6 min read

What diamond piece should you choose for Christmas?

Diamond studs, a simple pendant or a diamond bracelet are the easiest Christmas gifts to get right. They’re easy to wear every day and there’s no size to guess. A diamond ring says something bigger, so save it for when you’re sure of the message.

Pear shaped diamond halo pendant necklace on dark leaves

There’s nothing quite like watching someone open a little box on Christmas morning and see a diamond sparkle back at them. A quick look at the jewellery they already wear will tell you which one they’ll love.

Which diamond gifts are easiest to get right?

Earrings and necklaces are the classic surprise gifts, because there’s no size to guess. The GIA, which created the 4Cs used to grade diamonds, names diamond stud earrings, simple pendant necklaces, diamond bracelets and right-hand rings as good gift ideas.

Diamond studs are a safe bet if they already wear studs or small hoops most days. They go with everything, from the office to a night out. A simple pendant suits someone who loves wearing necklaces, especially if you know the chain length they like.

A diamond bracelet feels like a real occasion every time they put it on. Just check they enjoy wearing bracelets first, because some people like to keep their wrists free for work, sport or family life.

How can you tell what they’ll love?

Time for a little detective work. Have a sneaky look in their jewellery box, or notice what they wear on an ordinary weekday. Their favourite pieces will tell you most of what you need to know.

• Metal colour. Do they wear yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum most?
• Earrings. Studs, drops and hoops all point to different tastes and daily habits.
• Necklaces. A short chain, a long pendant or layered chains show where they like jewellery to sit.
• Bracelets. If they wear one every day, a diamond bracelet will feel natural.
• Rings. Daily ring wear suggests they’re happy wearing rings, as long as the message suits your relationship.

Those clues help with size too. If they wear fine chains and small earrings, a neat pendant will feel just right. If they love bolder pieces, they might adore a larger setting or a bracelet with extra sparkle.

How the diamond affects the look and price

Two diamond pieces can look alike and still be priced very differently. That’s good news for you, because the diamond and the setting give you real control over the cost.

Four loose round brilliant cut diamonds displayed on natural wood

The 4Cs in plain English

Colour, clarity, cut and carat weight are the 4Cs, which the GIA describes as the universal way to judge diamond quality. Cut affects how much the diamond sparkles. Carat weight is about size, although the setting also changes how big a diamond looks. Colour and clarity make smaller differences, which are even harder to spot once the stone is set.

We’re GIA certified, so we’ll happily show you how each choice changes the look and the price. A smaller diamond in a well-chosen setting can look stunning and still leave room in the budget.

Natural, lab-grown and simulant stones

Natural and lab-grown diamonds are both real diamonds. The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) says lab-grown diamonds are made of the same material as natural ones, and look and behave in essentially the same way. Simulants only look like diamonds and are made from different materials.

Always ask which one you’re buying, so the person you give it to knows exactly what they’ve got.

Making a diamond gift personal

This is where a gift becomes completely theirs. Bespoke work, engraving and remodelling turn a lovely present into one they’ll treasure.

At The Diamond Setter, we make and repair every piece in our own workshop on site. We can design a piece around the jewellery they already wear, their favourite metal and your budget, then make it ourselves. We draw it first using CAD (computer-aided design), so you can see it before it’s made.

Bespoke work takes 2 weeks to 6 months. That time goes on finding the right stone, agreeing the design and making the piece in our workshop, so start early and it’ll be ready in plenty of time for Christmas.

Engraving adds a private touch they’ll spot every time they take it off. Initials, a date or a few words inside a ring or on the back of a pendant all work beautifully.

Old or inherited jewellery can become a brand new gift, and it makes for a really special Christmas morning. A diamond from a ring that never gets worn can be reset into a pendant, and gold from a family piece can be reused when the metal is suitable. Remodelling starts from £500, and the final price depends on the stones, the metal and the design.

You can see finished pieces and talk through ideas at our showroom at The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, or by video call. Every piece we make comes with our lifetime service guarantee.

Which piece suits your relationship?

Earrings and pendants suit almost anyone, from a partner or wife to a mum or close friend. They’re easy to wear and easy to love straight away.

Diamond engagement ring worn on hand during a romantic embrace

A diamond bracelet feels a bit more special. It’s a lovely choice for someone who already wears bracelets. Pick gold or platinum to match their usual style.

Rings carry the strongest message. A right-hand ring makes a beautiful gift when the meaning is clear. An eternity ring is best kept for when you both know where things are heading, and when that time comes, it’s a gift they’ll wear for life.

Questions we get asked about diamond jewellery Christmas gifts

Can a diamond gift include other gemstones too?

Yes. Diamonds look lovely alongside coloured gemstones when the design suits their taste, and a coloured accent can add their favourite shade.

Do I need a diamond report for every Christmas gift?

No. Small diamonds set in finished jewellery usually come with a clear written description from the jeweller. Reports are more common for larger or loose diamonds.

Can a family member help without spoiling the surprise?

Yes. Ask them for practical clues, such as the metal colour they prefer, their ring size or the jewellery they wear most. Just make sure they can keep a secret!

Can I get a valuation for a jewellery gift?

Yes. A valuation gives you a formal record of what you’ve bought for your own files. Our valuations cost £85 to £150.

Can a piece be adjusted after Christmas if the fit isn’t right?

Sometimes. Rings and some bracelets can be adjusted after they’ve been given, and we do that work in our own workshop. Earrings and pendants avoid most fit worries from the start.