This piece gives the impression of a diamond gently placed at the base of the wearer’s neck.
Diamonds are often said to be the most distinctive of all gemstones, despite the fact that they are colorless and transparent. A beautiful diamond has a high level of transparency and strong brilliance, enhanced by the display of a rainbow of dispersive colors that cause it to sparkle with flashes of reds, blues, and yellows as it moves. This bezel-set pendant takes this beauty of a diamond and wraps it in a delicately worked frame. People who wear this type of pendant comment that the presence of the slight weight they feel against their chest gives them a feeling of comfort and security. This bezel-set diamond pendant almost looks as though the diamond is simply floating at the base of the wearer’s neck.
It is important to adjust the length of the chain on this pendant until you find the position that is most comfortable in your neck. The simpler the jewelry, the more crucial its position when worn. People often find that pendants which aren’t regularly worn become favorites after the chain length is adjusted a few times and they find the most comfortable position on their neck. Considering that a bezel-set diamond pendant can easily be worn at any time and enjoyed for many years, it can be said that this style is among the more valuable types of jewelry, making it a worthwhile purchase even if it requires you to stretch your budget slightly.
The necklace shown below was created by the Tiffany designer Elsa Peretti. She says that this “Diamonds by the Yard” was the first piece in which she was able to successfully incorporate diamonds into her work. Peretti apparently had not used diamonds in her designs because their colorless and transparent character make them difficult to work with. The use of yellow gild in the “Diamonds by the Yard” necklace adds to the casual air that it possesses. The diamonds in this style of necklace or bracelet come into direct contact with the skin and attract oils, and they can easily become soiled. Occasional cleaning with a soft toothbrush and a mild soap is recommended.
Diamonds by the Yard Necklace
Tiffany & Co.
18K White Gold
Diamond
Size(mm) :L420 x W5.0 xH2.0
Elsa Peretti(R) designs copyrighted by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany and Company
Diamonds by the Yard Pendant
Tiffany & Co.
Metal :950 platinum
Total Weight : 3.0 grams
Size(mm) : L420 x W7.0 x H3.3
Elisa Peretti(R) designs copyrighted by
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany and Company
Diamond
Untreated
Gem Quality
Weight: 0.62ct
A COMFORTABLE
POSITION
Jewelry is a means of adorning oneself. No matter how splendid it is, it is of little use if worn incorrectly. The finer the jewelry, the more important proper wear becomes. In the case of bezel-set diamond pendant, it is especially important to make sure that the diamond lies at a position that complements your neckline. It is generally accepted that the best position is the hollow at the base of the neck, but the back of the necklace must also be considered. Keeping in mind that a bit of play in the back of the chain also contributes to the appearance of a beautiful neck, it is recommended that you keep adjusting the chain length until you find a position that you are completely satisfied with.
A thin chain will follow the lines of the neck. As shown in the top photograph to the right, the ideal length is one where the diamond sits just in the hollow of the neck and the chain forms a loose V-shape in the back, just as loose-necked style of clothing are cut slightly low in back to shown off the nape. Giving a bit of play to the chain in the back is absolutely necessary to achieve a sense of elegance.
The lower photo shows the same pendant, only brought forward as far as possible. If the length of the chain adjusted to the hollow of the neck in this position, it will be too tight, appearing as if one is trying to squeeze into clothing that is too tight. If a diamond larger than two carats or a large pendant head is put on a thin chain like this, the balance of weight will be thrown off, pulling the chain forward, and the looseness in the back of the necklace will disappear. In such a situation, it is best to wear a collared outfit.
THE BEZEL SETTING
The photographs to the right show a bezel setting from the front, side, and back. The face-up view shows that the frame is rounded, with a subdued look that fully emphasizes the appearance of the diamond. From the side, the diamond’s pavilion forms a large, even triangle. The back of the pendant is wide open, clearly showing the pavilion of the diamond.
Setting a diamond in a round bezel setting is a task that requires a great deal of skill. It is done by grinding the inside of the top of the mounting so that the diamond fits snugly, then folding over the metal a bit at a time to secure the stone in place. Though the completed piece looks as though the diamond had been there from the start, this is the result of the painstaking handiwork of highly skilled artisans. It is rare for a diamond to be perfectly round, so the stone-setting process involves countless minute adjustments and careful finishing. Diamonds are creations of nature. Since rough material varies in shape and each stone is polished by hand, there are literally no two identical diamonds in the world.
