Oval Moissanite Necklace, 1ct to 4.5ct Solitaire

An oval pendant hangs better than a round one. The long axis follows the natural line of the neck rather than sitting as a circle against it, which is why the same carat weight reads more elegant in this shape. It is also the cut that gains the most visible size per carat, so a two carat oval wears like a larger round. A wrap setting also looks cleaner from the side, because there are no claws sticking out to catch the light unevenly.

The setting wraps the stone rather than clawing at it from four points, so the moissanite is held along its full edge. That matters on a pendant, which spends its day knocking against buttons and seat belts in a way a ring never does. The reverse is finished flat so it lies against the skin instead of tipping forward.

Four sizes are offered and they behave very differently. The 1ct at 5x7mm is a daily piece that layers invisibly. The 2ct at 7x9mm is the balance point most people land on. The 3ct at 8x10mm has real presence. The 4.5ct at 8x12mm is an occasion piece. All four come on an 18 inch chain, which lands just below the collarbone, in white gold, yellow gold or rose gold over solid 925 silver. Moissanite has a refractive index of about 2.65 and a Mohs hardness of 9.25, so each of these sizes keeps its fire and its polish through daily wear.

• Stone: oval cut moissanite, wrap set
• Sizes: 1ct 5x7mm, 2ct 7x9mm, 3ct 8x10mm, 4.5ct 8x12mm
• Metal: solid 925 sterling silver
• Finish: white gold, yellow gold or rose gold
• Chain length: 18 inch (45cm)
• Back: flat finished, lies against the skin