Buying a diamond necklace is an exciting experience! Did you know that there are many different ways to make your diamond appear larger than it actually is? The diamonds shape, cut and setting all have a very important impact on its apparent size. If you're getting ready to purchase a diamond, here are some great tips that you can use that will make your diamond appear larger than its true carat weight! Consider purchasing elongated shapes such as marquise, oval or pear. These are considered to be fancy- shaped diamonds and usually look larger than round diamonds of equal weight. A diamond pendant will look simply stunning in one of those shapes!

By choosing a pav setting, it looks like a continuous surface of diamonds and is actually made up of several small diamonds set side-by-side into little holes. The surfaces of the smaller diamonds are nearly level with the setting. To hold the diamonds in place tiny beads are crafted from the surrounding metal. Since it is different to distinguish individual stones, the setting makes you think the diamond necklace has larger or more diamonds than it truly does! Remember that intricate pav settings can be very expensive and sometimes it can be even cheaper to buy a larger diamond. Another great idea is to consider having your diamond pendant done in an illusion setting. It is mounted to a mirror-like plate before the setting is done. You will be amazed at how this increases its brilliance and gives it the illusion of being larger than it actually is! Keep in mind, though, that the illusion setting is more difficult to repair.

Choose a setting with side stones, as small diamonds set into a band on either side of the center stone will make the focal point of the diamond look larger and give your diamond pendant or ring more pizzazz! Choosing a diamond that has a bezel setting with a rim that totally encircles the stone is another good way. Have your diamond necklace or ring set in white gold or platinum as it will enhance a white diamond and make it appear larger than it actually is. If you have the setting done in a yellow gold bezel, it can throw a yellowish tint onto the back of diamond. And finally, if you select diamonds that are cut shallow, they will appear larger than the same size stones with a more proportional cut. Remember though, that which you gain in size, you will lose in brilliance. When the light travels through the shallow cut it tends to go into the back instead of bouncing off the sides of the stone and back into your vision!