Cost to reset a bracelet?

[Jax172]

Anyone have an idea of what it would cost to have a bracelet reset? I have a diamond bracelet that I inherited from my MIL. The diamonds are not by any means super ideal, but are sparkly enough. The problem is the setting is four prong and kinda clunky for the small stones. It was yellow gold, but I had it plated. I don't think they did a super excellent job with that either but I imagine it is hard to do with a bracelet. I'm wondering if resetting the stones into a three prong white gold bracelet would be feasible or too expensive - maybe I should just save up to buy a new bracelet someday.

 

[NonieMarie]

What are the size of the diamonds? Can you post some photos? If the plating is bad or uneven, I would insist that the jeweler redip. I wonder if they did not give the bracelet a good cleaning before or their solution was dirty.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

How big are the stones? I don't think it would be worth it unless the diamonds have some size and value to make it worth doing.

 

[Jax172]

I'll try to get some photos, I had the plating done awhile back so going back to them now isn't really an option. I never wear the bracelet as I just don't like it. The metal isn't very shiny and I don't like the setting job. The stones themselves are not great, they have inclusions and are not well cut but it is a diamond bracelet and as such it does sparkle a fair amount and it was MIL so it has sentimental value (she gave it to me a few years back but she passed away suddenly in October last year - she was only 63).

 

[Jax172]

A couple pics.

 

[junebug17]

It looks pretty! It's a lot nicer than the one I have! You mention you don't like it - will resetting the stones make you like it any better, to the point you'd want to wear it? If so, it might be worth it. But if the quality of the stones is bothering you too, maybe it's better not to go through the expense of a reset and just keep this as a family heirloom and purchase your own bracelet.

 

[Karl_K]

more than a new one.
Even more than having one made with new loose stones.
The labor to unset every one would be very high and a few would likely be damaged requiring replacements.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That is actually the setting I prefer! But since Karl has confirmed that it isn't worth resetting, I'd take it to a different jeweler and have it cleaned and re-rhodium plated.

 

[junebug17]

After reading Karl's post, it sounds like it's definitely not worth it! I would just keep it as is and save up for a new bracelet.

 

[NonieMarie]

If the gold isn't shiney then the plating wasn't done right. Take it and have it done again. I think it looks like it is a high carat weight, is that why you think it is too bulky? It is a lovely rememberance of your MIL. I think you should wear it sometimes to show your husband that you are thinking of his mom. At a later date, if you want a diamond bracelet, you can buy one that is more to your taste. It is something that can be passed down, That is very special.

 

[Jax172]

Thanks everyone! I will just keep it as is for now. Maybe down the road I'll use the stones to create something else. The funny thing is she wasn't a jewelry person. She probably never wore this bracelet. My late FIL liked to buy her stuff but she stuck to simple gold earrings and a small diamond wedding band everyday. Which is why I think she have it to me - she knew I was into bling. I do miss her - she was a great lady. I am very sad for my kiddos too as they lost the chance to grow up with their grandmother around.

 

[SB621]

You could turn the bracelet into a long DBTY necklace??? I would always rather recycle it vs. having it sit in my drawer and never wear it.

 

[Jax172]

That's a thought Sarahbear. Thanks!

 

[swingirl]

Your bracelet is lovely. I have a 3 prong tennis bracelet from WF and there is a certain amount of metal that is visible around the stones that is part of the linkage. Although the look is slightly different I don't think it looks less "bulky" that yours. Just different. Keep it, clean it, have it redipped and then start wearing it. You might learn to appreciate it if it is sparkly and holds sentimental value.

 

[Sparklelu]

YES!,my first thought was a DBTY also! You might have enough for a DBTY bracelet too

A friend of mine had a bracelet like yours that stretched so she had it remade into a channel set cuff bracelet and the exr=tra stones were eventually put in a band. beautiful!!!
I think I would take it to a jeweler, not the old guys and ask. Can't hurt. It seems a shame to have what looks like such a pretty piece sitting in a box.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think the exact same principle holds true about making a DBY out of it as it did to reset into a different tennis bracelet setting. That setting looks fine and it sounds like it needs a better rhodium plating!