There's a reason the diamond solitaire pendant never really goes away. Trends come and go (remember chokers?), and this just sits there looking good. One stone. One chain. Done.

We're Layla Diamonds, a London jewellery brand working with lab grown stones. Size, shape, metal, chain: here's how we'd go about choosing a diamond solitaire pendant.

Why a Solitaire Suits Everyday Wear

Try this. Open your jewellery box and think about what you actually wore this month. Probably not the statement pieces. A solitaire doesn't ask for any effort. It goes under a shirt collar, over a jumper, with jeans on a Saturday and a black dress on Sunday. So it's no surprise a diamond solitaire pendant is so often the first fine piece women buy for themselves. Layer it if you like. A second thin chain looks nice. Or leave it alone.

Women's Diamond Solitaire Necklace: What to Look For

Shopping for a women's diamond solitaire necklace can feel like a lot of choices. It isn't, really. You're picking a stone, a setting, a metal and a chain, and that's the lot.

But first the cut. This determines the brilliance of the diamond and is therefore of utmost importance. Then comes the colour and the clarity, but when the diamond is mounted, any slight difference will be difficult to discern. Claw setting or bezel? The claw setting lets in the maximum amount of light and allows for a beautiful display of brilliance. The bezel, which consists of a thin ring of metal around the diamond, is sturdier if you wear your necklace a lot. White gold and platinum look sleek, and in the UK, anything above a small weight needs a hallmark.

1 Carat Diamond Necklace Solitaire: The Sweet Spot

Right size. If you're torn, go for a 1 carat diamond necklace solitaire. A round one is about 6.5 mm across, which people notice but nobody finds flashy. Birthdays, graduations, and a new baby- all good excuses. A 1 carat diamond necklace solitaire is rarely the wrong call.

2 Carat Diamond Necklace Solitaire: A Statement Piece

Want more? A 2 carat diamond necklace solitaire is about 8 mm wide and gets noticed. It would be kept for something really special: an anniversary, a promotion, a significant birthday milestone. It is a bit heavy, and so it would require a strong chain, and it would look best at 18 inches and not 16. A 2 carat diamond necklace solitaire worn like that is something else entirely.

Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire Necklace: Same Sparkle, Smarter Price

The question everyone asks: is a lab grown diamond solitaire necklace a real diamond? Yes. Same carbon, same hardness, same sparkle. It was grown in a lab instead of dug out of the ground; that's all. And because it costs less than a mined one, you can go up a size or pick a better colour without blowing the budget. For a solitaire, that's smart, since there's only one stone.

Always ensure that you obtain a grading report when purchasing a lab grown diamond solitaire necklace. The report shows carat, colour, clarity, and cut. A lab grown diamond solitaire necklace also comes in the same hallmarked gold or platinum as any other.

Choosing the Cut

A round brilliant is the classic shape for a diamond solitaire pendant. But there are two others you might fall for.

Emerald Cut Solitaire Necklace: Clean Lines, Quiet Glamour

An emerald cut solitaire necklace looks quite different. Instead of lots of tiny facets, it has long steps, a bit like looking down a hallway of mirrors. The effect is calm, a little Art Deco. It tends to show imperfections more than a round cut, so it's best to select one with a better clarity grade. At 1 carat, an emerald cut measures about 7 by 5 mm. If you prefer something subtle and architectural, an emerald cut solitaire necklace is the one.

Heart Solitaire Necklace: A Little Romance

Feeling romantic? A heart solitaire necklace makes a proper anniversary or Valentine's present. Hearts are tricky to cut, so check that both halves match and the point is neat. Keep the setting plain and let the shape do the talking. A heart solitaire necklace is the sort of gift that gets kept.

Chain Length and Finishing Touches

Most pendants sit well between 16 and 18 inches (40 to 45 cm). 16 falls on the collarbone and 18 just below it. An adjustable chain gives you both. Have a look at the bail too; that's the little loop the stone hangs from. You want it firm, with a spring ring or lobster clasp that won't open by itself. That's the sign of a well-made diamond solitaire pendant.

How to Choose Your Diamond Solitaire Pendant

Still not sure? Run through these:

• Size. A 1 carat diamond necklace solitaire for every day, a 2 carat diamond necklace solitaire for the big dates.
• Shape. Round if in doubt; an emerald cut solitaire necklace for something calmer, a heart solitaire necklace for romance.
• Origin. A lab grown diamond solitaire necklace buys you more diamond per pound.
• Metal. Check what she already wears. A women's diamond solitaire necklace should sit well with her watch and rings.

At Layla Diamonds, we hand pick every stone and don't use middlemen, so your money goes into the jewellery. If you'd like to see sizes side by side, our London team at Layla Diamonds can help once you book an appointment.

Looking After It

Use lukewarm water mixed with a little dish soap and a clean toothbrush to wash it, then dry it using a lint-free cloth. Take it off for swimming and the gym. Chlorine and knocks aren't kind to settings. Keep it in a pouch on its own so it doesn't get scratched. Your diamond solitaire pendant needs little else, apart from having the claws checked once a year. If something feels loose, get in touch with Layla Diamonds, and we'll take a look.

Final Thoughts

A diamond solitaire pendant is easy to wear and even easier to give. Start with a 1 carat diamond necklace solitaire if it's a first, save the 2 carat diamond necklace solitaire for a milestone, and know that any women's diamond solitaire necklace will get worn far more than you'd expect. Choose the diamond solitaire pendant that feels like her, and come and see what we have at Layla Diamonds.