Diamond key necklaces make a beautiful addition to an existing range of diamond pendant designs. The concept of the key pendant evolved from the beauty of Antique keys featuring ornate scrollwork.
Unlike modern keys, antique key designs often feature unique barrel-shaped shanks and ornate detail. Key pendants vary enormously in the same way as antique key styles.
A Guide to Diamond Key Necklaces
Through our bespoke design service, we have enormous scope for a custom-made pendant.
In the same way as any other pendant design, we add diamonds to almost any part of the necklace. For a small amount of sparkle, a single feature diamond adds an interesting focal point.
Re-creating a key as a diamond key necklace
If you have a precious or antique key our bespoke design service can re-model the key. At the same time, we can scale down the size and re-create the exact design in Platinum or Gold, set with diamonds.
But, for eye-catching sparkle, nothing trumps a key pendant with pavé set diamonds to give the classic diamond-encrusted appearance.
Anatomy of a diamond key pendant
A – The Chain
The chain secures the pendant. Select a chain in the correct length – typically 18 inches to sit on the breast bone from an average-sized neck. The chain should ideally be fine, but not too flimsy since this secures an expensive item. Choose a light clasp and not a heavy catch to prevent it moving from the back of the neck.
B – The Bail
Loose swinging bails offer a certain freedom of movement when suspended on the chain. The bail here is plain and discreet so the focus is on the diamond key pendant design itself. The other alternative, which is solid without this freedom of movement, is the fixed bale which adjoins the item.
C – The Bow
Since this is usually the largest area of the key pendant, it is usually the most striking part of the design. Here we see a cut-out heart shape, bordered by micro-pavé diamonds. The carat weight amounts to 0.25cts across these small, fully cut meleé diamonds. The bow can take on many strong design features. Popular styles of bow include oval, heart, round and Quatrefoil designs.
D – The Shoulder
The shoulder is an optional detail, but marks the division between the bow and the barrel. Here the shoulder is kept simple and in keeping with the feel and design of the piece. This small design feature is further reflected in the post referred to (see G below)
E – The Barrel
The barrel refers to the more cylindrical key shank styles. This design is flat on the underside and provides a nicely balanced length-to-width ratio across the design.
F – The Bit
The bit balances out the weight of the bow, further balanced aesthetically with extra small diamonds pavé set into the metal.
G – The Post & Tip of the key
The endpoint of the key is the tip. The tip is further enhanced by a post with the same design as the shoulder. This carries specific design details across the entire key design.
Perfect occasions for diamond key necklaces
There are some wonderful opportunities for presenting this style of pendant. The following are just 3 suggestions for occasions when this pendant style will be perfect for.
1. A memorable birthday. Keys are typically given on a 21st Birthday.
2. A gift to commemorate moving in together, and a new home. (We could even create a bespoke design modelled on an existing key.)
3. A wedding gift. Elegant and finely crafted, key pendants are perfectly suited for a distinctive wedding day gift.
For more information, on this or any other available key designs, please contact our showroom team.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
