Help deciding on an old cut line bracelet….

[bee24]

@Dreamer_D @Mreader thank you! My husband thinks both together is bit much lol. But I like it!

I messaged the seller this morning and am anxious for his reply. I’m really surprised the damage to the metal wasn’t listed, it feels more than just “patina”, one area is sharp and can snag my finger. We shall see! Thank you both for your time and thoughts, it’s always appreciated!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I have found some vendors argue that “it’s used and that’s normal condition”

Will you keep it if there is no price adjustment? Is the price acceptable even if you need to spend $1000 to fix it and replace the duds?

 

[SparklieBug]

This is a great thread!

 

[bee24]

That is the question! I don’t really think he will lower the price, he argued that the price was very fair for 14 .25ct stones when I had offered lower. He replied now but focusing on the length.
Edit: He has offered to have his jeweler shorten and replace a diamond! Which is very mind. The problem is that I’d trust DK more for the fixes and I would like to choose the diamond. Hmm.

 

[Dreamer_D]

That is the question! I don’t really think he will lower the price, he argued that the price was very fair for 14 .25ct stones when I had offered lower. He replied now but focusing on the length.
Edit: He has offered to have his jeweler shorten and replace a diamond! Which is very mind. The problem is that I’d trust DK more for the fixes and I would like to choose the diamond. Hmm.

You could tell him that and say you would prefer a credit equivalent to his costs to make those repairs.

 

[bee24]

I have to say the seller has been very amenable to my concerns though he is not willing to issue any credit equivalent. He is willing to have his jeweler size, fix the metal damage, and replace with a “better” quality old cut diamond. I don’t know why I feel wary to send it back though. I wouldn’t be returning it, he is just willing to fix the issues. So I am not sure if there would be any eBay protections? I can insure it but I very wary. Any thoughts?

 

[Mreader]

That is the question! I don’t really think he will lower the price, he argued that the price was very fair for 14 .25ct stones when I had offered lower. He replied now but focusing on the length.
Edit: He has offered to have his jeweler shorten and replace a diamond! Which is very mind. The problem is that I’d trust DK more for the fixes and I would like to choose the diamond. Hmm.

Would you be able to keep the extra links?

 

[Dreamer_D]

If he fixes it would it be final sale then? What recourse would you have if it didn’t turn out the way you wanted?

 

[bee24]

Would you be able to keep the extra links?

I didn’t ask him, I’d only have him take two links and the two I’d have him remove the engraving is worn so I wasn’t too worried about it.

If he fixes it would it be final sale then? What recourse would you have if it didn’t turn out the way you wanted?

This is my concern. And also what if it is damaged? Or I receive it and something is wrong but it’s well outside of the eBay return etc? The jeweler would be removing/replacing a stone, fixing metal damage on three different areas, and removing two links. I’d have no worries with DK doing those fixes but this feels too risky. I should clarify the process with him but I’m feeling less than enthusiastic (however, I do think his offers are nice).

 

[Dreamer_D]

I don’t think I’d want an unknown jeweler to do it. Like, if he took it back and did the repairs and offered it for sale and you could buy it then if you liked it, sure. But you wouldn’t let just anyone repair your stuff so I don’t think I’d let him do it.

I think you have to decide as is.

 

[ringbling17]

Hi. I just recently bought a similar bracelet off eBay and I think you will be able to purchase one in better condition if you just keep searching. It seems that there are a few too many what ifs and uncertainties that you have. I would hold off until I find the right one. The price you are paying is high enough that I'm sure you will find what you want.

My bracelet was not a planned purchase. I saw it on eBay and immediately knew I wanted it. I'm a big Simon G fan and have a few pieces but I've also always wanted a larger carat weight diamond box set bracelet. It was listed for close to $4k (basically a steal of a deal) and I made an offer under $3k with the stipulation that if it was too similar to my other Simon G tennis box set bracelet in carat weight size, I could return it.
When it received it I was pleasantly surprised bc my other Simon g bracelet is 2.94 ctw and the new one looks much larger to me and in unworn condition.
I immediately let the seller know I would keep it and sent it to David Klass to be sized down. In addition I also sent him the smaller one as well.
When first got the smaller one years ago the original jeweler who shortened it soldered the links.
I asked DK to fix that area and he fixed it perfectly. I was worried that bc they were soldered together it would be very noticeable if he fixed it but it honestly looks perfect and I am super picky.
Anyway, posting a photo of my two bracelets. The larger one on left is the one I just purchased.
By the way DK is awesome. I sent DK a total of 18 items for a reset or repairs and he literally sent everything back to me within 2-3 weeks.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Beautiful bracelets @ringbling17 ! I just want to point out that the rings OP is considering are antiques and so they cannot be judged by the same criteria as modern pieces as the market and availability are quite different.

 

[bee24]

@ringbling17 lovely bracelets! Thank you for encouragement on finding future bracelets. As @Dreamer_D said these are antiques and so I anticipated some wear but also fear that they don’t seem to pop up regularly. Though they do show up occasionally the “rarity” of them makes it harder for me to decide! I plan to use DK for the two tone bracelet and I am confident he can make it perfect!

@Dreamer_D the eBay seller said that I could return it even with his “master jeweler” fixing it. He also said I have nothing to worry about with shipping as he’d send an insured label but I still think I’d need it insured through JM before doing that and that will take time to get an appraisal. So I’m wary since it would be well past the return window through eBay and still just risky. I’m totally stuck on my decision making!

 

[Dreamer_D]

@ringbling17 lovely bracelets! Thank you for encouragement on finding future bracelets. As @Dreamer_D said these are antiques and so I anticipated some wear but also fear that they don’t seem to pop up regularly. Though they do show up occasionally the “rarity” of them makes it harder for me to decide! I plan to use DK for the two tone bracelet and I am confident he can make it perfect!

@Dreamer_D the eBay seller said that I could return it even with his “master jeweler” fixing it. He also said I have nothing to worry about with shipping as he’d send an insured label but I still think I’d need it insured through JM before doing that and that will take time to get an appraisal. So I’m wary since it would be well past the return window through eBay and still just risky. I’m totally stuck on my decision making!

I was able to add my loose diamonds to my policy with a receipt. Call them and talk to them and then email the receipts and see what they say.

EDIT: does the company have any kind of public facing website and reviews other than eBay?

 

[bee24]

I was able to add my loose diamonds to my policy with a receipt. Call them and talk to them and then email the receipts and see what they say.

EDIT: does the company have any kind of public facing website and reviews other than eBay?

They have an Etsy shop also but it has a different name, I found it by chance and saw it was the same seller.

I am currently thinking I’ll return it. There are multiple things I really love about it (size of the stones and weight of the bracelet) but I don't really need two bracelets and I love the smaller one. I really think someone put a lot of thought into the smaller one, the stones are all so bright, the engravings lovely, and the two tone is fabulous to me. The larger one is beautiful also, it just feels that the smaller is a higher level of craftsmanship- if that makes sense.

 

[Dreamer_D]

That seems like a wise decision! It was a lot of money and I think with patience you willl find something you adore.

What repairs are you bc considering for the two tone?

 

[bee24]

That seems like a wise decision! It was a lot of money and I think with patience you willl find something you adore.

What repairs are you bc considering for the two tone?

I am going to send to DK and have him give me another estimate once he evaluates it. I’d love to finish it with matching links (two tone, engraving, diamonds). His estimate before didn’t include diamonds in the links but they would be so tiny so I can’t imagine they’d be crazy expensive. It does feel very dainty at the clasp so I plan to ask if he has any other ideas but I am thinking it will feel much better when it’s shortened and the extender is removed. There is currently a safety chain which I might have removed or shortened as I worry it will snag on things.

Thanks for the encouragement about returning the other! I still feel conflicted as I love the size of the stones and liked the idea of gathering more stones over time. Buttttt it’s a lot of money when it’s not “perfect”!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I am going to send to DK and have him give me another estimate once he evaluates it. I’d love to finish it with matching links (two tone, engraving, diamonds). His estimate before didn’t include diamonds in the links but they would be so tiny so I can’t imagine they’d be crazy expensive. It does feel very dainty at the clasp so I plan to ask if he has any other ideas but I am thinking it will feel much better when it’s shortened and the extender is removed. There is currently a safety chain which I might have removed or shortened as I worry it will snag on things.

Thanks for the encouragement about returning the other! I still feel conflicted as I love the size of the stones and liked the idea of gathering more stones over time. Buttttt it’s a lot of money when it’s not “perfect”!

I think restoring the smaller bracelet with diamonds is a great idea. Yes small diamonds like that won’t cost much. IIRC you paid so little for it, even if the repairs are more the overall value is still there. And it will be more valuable when restored/repaired properly.

You will find a bigger bracelet some day! I am sure.

 

[maryjane04]

The details on the smaller one are perfect. I feel that you really love it more too!

And if you want, you can always find a bigger bracelet someday. I am currently on the hunt for a bracelet too so it was really nice seeing the comparison photos of yours.

 

[bee24]

The details on the smaller one are perfect. I feel that you really love it more too!

And if you want, you can always find a bigger bracelet someday. I am currently on the hunt for a bracelet too so it was really nice seeing the comparison photos of yours.

Thank you! I really do love the small one. I just got a label from DK so I’ll be shipping it off soon!

I also initiated a return on the larger one. I really do love it so I’m feeling a bit conflicted but I think (hope) I’ll be able to find a different one someday! Are you wanting a bracelet and also hoping to make a bangle??? Love an arm stack!

 

[maryjane04]

Thank you! I really do love the small one. I just got a label from DK so I’ll be shipping it off soon!

I also initiated a return on the larger one. I really do love it so I’m feeling a bit conflicted but I think (hope) I’ll be able to find a different one someday! Are you wanting a bracelet and also hoping to make a bangle??? Love an arm stack!

Yeah I have seen quite a few bigger ones. So I think you would be able to find a bigger one without having to fix/change the links/add diamonds etc which costs more money.

I really want to set these darn loose diamonds but it costs so much to make a bangle so currently looking for a bracelet to satisfy the itch lol. I have my eye on a bracelet currently so fingers crossed it all works out. I am really not the stacking type hahaha although I would stack two bangles just need to find about 9k USD to make them lol. Makes no sense.

 

[bee24]

I have been hyper analyzing the larger bracelet to see how I feel and what I want in the future. The bracelet is so lovely. But I am noticing the color differences in the stones more and also the tilt windows. I believe that is what I’m seeing. @Mreader and @maryjane04 I know you both have old cut bracelets, is seeing the tilt window normal/common? I’m trying to figure out if I should expect that on future larger bracelets or if it’s these stones… I do not notice it on the smaller bracelet. It’s hard to get a good picture.

 

[bee24]

Yeah I have seen quite a few bigger ones. So I think you would be able to find a bigger one without having to fix/change the links/add diamonds etc which costs more money.

I really want to set these darn loose diamonds but it costs so much to make a bangle so currently looking for a bracelet to satisfy the itch lol. I have my eye on a bracelet currently so fingers crossed it all works out. I am really not the stacking type hahaha although I would stack two bangles just need to find about 9k USD to make them lol. Makes no sense.

Ooo have you done SMTB posts on them? I’ll have to go search. I think I’d love a plain gold bangle with my bracelet and I may buy a cheapy to see if I like the look!

 

[maryjane04]

I think with old cuts sometimes they have a brown/champagne tint which is quite distracting I find. I guess the larger stones make it more obvious. I have a bracelet and I love the stones but wish it was a full bracelet. I think finding ones with all white and bright diamonds will be more $$ but it's out there.

Hahaha and I love a gold bangle too but gold prices are so high right now, it's so depressing.

 

[maryjane04]

I have been hyper analyzing the larger bracelet to see how I feel and what I want in the future. The bracelet is so lovely. But I am noticing the color differences in the stones more and also the tilt windows. I believe that is what I’m seeing. @Mreader and @maryjane04 I know you both have old cut bracelets, is seeing the tilt window normal/common? I’m trying to figure out if I should expect that on future larger bracelets or if it’s these stones… I do not notice it on the smaller bracelet. It’s hard to get a good picture.

I think some appear leaky as well. So the cut probably doesn't help.

 

[Mreader]

I have been hyper analyzing the larger bracelet to see how I feel and what I want in the future. The bracelet is so lovely. But I am noticing the color differences in the stones more and also the tilt windows. I believe that is what I’m seeing. @Mreader and @maryjane04 I know you both have old cut bracelets, is seeing the tilt window normal/common? I’m trying to figure out if I should expect that on future larger bracelets or if it’s these stones… I do not notice it on the smaller bracelet. It’s hard to get a good picture.

I will look when I have a chance! I don’t have it on me right now.

 

[Mreader]

I have been hyper analyzing the larger bracelet to see how I feel and what I want in the future. The bracelet is so lovely. But I am noticing the color differences in the stones more and also the tilt windows. I believe that is what I’m seeing. @Mreader and @maryjane04 I know you both have old cut bracelets, is seeing the tilt window normal/common? I’m trying to figure out if I should expect that on future larger bracelets or if it’s these stones… I do not notice it on the smaller bracelet. It’s hard to get a good picture.

So I uploaded another video and I don’t notice the window, but maybe I’m not moving my wrist properly? It’s not something that I’ve been very sensitive to I don’t think.

I don’t know if you saw my thread about when I purchased a line bracelet, but then I returned it because the seller was dishonest about the CTW? Take a look because that bracelet was also very beautiful and the stones were transitional and old euros so they were I would say a bit better cut from a technical standpoint. The bracelet I bought are old mines. The older it is the more wonk you’re likely to have and when you have a bracelet that has a ton of stones it’s going to probably have some that aren’t necessarily ideal range.

 

[maryjane04]

So I uploaded another video and I don’t notice the window, but maybe I’m not moving my wrist properly? It’s not something that I’ve been very sensitive to I don’t think.

I don’t know if you saw my thread about when I purchased a line bracelet, but then I returned it because the seller was dishonest about the CTW? Take a look because that bracelet was also very beautiful and the stones were transitional and old euros so they were I would say a bit better cut from a technical standpoint. The bracelet I bought are old mines. The older it is the more wonk you’re likely to have and when you have a bracelet that has a ton of stones it’s going to probably have some that aren’t necessarily ideal range.

Just a question, did you ever measure the width of your bracelet?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Most old cuts show tilt windows like that. Mine in my ring do.

 

[Mreader]

Just a question, did you ever measure the width of your bracelet?

It’s just over 6mm at the widest point