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Necklace Guide
Necklaces and pendants bring out the beauty of any outfit. A beautiful diamond necklace is a sure way of getting attention. Besides, you'll love the feeling of placing a gorgeous strand of diamonds around her neck as she turns around and turns her eyes on you in wonder, smiling back.
Necklace Lengths and Styles
Necklaces worn at different lengths give off different looks. Longer lengths help to accentuate the bust while shorter lengths help to bring out the beautiful lines of the neck. Look at our interactive necklace sizer tool to see how each length may look on you.
To choose diamonds for a necklace, look for at least near-colourless (I grade colour) diamonds that are guaranteed to have no visible imperfections (SI grade clarity).
Understand Necklace Sizing
Necklaces traditionally come in five lengths.
- 10- to 13-inch necklaces: Short necklaces, such as chokers, wrap close around the neck and measure 10 to 13 inches long. For thin long necks.
- 16- to 18-inch necklaces: Chains, lockets, strands, and chokers stay close to heart. Stay close to the neck. Attached pendants lie above the breastbone. For medium long necks.
- 17- to 20-inch necklaces: chains, strands, and lockets, as well as some longer chokers (17” to 20”) meet at top of the breastbone, and can attach pendants. Suitable for heavy, thick necks.
- 20- to 24-inch necklaces: Certain strands, chokers, and pendant necklaces. Long chains that meet at the top of the bust line.
28- to 34-inch necklaces: Long, 28 to 34-inch necklaces hang at or below the bust line, or worn as a doubled strand. Suits women with a wide-based neck. Buy flexible chains that drape well. Be sure the centre is at least one inch below the collarbone. A longer 24-30 inch necklace helps negate the wideness at the base of her neck.
Clasps:
Jewelry Clasps, How Jewelry Works
Jewelry clasps are not just functional components used to securely connect two ends of a piece of precious jewellery. Some clasps are just functional, while others are bold, and an important part of the jewellery's overall design.
Spring Ring Clasps
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Perhaps the most versatile clasp of all, Spring Rings work well on all types of designs. The spring on the inner rim of the clasp allows opening and closing. Often requires nimble fingers to use. Spring ring clasps are commonly used to secure necklaces, bracelets and anklets.
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Lobster Claw Clasps
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Its name is self-explanatory. Lobster claw clasps vary in appearance, and can be fashioned to suit the jewellery. They are reputed to be one of the most secure clasps.
A lobster claw clasp has a tiny spring in its mechanism that keeps the arm closed. They are secure clasps that are a popular for bracelets, necklaces and anklets. They're somewhat easier to open and close than spring ring clasps are. |
Box Clasps
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Box clasps are made of two components that open when you push down on the exterior metal lever, compressing it so that it slides out of the opening. Push it back in and it clicks into place.
Box clasps are easy to use. They are almost like metallic lace, and come in all shapes and sizes, from very plain to very decorative. Owing to design, they often do not have as much strength as lobster claw clasps. |
Barrel Clasps |
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A barrel clasp is a jewelry fastener that resembles a barrel. It screws together for a secure fit much like a nut and bolt. They elegantly add style to all types of necklaces and bracelets. Used in most rope chains and looks like a part of the chain and makes it easier to get a pendant on and off. Simple, secure and most commonly used clasp.
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Magnetic Clasps
| Magnetic clasps that snap together quickly and easily when the two ends near each other. The two-piece clasps have a curved hook on one end that fits into a circular opening on the other. However, it does not provide excellent holding strength. Also, avoid magnetic clasps if you have health issues such as a pacemaker.
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