There’s really nothing more pristine than a diamond chain worn properly. But there’s also nothing more embarrassing than a diamond chain worn incorrectly. Understanding how to accessorize the right way is essential for making yourself stand out from the rest of the pack.

When it comes to diamond chains, there are a number of factors to consider before handing over your credit card. With that said, once you’ve mastered the basics, you can feel comfortable that every one of your outfits is perfectly complemented with the most polished gems.

Don’t know where to start? We’re here to help you. Here is your guide to buying diamond chains to amplify your look.

Quality Over Quantity

While it might be cool to show off a closet filled with diamond rings, chains, bracelets, and watches, it won’t matter too much if all of those gems are poorly constructed and cheap in appearance.

Before picking out your stunning chain, you need to have an understanding of the four C’s of diamond buying: clarity, cut, color, and carat.

• Clarity: is the assessment of the flaws on the surface or within the body of a diamond. It’s one of the most essential factors in determining the value of a stone. Nicks, scratches, and divots can knock a lot of money off the potential price of a gem (and make them look less than stellar to the trained eye).

• Cut: is more subjective, but it’s important to have your preferences defined so that you know what to look for. The cut is essentially the shape and appearance of the diamond. Do you want rounded diamonds, or are you into a squared princess cut? Knowing your cut of choice can help you better match your chains with certain looks.

• Color: is the degree of colorlessness on your gem. In other words, a diamond that has less color is considered purer than those that start to have yellowish or brownish tints. You want diamonds that look translucent and icy -- not ones that look dated. 

• Carat: is the final C, and it just refers to the size of the diamond. There’s nothing wrong with big, bold gems, but you might want to start with something more subtle if you’re just starting out.

Now that you’ve got a basic understanding of the type of diamonds to look for, let’s talk about different types of chain designs so you can figure out which best suits your style.

Which Type of Chain is Right for You?

As important as the diamonds themselves are, the style of the chain might be just as important. There are plenty of styles to choose from, and you can wear specific links in specific situations.

For Subtle Moves

If you’re new to the chain game and aren’t yet ready to make huge waves the next time you walk into a party, there are plenty of chains that are right for you. You’ll definitely want to look for options that are 10mm or smaller, as these will compliment your outfit without taking up too much attention.

3mm Round Cut Diamond Tennis Chain White Gold

We also recommend that you start out with white gold plating, as this tends to give you a more polished and professional look compared to brassy gold or other colors. It helps to make you look more nuanced and classy if that’s what you’re going for.

This 3mm round cut diamond tennis chain is a perfect starter chain for anyone who’s looking to get their feet wet in the world of accessories. It’s small enough that it won’t get you too much attention but polished enough to help you exude a sophisticated and poised essence.

For Bold Bashes

First time hitting the club since the start of the pandemic? It might be time to make yourself known. And the best way to do that is with a big, bold diamond chain. This is where chains larger than 10mm have their time to shine (literally).

Especially if you’re tearing out that patterned tee that you’ve been saving for the return to normal, you’ll need a chain that’s going to stand out and give everyone a reason to stare. We think you’ll want to look for bulky chains that are colored so that everyone sees you’re not afraid to be a little bold.

19mm Diamond Prong Cuban 18k Gold

That’s why we love this 19mm Diamond Prong Cuban chain in 18k gold. For one, it’s giant and sturdy, letting you feel like a hip-hop legend the moment you put it around your neck. But on top of that, the icy Cuban links combined with solid gold plating make it a high-quality addition to your post-pandemic wardrobe.

For Classy Events

Anniversary coming up? Corporate banquet? Just because an upcoming event requires professional attire doesn’t mean you can’t throw on some diamonds to make yourself look even more prim and proper.

The key for these types of events is to look for large gems that give off a sense of wealth and elegance. Take this Emerald Clustered Tennis Chain, for example. It’s something straight out of royalty, and it will show the people around you that success is your middle name.

Affordable Ways To Buy Diamond Chains

No matter how much you know, or don’t know, about diamond chains, there’s one thing that remains the same: the high cost. Diamonds are so expensive because of their history. It has almost nothing to do with the stone itself.

With that in mind, there is almost no reason to spend so much money on a real diamond necklace when you can get the exact same thing at a fraction of the cost. All of those beautiful diamond chains that we’ve mentioned so far in this article? None of them use real diamonds, but all of them look just as great.

Simulant diamonds are usually made with cubic zirconia, and they can be crafted or cut in the same ways as real gems. In fact, CZ simulants tend to look even higher quality because they usually lack blemishes and marks that most diamonds are burdened with.

But the best part is that you don’t need to take out a personal loan to purchase simulant diamonds. This means you can still get high-quality pieces, but you can also increase your options to suit any occasion.

Shop Smart

Diamonds themselves are rated based on four C’s: clarity, color, cut, and carat. Understanding these can help you get better quality diamond chains to impress everyone at your functions. But you also want to make sure that the chain itself matches your style.

As a general rule of thumb, smaller chains work nicely for more subtle occasions, and bulkier chains are great for parties where standing out is necessary. However, the color of your plating and the quality of the gems can play a significant role in your look. Know the ins and outs before you buy.

Not to mention, don’t waste your money on real diamonds when you can get the exact same things for a fraction of the cost. Simulant diamonds are often even better looking than the real thing because they tend to have better clarity and fewer blemishes.

Now that you’re a diamond chain expert, fill your stash with as many chains as your heart desires.

 

Sources:

The 4Cs of Diamonds | American Gem Society

Learn What Diamond Color Is and What it Means | Gemological Institute of America

Why Are Diamonds So Expensive? | Delaware Valley Consumers' Checkbook