A pendant is a small item of jewelry most often suspended from a chain around the neck. Because it is hung on the chain rather than attached to it, the pendant can easily be transferred from one chain to another allowing both the style and length of chain to be varied with ease. The normal gold, platinum or sterling silver chains can even be replaced with silk or leather cords for even greater variety.
There are many different types of diamond pendant, but they generally contain fewer diamonds than a diamond necklaces and therefore tend to be less costly. The most expensive type of pendant is the diamond solitaire pendant which, as the name suggests, features a single stone. This is usually a round or princess cut diamond set in gold or platinum with little or no elaborate ornamentation.
Other popular designs are the single and double heart designs, three-stone pendants and diamond crosses. These are commonly made up of many small diamonds that either accentuate the shape and contours of a metal base or form the pendant's principal design motif. Many of the heart shaped and diamond cross pendants use a pav setting where all or parts of the pendant are literally paved with tiny diamonds to give the illusion of a solid diamond surface. This not only produces a spectacular twinkling effect when the pendant moves but also creates the optical illusion of a larger piece of jewelry.
Many diamond pendants include other gemstones to accent particular design features or enable the buyer to select a pendant with a birthstone corresponding to the recipient's birthday.