Add a timeless piece to your collection
The baguette diamond necklace is an iconic jewellery style for collectors who want something unique.
Unlike round or marquise diamonds, baguette stones feature a geometric architectural style that is modern and sleek.
In this guide, we’ll dive into:
- How a Baguette Diamond Chain Differs from Other Styles
- Art Deco History to See Why Baguette Diamond Chains Are Timeless Pieces of Jewelry
- Expert Tips for Selecting Your Baguette Diamond Chain
- Fashion Forward Ways to Wear Your Baguette Chain
How a Baguette Diamond Chain Differs from Other Styles
Baguette diamond chains have many of the same benefits and features as round diamond chains. However, one important difference between the two is the cut.
A Baguette Diamond Has Fewer Facets
Round brilliant diamonds feature 58 facets with angles that are designed to maximise sparkle and fire.
Baguette diamonds on the other hand, typically only have 14 facets which results in a more understated shimmer.
Baguettes give off a more refined, subdued light that almost whispers luxury as opposed to shouting it.
Baguette chains and diamond necklaces represent the biggest segment of the diamond jewelry market which according to Research and Markets grew to $426.5 billion in 2024. Chain and necklace categories, which include baguette styles, have maintained high growth and customer demand.
When purchasing a diamond baguette chain, reputable diamond jewellery brands like Leon Diamond use diamonds with consistent colour and clarity grade between all the diamonds. This is because baguettes have open step-cut facets which show inclusions easier than brilliant cuts.
For this reason, diamond quality is even more important than in other diamond cuts.
Art Deco History to See Why Baguette Diamond Chains Are Timeless Pieces of Jewelry
Baguette diamond chains are timeless for one major reason: history.
Originating in the 1920s and 1930s Art Deco era, the baguette diamond was first used in jewellery during this time. The word baguette is French for “little rod” which references the rectangular shape of this type of diamond.
Art Deco design favoured clean lines, geometric shapes, and architectural details. The boxy, linear design of the baguette was made for that aesthetic.
Jump to the present day…
Baguette diamond chains are so versatile because they can pair with everything. Casual clothes, business wear, and formal gowns. These pieces still look great after 100 years because the minimal style is universal.
Expert Tips for Selecting Your Baguette Diamond Chain
Buying a baguette chain can seem overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. Here’s some expert advice:
Diamond Quality Is Most Important
When selecting your baguette chain, look first at diamond quality.
As noted earlier, baguette diamonds can show inclusions easier than brilliant diamonds. This is because the step-cut facets are large and open. As a result, clarity grade becomes even more important in baguettes.
Select diamonds with higher clarity grades of VS1-VS2 or higher to hide inclusions for the cleanest possible appearance.
Setting Style Influences Chain Durability
Baguettes are more likely to chip at the corners compared to round brilliant diamonds.
The right setting style can prevent these types of damage from occurring over time.
Choose these three options for secure settings:
- Channel: Diamonds are held between vertical metal rails
- Bezel: Diamonds have metal wrapped around the perimeter
- Bar: Diamonds are secured by metal bars between the stones
All three types of settings keep the corners of baguette diamonds protected without sacrificing the modern minimalist aesthetic that these chains are known for.
Metal Matters to Help Set the Mood
Metal type is often an overlooked aspect of baguette chain design. However, the metal colour actually influences the entire feel of the piece.
Yellow gold offers a warm, vintage style reminiscent of Art Deco fashion.
White gold and platinum create a cooler, sleeker, more modern feel. Rose gold evokes a romantic feel that pairs beautifully with baguette diamonds.
No choice is wrong here. It simply depends on your personal preferences and the types of other jewellery pieces you already have in your collection.
Fashion Forward Ways to Wear Your Baguette Chain
Where things get exciting…
Baguette diamond chains work in ways that other types of diamond chains simply cannot. Their minimalist elegance makes them ideal for layering.
For everyday looks: A delicate baguette diamond chain adds polish without being flashy. This makes it ideal for work and play. Easily goes from business meetings to happy hour.
For special occasions: If you want to make a statement, let a bold baguette chain necklace do the talking. The architectural sparkle is dramatic without being over the top.
For layered chains: Mix baguette chains with other diamond shapes like round, marquise, or cushion cuts. The different shapes create visual interest and highlight the unique characteristics of each cut of diamond.
The diamond jewelry sector is projected to grow at 5.3% compound annual growth rate over the next decade ending 2033. Much of this growth is attributed to consumers demanding more individualised and unique diamond jewellery styles such as baguettes.
The Investment Angle
Baguette diamond chains offer more than just beauty and elegance…
They also offer real financial value.
Because baguettes require higher quality raw material to look their best, they maintain value over time. Additionally, the Art Deco association gives these pieces collectability and historical prestige.
For these reasons, baguette chains are smart additions for serious jewellery collectors. Retailers like Leon Diamond specialise in baguette diamond chains that function both as wearable art pieces as well as solid investments.
Why Collectors Choose Baguettes Over Brilliant Cuts
Most consumers aren’t aware that baguette diamond chains offer a completely different experience than brilliant diamond chains.
Brilliant cuts are all about maximum sparkle and fire. Baguettes do the exact opposite.
They prioritise clarity and elegance over dazzle.
This is why baguette chains are the perfect choice for professionals who desire luxury but don’t want any distractions.
It’s also why minimalistic collectors love the style. Baguettes offer a lot of personality and restraint in design at the same time.
The subtle step-cut faceting also produces mirror-like reflections which change as the wearer moves.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
No one is perfect at it from the start. Here are some common missteps to avoid:
- Overlooking the importance of colour consistency between all stones. Mismatched colours create breaks in the clean geometric pattern that baguette chains are famous for.
- Settling for lower clarity diamonds to save money. Visible inclusions defeat the purpose of the elegant, sophisticated step-cut style.
- Failing to insure the baguette chain properly. Valuable pieces deserve protection given the investment potential these pieces have.
- Buying baguette chains without secure settings. Corner chipping is a real problem. Select channels, bezels, and bars for maximum protection of vulnerable areas over time.
Take the time to examine baguette chains carefully before making a purchase. The right baguette diamond chain from a reputable source like Leon Diamond becomes a foundational piece of your entire collection.
Wrapping Things Up
Baguette diamond chains offer the best of both worlds. They combine 100 years of jewellery design history with a modern and fresh aesthetic.
The architectural geometric step-cut creates a level of elegance that simply cannot be achieved with round diamonds. The versatility also means these pieces work for any event.
And the investment potential makes them smart additions for collectors building their collections.
Whether worn alone for understated sophistication or layered for maximum impact, baguette diamond chains deliver an air of refinement and luxury that never goes out of style.
The clean lines. The subtle shimmer. The Art Deco history.
That’s the baguette difference.