Good value diamond tennis bracelet - need advise

[fruxo]

I'm looking for a diamond tennis bracelet for a 10 year anniversary. I don't buy diamonds very often so it's a very expensive and stressful purchase for me. I live in Australia and we have very few local options, so I haven't been able to view much in person either to fully visualize size and style differences.

Ideally I wanted 5ct+ but I'm considering 4ct as well due to budget. I don't need the best of the best, I'm happy to compromise if it means bigger diamonds (which is her main priority!). Here are my top choices.

NOTE: shipping from idj is $300 so I've added that to the price

4ct - $4950 - IDJ
5ct - $5700 - James Allen (sale ends in a day)
6ct - $7550 - IDJ
8ct - $9350 - IDJ

I think all of the IDJ ones are F-G/SI1/excellent cut. The James Allen one is H-I/SI1-SI2 (don't know cut).

I know you will all immediately go for the best quality ones, but again keep in mind that we are not diamond experts and probably won't be able to tell the difference. Last time I bought diamonds (5 year anniversary) I bought her hearts and arrow ideal diamond studs from whiteflash and we honestly can't tell the difference from a bluenile pendant with much much worse spec. I kind of regret not buying bigger ones with a worse spec. So please keep that in mind. The bigger size will give her more happiness than 5% more sparkle.

I would also much appreciate other suggestions as these are still all very expensive and I'm really worried about going with the 4ct. I contacted ivy & rose, but after 3 business days they haven't gotten back to me.

While the 4ct is already breaking the bank (and we have to pay another 15% for importing it as well), I'm considering going bigger just because it IS such a big sum already and if it's too small then it's kind of completely wasted. It's hard to send back and my wife wouldn't do it. And to be clear, this is never getting upgraded, ie it's a once in a lifetime bracelet.

She has big wrists and one of the few ones we've been able to try was a 5ct that still looked very small (and she wants something big). Hence why in my head I kind of made that the baseline. It's so hard to make a decision. Sadly the 8ct is probably the best value, but we are talking about the price of a car now...

So yeah, what should I do? Which size? Where can I find an acceptable 5ct+ for a reasonable price? Do I dare buy the james Allen one despite how I'm sure everyone in this thread will tell me not to? Should I just close my eyes and turn off my common sense and buy the 8ct since it's the best value and I won't have to worry about it being too small? Do IDJ ever have promotions/codes? Are they open for negotiation or would they be insulted if I asked for a discount or something? Etc

I probably need to order within a week or so to meet my deadline. Any help is appreciated as I feel more lost now than when I started looking. It's so hard making a purchase like this without being able to walk into a store and actually talk to people and look at the items in person.

PS: hope it's ok I created another thread for a more focused discussion as I started the other one for discussing a specific store

 

[lulu_ma]

Did you consider Deejay Jewelers? A few people from Australia have purchased their diamond necklaces and been happy. The diamond necklace I bought from them was very sparkly.

Natural Diamond 6.01ct Sparkly SI1 Tennis Bracelet Round 14k White Gold USA Made | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Natural Diamond 6.01ct Sparkly SI1 Tennis Bracelet Round 14k White Gold USA Made at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[fruxo]

Did you consider Deejay Jewelers?

Someone mentioned them earlier, but I haven't actually looked at what they have available as they don't ship to Australia. Unless it's on an item-to-item basis? The one you posted for example doesn't.

Edit: the link you posted was 6ct for $4315. Something like that would be amazing if I could be comfortable that the cut is not terrible (and if they shipped to Australia of course)

Edit2: they also have 7ct for $4400 and 5ct for $3100. The prices makes me a bit sceptical, but no point in investigating further as none of the items ship to Australia

Edit3: or do they have a non-ebay store which ships to Australia or something?

 

[lulu_ma]

Manufacturers of Handcrafted Fine Diamond Tennis Jewelry

Shop fine diamond tennis jewelry online at DeeJay Jewelers and find the perfect piece of jewelry for yourself or a loved one, including handcrafted diamond tennis necklaces, tennis bracelets, earrings & more. Buy now!

deejayjewelers.com

They do their own manufacturing so I think that keeps the cost down.

@Bron357 I hope you don't mind me tagging you. Did you purchased directly through their website?

This is the 8.5 ctw necklace that I purchased from them. Sparkly and eye clean. Any white inclusions were only visible with a careful loupe inspection.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[mayaINaU]

I don’t think James Allen would be a bad cut. I contacted them regarding a bracelet, and they confirmed they use excellent cut. You could ask customer service to verify.

 

[fruxo]

I don’t think James Allen would be a bad cut. I contacted them regarding a bracelet, and they confirmed they use excellent cut. You could ask customer service to verify.

That is good to know, thank you. I might see if I can get a reply from customer service too, also a good suggestion. Their 5ct is not much more expensive than the 4ct from IDJ and the style from the photos look nice, so that's potentially a very good compromise then. If I can make a decision in less than 24 hours before the sale ends that is...

 

[fruxo]

After contacting James Allen to ask about the cut I was simply told that the stones are handpicked and not graded. I asked if there was any guidelines on what equivalent cut was used even though not officially graded, but I was just referred to the official description of the bracelet (which has no information on the cut).

So yeah, it's probably/hopefully a decent cut, but I was not able to get any official confirmation.

Edit: looks like you get 25% on first purchase regardless, so no rush in regards to the 25% off sale ending in a day

 

[Dandi]

If it's any help, I have a tennis bracelet from IDJ (3ct). I also own ACAs in my engagement ring from Whiteflash, and the bracelet looks amazing worn with the ring, I can't fault it, and couldn't fathom spending more just to get a higher cut grade, particularly in that size. I'm also in Aus and the whole buying experience from IDJ was great.

 

[fruxo]

If it's any help, I have a tennis bracelet from IDJ (3ct). I also own ACAs in my engagement ring from Whiteflash, and the bracelet looks amazing worn with the ring, I can't fault it, and couldn't fathom spending more just to get a higher cut grade, particularly in that size. I'm also in Aus and the whole buying experience from IDJ was great.

Yeah, the IDJ ones looks great on paper, and have excellent cut, it's just a price thing I guess. They seem the most reasonably priced of the big recommended sellers though. I wish I could get away with 3 carats! Glad to hear first hand that it looks good though.

Was it difficult to pay or how did that whole process go? Did you have to do some sort of wire transfer? I can't believe shipping is $300, I did not expect that extra cost.

On another note, is it easy to extend a bracelet like this to make it longer or would that have to be done on creation? I was imagining that I just get a tiny chain extension if needed, but I didn't realize how the clasp looked like. Doesn't seem like I can easily extend it, but I could be wrong? I don't think we need much, but the one we tried was 7.25 inches and it was manageable but not at all lose. I was hoping that 7.25 was standard, but it seems like they are all exactly 7, which could potentially be a smidge too tight. I really don't wanna have to deal with that before ordering as well, but I really have no idea how easy or hard it would be to solve post purchase.

 

[MamaBear]

You’ll need to have them make it longer. Request the longer length and they can give you a price, as it will increase.

 

[mayaINaU]

After contacting James Allen to ask about the cut I was simply told that the stones are handpicked and not graded. I asked if there was any guidelines on what equivalent cut was used even though not officially graded, but I was just referred to the official description of the bracelet (which has no information on the cut).

So yeah, it's probably/hopefully a decent cut, but I was not able to get any official confirmation.

Edit: looks like you get 25% on first purchase regardless, so no rush in regards to the 25% off sale ending in a day

I had to explain to the customer service agent several times what I meant by “cut grade” before she went and asked someone and then came back with the answer:-/ sorry they could not give you a clear answer.

 

[mayaINaU]

You’ll need to have them make it longer. Request the longer length and they can give you a price, as it will increase.

Yes, to be safe, measure your wife’s wrist, and then give them the measurement and ask what length they would suggest. Then have them make it in that length.

 

[fruxo]

Looks like I might be able to order from deejays normal store, which would give by far the best value (but obviously less certainty in terms of quality etc). I will have a closer look tonight when I have time.

Does the setting look really weird though or is it just me? Looks like something you get at the dollar store, but maybe it's just because it's zoomed in. Maybe it's not noticable when worn. And would the mostly solid sides affect affect how much it sparkles? Check the side view in this link.

Natura 6.01ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet Round 14k White Gold Sparkly USA Made | eBay

Clear, White and Sparkly Diamonds - No Cloudy or Milky Stones. The Most Versatile Jewelry Accessory. Natural Diamond 6ct Tennis Bracelet Round 14k White Gold USA Made. Natural Diamond 6.01ct Tennis Bracelet Round 14k White Gold USA Made.

www.ebay.com

Supposedly excellent cut when I asked them, but I don't think these things are certified or anything so probably take it with a grain of salt.

Should I be concerned about the low number of stones? The 6ct has 36 stones whereas other resellers has like 45-55. Lower number is technically better I guess assuming the shape is the same as it means the individual diamonds are bigger. But in combination with the cheaper price, it makes me skeptical that maybe they are cut really deep or something (hence the cheaper price). They are spaced far enough apart that it would be easy to manipulate. But maybe I'm just paranoid.

 

[fruxo]

Some deejay prices
* 5ct round - $3595 - 40 diamonds
* 5ct squared off - $3595 - 54 diamonds
* 6ct squared off - $3975 - 54 diamonds
* 6ct round - $4325 - 36 diamonds
* 7ct squared off - $4400 - 50 diamonds

Specs are supposedly H or H-I, S1 or S1-S2 and excellent cut.

While I would prefer a round style where you can see each diamond instead of having it squared off, I'm uncertain about their round setting as per my message above. Here's an example link to show the round and the squared off setting:

Round

6.01ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet Round 14k White Gold

This gorgeous round link tennis bracelet shows off 6ct of brilliant round cut diamonds like no other design. It's the strongest choice for everyday glamour and elegance. Adorn your wrist with this bold, stylish tennis bracelet and endlessly admire its stunning beauty. Handcrafted in 14k white...

deejayjewelers.com

Squared

7ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet 14k White Gold

Add this stunning 7.02 carat diamond tennis bracelet to your jewelry collection, and enjoy the luxury and versatility of its timeless design. Showcasing fifty sparkling brilliant round cut diamonds masterfully set in 14k white gold, this essential piece of jewelry makes an iconic gift to...

deejayjewelers.com

Thoughts?

 

[lulu_ma]

Looks like I might be able to order from deejays normal store, which would give by far the best value (but obviously less certainty in terms of quality etc). I will have a closer look tonight when I have time.

Does the setting look really weird though or is it just me? Looks like something you get at the dollar store, but maybe it's just because it's zoomed in. Maybe it's not noticable when worn. And would the mostly solid sides affect affect how much it sparkles? Check the side view in this link.

Natura 6.01ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet Round 14k White Gold Sparkly USA Made | eBay

Clear, White and Sparkly Diamonds - No Cloudy or Milky Stones. The Most Versatile Jewelry Accessory. Natural Diamond 6ct Tennis Bracelet Round 14k White Gold USA Made. Natural Diamond 6.01ct Tennis Bracelet Round 14k White Gold USA Made.

www.ebay.com

Supposedly excellent cut when I asked them, but I don't think these things are certified or anything so probably take it with a grain of salt.

Should I be concerned about the low number of stones? The 6ct has 36 stones whereas other resellers has like 45-55. Lower number is technically better I guess assuming the shape is the same as it means the individual diamonds are bigger. But in combination with the cheaper price, it makes me skeptical that maybe they are cut really deep or something (hence the cheaper price). They are spaced far enough apart that it would be easy to manipulate. But maybe I'm just paranoid.

I really like this one because the stones are visually distinct. I bought my first 4 ctw tennis bracelet pre-PS. It was a line style-I wish I had known more then. I would have gotten this style.

Ask Deejays what the millimeter width is for the 6 ctw rounded versus the 7 ctw squared. That would be a good data point.

I bought and returned several diamond necklaces. I can tell you that the Deejays necklace was by far the best value. The key thing is that the diamonds sparkled.

 

[fruxo]

I really like this one because the stones are visually distinct. I bought my first 4 ctw tennis bracelet pre-PS. It was a line style-I wish I had known more then. I would have gotten this style.

Ask Deejays what the millimeter width is for the 6 ctw rounded versus the 7 ctw squared. That would be a good data point.

I bought and returned several diamond necklaces. I can tell you that the Deejays necklace was by far the best value. The key thing is that the diamonds sparkled.

That's the exact one I'm the most keen on, ie 6ct round. I think I much prefer the rounded settings, I'm just concerned about this exact one. The IDJ ones looks great. Even the James Allen one. Didn't even really think about it twice to be honest. This setting just stood out as looking cheap and nasty (and I'm purely taking about the design of the gold the holds the diamonds). And it also looks weirdly tall. Have you seen it in person?

I'm hoping I'm just crazy? Can anyone else weigh in please? Hopefully it's just a combination of bad photos and how zoomed in they are. Ideally the setting shouldn't be something you even notice when wearing it.

Both the 6ct round and the 7ct squared off are listed as 4mm wide. But that includes setting of course so doesn't fully reflect the face size of the diamonds.

 

[fruxo]

I really feel like this might be the one. The 6ct round from deejay for $4325 + $95 international shipping. It might not be perfect, but the value just seems too good and the consensus seems to be that they are cut well and very sparkly.

I feel like my last few messages has all been very similar haha, sorry it's due to the time difference and no one else being around (I'm about to head to bed so hopefully I'll have some replies in the morning!)

6.01ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet Round 14k White Gold

This gorgeous round link tennis bracelet shows off 6ct of brilliant round cut diamonds like no other design. It's the strongest choice for everyday glamour and elegance. Adorn your wrist with this bold, stylish tennis bracelet and endlessly admire its stunning beauty. Handcrafted in 14k white...

deejayjewelers.com

Edit: forgot to answer about lab diamonds earlier. Unfortunately my wife doesn't like those, so they are not an option.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I really feel like this might be the one. The 6ct round from deejay for $4325 + $95 international shipping. It might not be perfect, but the value just seems too good and the consensus seems to be that they are cut well and very sparkly.

I feel like my last few messages has all been very similar haha, sorry it's due to the time difference and no one else being around (I'm about to head to bed so hopefully I'll have some replies in the morning!)

6.01ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet Round 14k White Gold

This gorgeous round link tennis bracelet shows off 6ct of brilliant round cut diamonds like no other design. It's the strongest choice for everyday glamour and elegance. Adorn your wrist with this bold, stylish tennis bracelet and endlessly admire its stunning beauty. Handcrafted in 14k white...

deejayjewelers.com

Edit: forgot to answer about lab diamonds earlier. Unfortunately my wife doesn't like those, so they are not an option.

I do like the look of that bracelet. Each setting for each diamond looks tall to me from the picture but not necessarily cheap. I assume their 30 day return policy is good and if so, you have nothing to lose. I hope it turns out well for you!!

 

[lulu_ma]

That's the exact one I'm the most keen on, ie 6ct round. I think I much prefer the rounded settings, I'm just concerned about this exact one. The IDJ ones looks great. Even the James Allen one. Didn't even really think about it twice to be honest. This setting just stood out as looking cheap and nasty (and I'm purely taking about the design of the gold the holds the diamonds). And it also looks weirdly tall. Have you seen it in person?

I'm hoping I'm just crazy? Can anyone else weigh in please? Hopefully it's just a combination of bad photos and how zoomed in they are. Ideally the setting shouldn't be something you even notice when wearing it.

Both the 6ct round and the 7ct squared off are listed as 4mm wide. But that includes setting of course so doesn't fully reflect the face size of the diamonds.

I haven't seen this bracelet in person. However, I have bought two necklaces from Deejays for comparison-and I would have been happy to keep both of them!

 

[tyty333]

I dont like either of the settings from deejays. Not very elegant looking IMO. That being said, if they are returnable maybe
you can order the 6 carat and see if you like it. Maybe its worth the trade-off of having the higher carat weight. Hard to answer
that without seeing it in person.

 

[momofive]

I'm not crazy about the setting either, but I'm not the one wearing it. If you're happy, that's great.

 

[lulu_ma]

I think the comparable 6 ct IDJ bracelet is roughly $3k more? Personally, I would rather have a 6 ct from Deejays than a 4 ct from IDJ.

Per my calculation, the 6 ct 'rounded' Deejays bracelet has stones that are @3.5 mm in diameter. Use that as data point when comparing bracelets. Just remember those bracelet images are zoomed in. The size of the diamonds is more important than setting nuance imo.

 

[fruxo]

Each setting for each diamond looks tall to me

I dont like either of the settings from deejays. Not very elegant looking IMO.

I'm not crazy about the setting either, but I'm not the one wearing it. If you're happy, that's great.

I was hoping to be told the settings were fine and wouldn't look any different in person because they are so small and that I was being silly. No I don't like the setting as mentioned, but I was going to ignore that and order with the assumption that it was just me. Now I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to order it

And no, I can't return it easily because I'm from Australia. Besides shipping etc, there is also an additional 15% fee payable to customs which I probably won't get back. And I was thinking of asking if they were able to make it a tiny bit bigger, which would probably void the return policy regards.

Also, I'm not the one wearing it, it's a present for my wife

I think the comparable 6 ct IDJ bracelet is roughly $3k more? Personally, I would rather have a 6 ct from Deejays than a 4 ct from IDJ.

Per my calculation, the 6 ct 'rounded' Deejays bracelet has stones that are @3.5 mm in diameter. Use that as data point when comparing bracelets. Just remember those bracelet images are zoomed in. The size of the diamonds is more important than setting nuance imo.

All I see in the photos is the weird setting. I'm hoping in person it's the reverse and I'll just see the diamonds. But it's so hard to decide based on zoomed in photos.

For comparison against the 6ct from deejay:
* The 4ct bracelet from IDJ is 12% more expensive
* The 6ct from idj is 71% more expensive

 

[tyty333]

@fruxo I have never seen the setting in person. I'm just going by the pictures. I think in-person they could go either way...be perfectly fine or just not what you were hoping for. @lulu_ma do you have any pictures of your tennis/Riveria necklace posted...specifically of
the setting? Is it in any way similar to the bracelet? Maybe you can post some up-close pictures that would give fruxo the answers he's
looking for?

 

[mayaINaU]

If it’s already going to be custom and non-returnable, and I remember you saying that you might need a longer than standard length, why don’t you ask them if they can swap out the setting for you to something you like better? Can they show you examples of other styles they can get?

 

[fruxo]

If it’s already going to be custom and non-returnable, and I remember you saying that you might need a longer than standard length, why don’t you ask them if they can swap out the setting for you to something you like better? Can they show you examples of other styles they can get?

Almost everything is using the 2 settings I linked, there is very little variety (I've looked through all of their diamond bracelets) so I assume they won't have anything else or it would have been listed. But it doesn't hurt to ask I suppose.

 

[mayaINaU]

Almost everything is using the 2 settings I linked, there is very little variety (I've looked through all of their diamond bracelets) so I assume they won't have anything else or it would have been listed. But it doesn't hurt to ask I suppose.

And if it makes you feel better, I scrutinized the setting of my bracelet to a high degree before I got it, but you’re looking at really magnified photos. In person, all my pickiness really became inconsequential.

 

[fruxo]

I didn't want to ask my wife questions because it's supposed to be a surprise and I didn't want her to know I was looking at bracelets, but with the difficulties I'm having I gently asked her about what she thought about the traditional style vs the rounded style. I was sure she would prefer the rounded one, but of course I was wrong (why should anything be easy) and she went with the traditional one.

Soo... If I end up going with deejay, I'd be looking at this one (or the 6ct version of the same)

7ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet 14k White Gold

Add this stunning 7.02 carat diamond tennis bracelet to your jewelry collection, and enjoy the luxury and versatility of its timeless design. Showcasing fifty sparkling brilliant round cut diamonds masterfully set in 14k white gold, this essential piece of jewelry makes an iconic gift to...

deejayjewelers.com

Maybe not the prettiest setting, but I feel like this one is a lot more neutral and probably fine? Once not zoomed in, it probably looks the same as any other setting. Who knows. But it's back in the mix now. Thoughts are appreciated as usual.

I'll have to have a closer look at the other retailers now for this style though as I've been completely disregarding it due to my strong preference for the rounded style.

 

[lulu_ma]

I didn't want to ask my wife questions because it's supposed to be a surprise and I didn't want her to know I was looking at bracelets, but with the difficulties I'm having I gently asked her about what she thought about the traditional style vs the rounded style. I was sure she would prefer the rounded one, but of course I was wrong (why should anything be easy) and she went with the traditional one.

Soo... If I end up going with deejay, I'd be looking at this one (or the 6ct version of the same)

7ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet 14k White Gold

Add this stunning 7.02 carat diamond tennis bracelet to your jewelry collection, and enjoy the luxury and versatility of its timeless design. Showcasing fifty sparkling brilliant round cut diamonds masterfully set in 14k white gold, this essential piece of jewelry makes an iconic gift to...

deejayjewelers.com

Maybe not the prettiest setting, but I feel like this one is a lot more neutral and probably fine? Once not zoomed in, it probably looks the same as any other setting. Who knows. But it's back in the mix now. Thoughts are appreciated as usual.

I'll have to have a closer look at the other retailers now for this style though as I've been completely disregarding it due to my strong preference for the rounded style.

I would ask Deejays how wide the 6 and 7 ct line style bracelets are.

And you are such a thoughtful husband, but this is not an insignificant amount of money and an international purchase. Would you consider taking your wife to try on bracelets or perhaps you could buy her a couple of testers from Amazon in each style? I know you want to get it just right because international returns will be a challenge.

 

[fruxo]

I found a great image on deejays contact us page, showing a bunch of the bracelets in different sizes etc. Here you can more clearly see how unusually chunky the round one is. While it certainly looks different from other sellers, I quit like the chunkiness personally.

But as it's for me wife and not me, it looks like she prefers the classic squared off style for diamond tennis bracelets. The squared off one looks fairly standard though and not too crazy, right?

Not sure how to link image directly, but just click link below and you'll see it.

Contact for Factory Direct Diamond Jewelry

Contact us today for all of your diamond jewelry needs at factory direct prices. Specialists in diamond tennis necklaces and bracelets, we provide expedited shipping, a 30-day return policy, and a limited warranty. Shop our exclusive collections now!

deejayjewelers.com