanic movie, the Hope Diamond is a blue diamond that dates back to 1668. Formerly 112 carats, it was set into a 67-carat diamond pendant by Louis XIV.

In 1792, during the French Revolution, the Hope diamond was lost and rumored to be recut and acquired several times before being sold to its namesake owner, Henry Philip Hope, in 1839. It changed hands, and settings, numerous times in the early 1900s before it became the 45.52-carat diamond pendant we know today. The Hope Diamond was donated to the Smithsonian in 1958.

Other famous diamond pendants include Harry Winston’s 84-carat Isadora Duncan yellow diamond pendant, the 128.54-carat Tiffany diamond (when set into a pendant), Elizabeth Taylor’s 69.42-carat Pear diamond pendant, and the 75.26 pink Briolette diamond pendant, also known as the Star of China.

What to Look for When Buying a Diamond Pendant

Before buying a diamond pendant, consider the following.

Style

First, determine your preferred style of jewelry. Do you prefer modern, unique, classic, or vintage-inspired jewelry? Certain diamond shapes and metal colors will work best for specific tastes and styles.

For example, people with classic style often gravitate toward yellow or white gold chains with timeless diamond shapes like a Round Brilliant or Oval diamond.

People who love vintage-inspired jewelry may prefer a rose gold or yellow gold chain with historic fancy-shape diamonds like a Pear or Marquise.

For contemporary or Art Deco styles, a sleek platinum or white gold setting with a linear Princess, Emerald, or Trillion cut diamond may suit you best.

Carat Weight

Secondly, consider the carat weight that best suits your lifestyle and budget. Diamond lovers who prefer bold and brilliant jewelry, or who want to wear their diamond pendant as a statement piece, often love higher-carat pendants.

But for people who prefer a diamond pendant for daily wear or who favor minimalist jewelry, a lower-carat weight is best.

Diamond carat also greatly determines the total cost of a diamond pendant. The higher the carat weight, the higher the price. So consider your total budget when choosing your carat weight.

Quality

Finally, before investing in a beautiful diamond pendant, verify its quality. VRAI's diamond pendants with diamonds over 1 carat will have a diamond certification. This certifies the diamond’s carat weight, cut, color, and clarity grades.

While each of the diamond 4Cs measures a diamond's quality, certain “c’s” are more important than others depending on the diamond's shape and size.

A VRAI diamond expert can help you select a high-quality diamond with the ideal diamond grade for your pendant and budget.

How Many Carats Should a Diamond Pendant Be?

Your taste and budget will determine the best carat weight for you, as will how you plan to wear it. People often choose between 0.25 - 1.0 carat diamond pendants for everyday wear.

If you prefer a higher carat weight, custom carat weights are available for select VRAI created diamond pendants.

How Can You Tell if a Diamond Pendant Is Real?

A diamond certificate is the only way to ensure that a diamond pendant is real. Diamond certification verifies the quality and authenticity of a diamond. All trusted diamond retailers will have diamond certifications available for their diamond jewelry.

Best Settings For a Diamond Pendant

Most diamond pendants feature a four-prong setting. This secure setting allows the diamond to take center stage with optimal light reflection. You can also commonly find Halo and Bezel settings for diamond pendants.

Diamond pendant settings are typically attached to a matching metal clasp and 14k solid gold chain between 16-18 inches long.

Popular Types of Diamond Pendants

There are numerous styles of diamond pendants ranging from Solitaire to diamond cross pendants. But some of the most popular, versatile, and timeless diamond pendant types can be found below.

Diamond Pendant FAQs

Read on for any lingering diamond pendant questions.

Can You Wear a Diamond Pendant Every Day?

You can wear a diamond pendant every day. Diamond pendants are one of the most popular types of necklaces for daily wear.

Is a Diamond Pendant a Good Investment?

A diamond pendant is a fantastic investment - as long as you’re buying a certified diamond. Not only are diamonds valuable, but a pendant necklace is an enduring design that is always in style. With proper care, a quality lab-grown diamond necklace will last a lifetime and beyond.

Should You Sleep With a Pendant On?

We do not recommend sleeping with a diamond pendant on. Like all diamond jewelry, pendants should be properly stored and cleaned to prevent damage and maintain their beauty.

Can You Shower With a Diamond Pendant?

We do not recommend showering with a diamond pendant on or getting it wet. This can cause your diamond to get dull from build-up.

Shop All VRAI Created Diamond Pendants

Discover the VRAI difference when you choose VRAI created diamond jewelry. Our expertly crafted pendants feature the world’s first Carbon Neutral Certified lab-grown diamond, grown in our zero-emission foundries. For a truly beautiful diamond pendant that suits your values and your tastes, consider a VRAI created diamond pendant.