Diamond and Gold Necklaces

The 14K pendant necklaces are delicate everyday pieces, made to order in yellow, white or rose gold. The house necklaces are fully set diamond pieces, one of each. See them in depth at diamond necklaces and lab diamond necklaces.

A pendant adds its own drop, so an 18 inch chain with a pendant lands lower than the chain alone. Full chart at the women's necklace length guide.

GIA grades diamonds on the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat. Color runs from D, colorless, down the alphabet; E is the second-highest grade. Clarity runs from Flawless to I3; VS1 means small inclusions you would struggle to see at 10x magnification. GIA notes VS and VVS stones usually look alike to the naked eye. The lab diamond house necklaces are all graded E and VS1. The 14K pendant necklaces list total carat weight on each listing, from 0.14 to 0.41 carats.

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same chemistry and hardness as mined ones. They cost less per carat, which is why a 30 carat lab necklace can sell for $8,950. Under FTC rules, sellers must clearly disclose lab-grown origin, and every house piece here says "Lab Diamond" in the title. Natural diamonds cost more and are chosen for rarity; a natural necklace can be built through custom.

The pendant necklaces are 14K gold, 58.3 percent pure, a solid balance of color and strength for fine chains and small settings. Several house necklaces are 10K, 41.7 percent gold, which is harder and keeps the price of a big piece down. White gold, used on most of the house necklaces, makes white diamonds look icier.

Most fine necklaces close with a spring ring or a lobster clasp. The lobster is the most common on quality pieces: a lever opens a hooked gate, and it holds well. A spring ring is smaller and lighter, fine on delicate chains. Heavier necklaces, like fully set diamond pieces, use a box clasp, which should always have a safety latch on the side. Whatever the clasp, close it before you store the necklace, so the chain does not knot around itself.

A simple way to choose between the two groups: if it is a gift for everyday wear, start with the 14K pendant necklaces; if it is the centerpiece of a collection or a milestone, look at the house diamond necklaces, where the stones run the full length of the piece.

To layer, space chains at least 2 inches apart: 16, 18 and 20 inches is the classic stack. Put the heaviest piece lowest. Mix a diamond pendant with a plain gold chain from gold necklaces for contrast. To clean, use warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then dry flat. Store necklaces clasped and apart so fine chains do not knot. Every order ships insured. To see the house pieces, visit the showroom at 7900 NW 27th Ave, Unit 506, Miami FL 33147. Shopping for her? See women's necklaces. For one stone on a fine chain, see solitaire necklaces, and for a line of diamonds, tennis necklaces.