gift ideas: diamond solitaire pendant, or tennis bracelet?

[dumbo]

Hi everyone,

I would like some shopping advice! I am torn between a diamond solitaire pendant (purchased through a vendor here) or a tennis bracelet. My budget is around $7,000. I am trying to decide which is more versatile without being too obvious, such as asking her "what do you want?".

She has a lot of nice jewelry, but her only pure diamond piece is her engagement ring (3.01ct J color ideal RB). Wedding ring is a rose gold heirloom. Most days, she will either wear pearls or one of her David Yurman chokers, a couple of DY bracelets, and one of her Rolexes. Her DY jewelry is a bit more distinctive obviously; she has a lot of pieces that were hand-me-downs, and a Rolex is a Rolex. Kind of goes with anything (one is two-tone yellow gold, one is two-tone rose gold, both Oyster bracelets in smaller Men's sizes).

She has mentioned both a pendant and a bracelet as nice ideas in the past. She doesn't have a bit longer necklace (16-18") and certainly doesn't have anything resembling a more delicate diamond bracelet.

I am leaning toward the pendant, given that she has all of those DY bracelets, a bunch of different cuff and cable styles. It's all very preppy and Southern

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! If I go with the pendant, is there a "best size"? She is 5 foot 9, 135lbs and athletic. That price point gets me into around a carat at the far end of the "near colorless" range. I could go up to $9000 if it was really more bang for the buck, or the smaller diamond would look silly on her.

 

[dazzlerazzle]

I'll cast a vote for the diamond pendant, and also add that since her ering is a J, she would likely be perfectly happy with a lower-colored pendant stone. Since she is on the taller side, I would go for the larger size and lower color - down to a J.

Maybe some pendant owners will chime in - but I would guess they are seen from the side far less frequently than the ering is.

Also, have you considered a DBTY (diamonds by the yard) necklace? You mentioned preppy, and these are one of the first things that comes to mind when I think preppy jewelry.

 

[AprilBaby]

I have both and I wear the pendant more.

 

[Slickk]

I vote pendant. I have both and wear the pendant far more often. That may be because in the winter my long sleeves prevent me from wearing my bracelets. If you're in a warm climate, I might change my vote!

 

[blingmeupscotty]

My vote is also for the DBTY. casual, smart, sophistication.

 

[dumbo]

My vote is also for the DBTY. casual, smart, sophistication.

Thanks! Thoughts on size? Ideally, it can be dressed up or down.

This is the hand that the bracelet would be likely hanging out on most of the time. Pre-wedding pics

 

[Lookinagain]

I vote pendant. For your budget and the fact that she doesn't seem to be color sensitive, you can get a nice size pendant for your budget and it is classic and very wearable. You might set it in a bezel and then any color from the size will be masked. If you don't want to do the pendant, I'd vote for the DBTY necklace, but without knowing her preferences, I'd pick pendant. The diamonds in the DBTY pendant can often flip and some people are bothered by that.
I wear my necklaces much more often than my tennis bracelets, but that is just me.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I couldn't decide so I made a pendant that I can wear as a bracelet charm if I want lol. Overall I'd vote pendant as it's general easier to wear and I feel like it's more comfortable in a wife range of settings. I think diamond tennis bracelets can feel a little too dressy at times.

 

[Scandinavian]

I have both and love both! But use the pendent more often, the cracelet gets stuck on things, lol. If I might throw in something else - how about a nice pair of studs? That is the one thing that I always wear!

 

[missy]

Another vote for pendant hands down...or should I say neck up lol. Pendant is more versatile and practical. Not everyone enjoys wearing bracelets often as they can snag on things as other PSers have mentioned and just be cumbersome to wear at times. They can hit on the keyboard if she works on a computer and other miscellaneous annoyances. A diamond pendant however is a beautiful and practical and classic gift so that would be my vote. I would say J or K color (since her ring is a J you have some leeway I think) to get a larger size for her.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Another vote for pendant, J/K color.

 

[kgizo]

I think either would be great. I have both and wear my tennis bracelet a little more. If you do the pendant I agree with going for the larger size in J color. Do you know how she might want it set?

 

[alene]

I think a pendant would be more versatile. You can get a really nice one in your budget.

 

[Queenie60]

I vote for pendant. I wear mine every day and just love it. Dress it up or down.

 

[dumbo]

Thanks everyone!

Thoughts on size? Again, she is 5 foot 9, 135-ish, athletic build. She has never tried on a pendant, so it is hard to say what size looks "right".

 

[Snowdrop13]

I think someone (maybe @diamondseeker2006) came up with a "formula" for the ideal earring and pendant size compared to the e-ring. I think earrings were tcw same as the ring and the pendant 2/3 or maybe half? I can't remember, maybe someone else can help me out?

PS totally agree with the pendant as the more practical of the 2- I also own both and wear my pendant daily. The bracelet is lovely to have as part of my collection but tends to come out on special occasions only.

 

[dazzlerazzle]

Size depends on how blingy she is... I'm 5'1, 100 lbs, and I definitely want something ~ 0.8-1.0 when I get a pendant. But I also plan to go down to J-M range. I like the formula mentioned above - my ering is 2ct, so my ideas for a pendant (and eventual studs) fit that perfectly.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

For a three carat diamond ring, I would personally recommend studs at around 1.5 cts each (3 ctw), and a pendant around 2 carats, or at least larger than the studs (if she has some or you later get her some). So my view is that $7-9k is not enough for a pendant. I'd vote for the bracelet. Save the pendant for a big anniverary (but if you do a pendant, you may need to get a halo setting to make the size proportional with her beautiful 3 ct e-ring.

I highly recommend Whiteflash for tennis bracelets. They are gorgeous! (I'd link a couple but there's a glitch at the moment that won't let me pull up the larger sizes.)

 

[Bron357]

I'm voting for the bracelet. Why? Because I can't see and admire my pendant unless I'm standing in front of a mirror !!!! Whereas my Tennis bracelet can be loved and admired (by me) a thousand times a day.

 

[poshmommy]

I vote pendant. As someone with a big engagement ring (4 ct) and big pendant (2.4 ct), I find myself shopping for a smaller, more subtle everyday pendant. You could get a beautiful 1 carat pendant that would be perfect for daily wear. I'm sure she'll be thrilled with either though!

 

[Green with Envy]

I have a platinum e-ing over 3 ct and my never take off necklace is 1.6 diamond pendant. I would never want a larger one for everyday wear and could easily imagine enjoying something closer to 1ct. Mine is set in a super thin yellow gold bezel since I tend to mix metals and yellow gold looks better on my skin near my face. Personally I think a 2ct or larger everyday pendant is too much , but agree if you ever got diamonds studs the sweet spot would be 1.3-1.5 each.

i have a diamond bracelet that gets worn on special occasion since I have more fun bracelets that get worn daily. I have several DY bracelets that get worn more often and it just does not sound like she needs another bracelet.