Should I match metal color when it comes to my diamond pieces?

[Prettylittlethings]

Hello all,

I'm in a bit of a predicament when it comes to choosing a metal color for some new diamond pieces. I love a mixed metal look and regularly mix metals. Oddly enough, I've always preferred diamonds to be set in white gold and any other metal color looks "odd" to me. I love classic pieces that withstand the test of time. With this said, I'm worried about choosing the right metal color and limiting my options when worn.

I have a loose stone that I plan making into a solitaire necklace or pendant but unsure which metal I should set it into. I love the look of a floating diamond setting but that would limit me from wearing the diamond with a gold color chain. I absolutely love the look of a yellow gold solitaire necklace!

My question is, what color metal should I choose to set my diamond solitaire pendant? Would it look odd if I set it into a white gold pendant instead so I can switch it out for either a yellow or white gold chain to match my overall look? The only reason I would set it into a pendant instead of "floating" is to have the option to switch out the chain.

I have:
1. wedding ring set (white gold)
2. tennis bracelet (white gold)
3. tennis necklace (white gold)
4. diamond studs (white gold)

 

[andi]

I have a solitaire set in white gold ( I feel white gold enhances the stone) with a yellow gold chain. My wedding set is platinum and I mix on wrists.

 

[Prettylittlethings]

I have a solitaire set in white gold ( I feel white gold enhances the stone) with a yellow gold chain. My wedding set is platinum and I mix on wrists.

I totally agree! Decisions decisions. White type of setting is your pendant if I may ask? Do you recommend a certain setting that would work with both a white and yellow gold chain?

 

[880]

I absolutely love the look of a yellow gold solitaire necklace!

Set it in white gold and put it on a yellow gold chain. This is not my first choice, but it is very popular, and it will give you the flexibility you desire

I’m older and wore WG with diamonds for decades until my DH and independent jeweler commented that YG was better on my skin tone. YG is very popular with younger people who don’t recall the YG of their moms era circa 1980s lol. Nowadays, I wear YG with diamonds as a more casual daytime choice. I do find YG diamond combos more casual, less serious JMO though, and have fun deciding

 

[Prettylittlethings]

This is the option I am leaning towards. I will try to find a setting that has minimal visible metal. I know that a traditional bail in a different color would drive me nuts! Hahah. YG has definitely made a comeback and I can appreciate that it glows on some skin tone. I am pretty neutral and can wear both, which makes this even more challenging lol. I agree with you that YG gives a more casual everyday feel and white gold is more of a nighttime and glamourous look. Do you think my WG studs would clash with a WG pendant and yellow gold chain that you suggested or can it be pulled off?

 

[Misha333]

I totally resonate with your dilemma! I’ve always had diamonds set in white gold as well since it’s considered a classic and is thought to enhance the diamond’s brilliance. However, I personally prefer yellow gold for my skin tone, and I recently decided to make the switch, choosing yellow gold for my new diamond pieces. I think you shouldn’t feel limited by what’s traditionally considered "classic" if another metal color resonates more with you.

That said, if flexibility is your priority and you want the option to switch between yellow and white gold, a custom-made floating setting could be a great solution. Since you're working with a jeweler, you might explore a design where the chain attaches to the floating diamond from the sides with discreet clasps. This way, you could swap between yellow and white gold chains while maintaining the floating effect. The setting holding the diamond from behind could be white gold to maximize its brilliance, while the chain color can be changed to match your look.

I hope this explanation makes sense! I have a vision of how it could work, but it’s tricky to put into words. If your jeweler is open to creative solutions, they might be able to design something unique that gives you the best of both worlds!

Alternatively, you could create a setting inspired by Cartier’s Trinity design, blending two or even three metal colors. This way, you’d have a versatile piece that seamlessly pairs with any chain, regardless of whether it's yellow, white, or even rose gold. It could be a creative way to embrace mixed metals while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.

 

[keya]

I like the idea of setting the stone in an «invisible» setting where you thread the chain in the back of the stone. That way you could easily use the stone with either color chain.

I also have most my diamonds set in white gold, and during the past few years I’ve changed my preference from white gold/platinum to rose or yellow gold, as it looks better with my skin tone. I have a few small solitaire diamond pendants, and unfortunately I can’t change the chain on either of them (the holes to put a chain in are smaller than the locks) It really comes down to what you prefer.

 

[foxgal]

Agree with all the comments about setting diamonds as minimally as possible in WG, and then yellow gold for chains and non-stone pieces. This is exactly what I’ve made with my daily jewelry in the past few years. It means some pieces will have to be modified or custom made…I don’t know why more designers don’t make pieces this way!?!?