should I buy this bracelet?

[Ashleigh]

Hi Phoenix,

My opinion seems to be in the minority here, and you appear to have already made up your mind from a few posts back. But here goes anyway:

I voted to buy the bracelet for the following reasons:

1. US$16K is a lot of money in absolute value but it might not be a lot in relative terms too.

2. I won't buy a bracelet with VG diamonds sight unseen or only seen once under jewelry store lightings. However, you've seen this bracelet a few times under normal lighting conditions and you love it. So you know the performance is "mind-clean" irl.

3. This is a diamond forum and cut is king here. In a ring with only lone diamond or even a few diamonds, yes. In earrings, yes. In a bracelet where I pay retail, yes. But you aren't paying retail in this case and the performance is VG (not ideal/excellent), so I don't mind VG diamond-bracelet. I don't scrutinise my tennis bracelet as much as my ring, so I'm ok with VG cut diamonds so long as they're sparkly, and in your case huge, so I see no reason not to get this bracelet. Having said that, while I can't see my pendant and earrings, I want true H&A in those diamonds as there're fewer diamonds and I need ideal cuts to ensure performance. But a bracelet is made up of so many diamonds, hence I don't mind non-ideal cuts, but still must be VG cut so that the sparkle is still there. Put it this way, VG cut bracelet gives 80% sparkle as compared to 100% sparkle from ideal cut bracelet. But the size of the VG diamonds are huge and it's a continuous sparkle of 25 diamonds, can the human eye really tell the difference in this case?

4. Not a reason but sometimes I'd think in this way too: If you know you'd spend US$16k anyway, would you rather get this bracelet or a birkin and a few scarves/CDCs or whatever other items on your wishlist?

 

[anne_h]

The bracelet sounds gorgeous and like a wonderful deal... but when I saw the title of this thread I immediately thought of some other posts I've seen from you recently, something along the lines of having too many pieces and needing to consolidate and not being able to sell everything you've got for sale now.

From the tone of your responses in this thread, I think you want to buy it. Only you can know how likely you are to regret it later, or not.

Me, I'd probably buy it.

Anne

 

[yennyfire]

I'd pass simply because it would be awkward to be wearing "her" bracelet in front of her...just seems like a bad idea, even if she asked for your help. Somehow, I think it would end badly. If you value your relationship with her, I'd pass.

 

[FancyDiamond]

I would buy it only if I will not upgrade my bracelet in the future, ever. I do not like expensive redundancy.

 

[Phoenix]

Thank you, 04!!! You have much to look forward to in the future!

Phoenix, here is the thread on Maya:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-98-rb-in-vatche-u113-thanks-to-idj.184808/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-98-rb-in-vatche-u113-thanks-to-idj.184808/[/URL]

Hubba hubba, I'd better scoot over there and compliment Maya and congratulate Bliss. That is one heck of a diamond/ a ring.

 

[CopperTop]

I wouldn't.

 

[Phoenix]

Where's 1-800-we-enable when you need her?

That's exactly what I thought, too !!!!

NEVER FEAR!!! TA DA!!! 1-800-WE-ENABLE is here and at your service!!!!

Phoenix, I haven't read thru all the posts yet (I was distracted by the siren song of people calling my name....LOL!) but from your original post - it seems like a good purchase in my mind. You want one - this is one at a reduced cost on the 2ndary market, you have seen it and know how it performs (granted - its not up to the perfection you would seek out if buying new...) and while you may not have a bottomless pit of money, you may be able to work out a payment arrangement and still obtain a gorgeous bracelet for less than retail.

So --- sometimes the universe just drops things in our lap and we have to move forward with them! If you buy it, and turns out you do not love it after all, you could still sell/consign it at a rate that may be more than what you paid. I don't see a down side (...yet - I haven't read all the posts...) but IMO, this is a winner deal!!!

BUT --- would it be weird after to see her in a social situation with you wearing "HER" bracelet? Would there be an residual anymosity between the two of you? Would she ever feel that she sold too low?? I'm just playing the devil's advocate here....

Yup to this. You've been around on PS long enough to know that friends and business/money should not mix.

IMO, walk away from this, as I said in my previous post. The only thing you mentioned in your poll was the quality of the diamonds. Nothing about your relationship with the seller. I must wonder if results would be different if that aspect had been included in your original poll.

Thank you, MC, Enerchi and Orbaya.

This person is in fact not a friend, just a casual acquaintance. I've known her for about 5-6 years now but we've never been close. She has similar taste to mine in bling . Oh ok her taste is a bit louder - he he....this is one of the very few pieces of hers that is not halo'ed, all the others have huge halo'es, for eg her 3.5-4ct diamond (I dunno the exact weight because she tends to exaggerate ), is encased in a halo so big it has a diameter of about 17-18mm I reckon, you could kill someone with that baby he he... . Her 1ct each earrings are similarly halo'ed such that the they've ended up looking like 3ct each from afar. ..Anyway, I digress...

I see her maybe twice, three times a year, usually just for tea or lunch. We had dinner once or twice in the past 5-6 years....We didn't even keep in touch once the 14 months I was in Shanghai and then only re-connected when DH and I came back and only because I'd bumped into her in a shopping mall. She and I are very much different in personality and no way will we ever be friends friends.

 

[Phoenix]

I voted nay, do not buy it. For me, it is not a deal at any price if it is not what you truly want.

Is there a possibility of borrowing it for a week or two? If so, it may help you make a decision.

Although I am leaning towards Nay; I still haven't made up my mind. Chances are that she may even go lower (she kept asking me if I wanted to buy it and she's asked me again today).

I think the idea of borrowing it to wear for a week or two is an excellent idea. However, I doubt if she'd let me, especially given that we don't know each other that well. Also, I'd be very reluctant to do that (much as I want to), not least because what if I lose it and then I'd for sure have to pay her.

 

[Phoenix]

Phoenix,

I am not a super crazy cut nut, so I disagree with some here who advise you to go smaller but better in quality with vendors. By buying second hand you are getting substantial savings and as we know by now, diamonds are notoriously hard to sell on the secondary market, which benefits you as the buyer.

My question for you is this: Will you be happy with the quality and what you will pay for this bracelet, or is there some part of you that dislikes an aspect of the bracelet and you might end up buying a brand new bracelet from a vendor with the exact specs you want? If this is the case then it seems like just going directly to a vendor and working with him/her based on what you want might be a better option. For me personally the cut difference and depth for a bracelet of this size(0.5 carat each on the wrist) might not matter as much compared to a 5 carat on my finger! So it really depends on how important it is to you. Good luck!

Yes, diamonds are very hard to sell, especially in a place where I live where "secondhand" diamonds are seen as undesirable and even less wanted.

The main reason I am considering the bracelet (yes, still thinking about it) is because it's a great deal, though am concerned with the cut quality. I think I will pop over to see her and see how I really really feel about it, in bright day light. I am also wondering if I could have it recut (bearing in mind the cost involved). If she dropped the price further (which she might) it might be worth it buying it and see how it goes (and I might not even end up having it recut, though it's hard to say at this stage). I agree that a bracelet comprising of 25 diamonds on one's wrist is quite different from one 5ct diamond on one's finger.

How's your search for your honker going btw?

 

[Phoenix]

The bracelet sounds gorgeous and like a wonderful deal... but when I saw the title of this thread I immediately thought of some other posts I've seen from you recently, something along the lines of having too many pieces and needing to consolidate and not being able to sell everything you've got for sale now.

From the tone of your responses in this thread, I think you want to buy it. Only you can know how likely you are to regret it later, or not.

Me, I'd probably buy it.

Anne

Ha ha, I am only complaining b/c it's taking a long time to sell those diamonds but then everyone knows it's so much easier to buy than it is to sell, especially when it comes to diamonds.

FYI, I am down to core pieces now, not selling to reduce the sheer number anymore (that part is done). In fact, I'm needing to build back up again with pieces of colours and clarities I'd prefer, not to mention size. Incidentally, I did have a tennis bracelet several years ago and the diamonds are smaller (like 10pts or something similar) and I've wanted a more substantial tennis bracelet for a while now. That has taken a back seat recently because I have other higher priority wants (like earrings, resetting of Holly, 3-stone ring).

 

[Phoenix]

I'd pass simply because it would be awkward to be wearing "her" bracelet in front of her...just seems like a bad idea, even if she asked for your help. Somehow, I think it would end badly. If you value your relationship with her, I'd pass.

Please see my post above (3-4 posts back). She's not a friend and there's no friendship to value/ to preserve. It was indeed a friend and in need, I'd prob just loan her the money to be honest.

BUT in my earlier posts, I did say that this feels somewhat unethical (for lack of a better word). I am wondering if I might feel like I was taking advantage of her and/or the situation, which I am not, not really. She IS asking for help and I don't know her well enough to loan her the money (I might never see it again!). Just putting it out there, she has NOT asked for a loan.

 

[Phoenix]

I would buy it only if I will not upgrade my bracelet in the future, ever. I do not like expensive redundancy.

I wouldn't be able to upgrade it. I do not like expensive redudancy either, which is why I am hesitating (b/c the cut might prevent me from wearing it - who knows). Perhaps I should take up the other poster's advice and see if I could wear it for a bit and see how I'd really feel about it on me.

 

[Dancing Fire]

[quote="Phoenix|1359520055|
The main reason I am considering the bracelet (yes, still thinking about it) is because it's a great deal, though am concerned with the cut quality. I think I will pop over to see her and see how I really really feel about it, in bright day light. I am also wondering if I could have it recut (bearing in mind the cost involved). If she dropped the price further (which she might) it might be worth it buying it and see how it goes (and I might not even end up having it recut, though it's hard to say at this stage). I agree that a bracelet comprising of 25 diamonds on one's wrist is quite different from one 5ct diamond on one's finger.

[/quote]

what are you gonna do with 25 GIA lab reports,trash them?... so forget about recutting the stones. $350 X 25 stones = $8750...

 

[canuk-gal]

I wouldn't.

+1

cheers--Sharon

 

[Phoenix]

I wouldn't.

+1

cheers--Sharon

Why? Please do tell.

 

[Phoenix]

what are you gonna do with 25 GIA lab reports,trash them?... so forget about recutting the stones. $350 X 25 stones = $8750...

Yeah I know, though one might be able to get a "bulk-deal" or maybe I'm just kidding myself, lol!

 

[Alexiszoe]

Hi Phoenix,

most unfortunately the search for the honker is on hold for now - my job is no longer stable so we are going to wait on this until we know and feel secure about our finances, which might be another year or two. And now with JA introducing their awesome videos it becomes so hard to resist! But I will have to be good, it's just a matter of when. Do keep us updated with your decision!

 

[Dancing Fire]

[quote="Phoenix|1359520055|
The main reason I am considering the bracelet (yes, still thinking about it) is because it's a great deal, though am concerned with the cut quality. I think I will pop over to see her and see how I really really feel about it, in bright day light. I am also wondering if I could have it recut (bearing in mind the cost involved). If she dropped the price further (which she might) it might be worth it buying it and see how it goes (and I might not even end up having it recut, though it's hard to say at this stage). I agree that a bracelet comprising of 25 diamonds on one's wrist is quite different from one 5ct diamond on one's finger.

what are you gonna do with 25 GIA lab reports,trash them?... so forget about recutting the stones. $350 X 25 stones = $8750...

Yeah I know, though one might be able to get a "bulk-deal" or maybe I'm just kidding myself, lol! [/quote]

just saying...even IF Brian is willing to do it for $6k ,$6k is still a lot of money,and don't forget about shipping + insurance.

 

[canuk-gal]

I wouldn't.

+1

cheers--Sharon

Why? Please do tell.

HI:

You really want my opinion? OK--you asked!

While I appreciate and greatly admire the asethetic of "large" ctw diamonds rings--I don't find the same pleasure in diamond bracelets, especially tennis bracelets. In their case, less is more--because, IMO, it is simply a more "refined" look.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Dancing Fire]

Phoenix...unlike us Asians Canadians think small...

 

[JaneSmith]

Go and have a good look at it again. Take your loupe. Wear it for a while, maybe during lunch? Tell yourself 'these are not ideal cut, they could perform better'. See how you feel about that. See if she will come down on the price. Price out similar bracelets, retail or ebay. Do you think you could recoup all your cash when you sell in a few years? Can you stomach taking a hit on this?
Deals are damn tempting, especially when it's something from your want list. I don't envy you right now. I'd be itching to buy that big fat bracelet!
How about you just buy the J12?

 

[Dreamer_D]

I am sure I can tell the difference between a good cut and ideal cut diamonds of about 0.4 to 0.5 carats and this is the sticking point for me. I know I would regret not going for the better cut diamonds.

Ditto this and especially ditto because DS pointed out that you could buy ideal stones in the .40ct range and make a similar, but more beautiful, bracelet for not much more.

I also want to encourage you generally not to buy things on "impulse", like a deal that comes your way, and instead seek out the things you most desire in a considered fashion.

 

[VRBeauty]

So... is it this particular bracelet you want?

Or is it the great deal that's got your attention?

 

[Dancing Fire]

lets use the following stone as an example...
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.403-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104057632119#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/2/

so let say $850 per stone X 25 = $21,250 + $3,000 for a 18K blank bracelet?? + $500 in labor to set the stones?? = 10 ctw for $24,750 with all H SI1 H&A stones.

btw; i'm just guessing on the price for the bracelet and the cost of labor for setting the stones.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I was getting her G VS2 stones, DF, so my bracelet was going to be nicer! Recutting is not going to be worth it because she'll end up paying about what it would cost to just buy the 40 point bracelet outright.

The thing is, a bracelet with 15-20 pointers is a very, very nice tennis bracelet for almost anyone, and doubling to 40 points is a significant piece. There may be someone here with one, but I don't think I have ever seen one that large. I am with Sharon in thinking that 50 points is almost too much. There is something very elegant about a little line of sparkle on the wrist. I do think her bracelet needs to be larger than mine (10 pointers) simply to be complimentary to her other jewelry. But anywhere between 20-40 pointers would be a very nice bracelet for someone with larger diamond jewelry, in my opinion.

 

[chrono]

Just saying...even IF Brian is willing to do it for $6k ,$6k is still a lot of money,and don't forget about shipping + insurance.

And the cost to unset each diamond before the recut and to set each diamond after the recut. What is that cost? I think BGD charges at least $100 to set each stone, so that will bring the overall cost to $9000.

 

[Niel]

Just saying...even IF Brian is willing to do it for $6k ,$6k is still a lot of money,and don't forget about shipping + insurance.

And the cost to unset each diamond before the recut and to set each diamond after the recut. What is that cost? I think BGD charges at least $100 to set each stone, so that will bring the overall cost to $9000.

Plus there's no certainty they would all be able to be cut to 40 pointers or are able to be recut, right??

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I am sure they could all be recut and they could be recut to the same size. But I don't think that is worth exploring when certified G-H VS2 stones are available under $1000 each. You wouldn't want to pay for new certs on the recuts, so then if she ever did want to sell the bracelet, it would be harder to sell. I think the recut idea needs to be dismissed. There are many women over there who are not into cut and would MUCH rather have the .50 diamonds, I am sure! Phoenix is too knowledgeable and I am pretty sure this bracelet won't be mindclean for her. Lots of people don't think ideal cut is necessary for studs, either, but some of us do! (No one can look at my bracelet with 10 pointers and tell anything about the cut. With a loupe they look decently cut with close to same size tables. I just don't see the arrows. But boy could you see all that in 50 pointers! I just think she would regret it over the long haul.)

 

[Dancing Fire]

I was getting her G VS2 stones, DF, so my bracelet was going to be nicer! Recutting is not going to be worth it because she'll end up paying about what it would cost to just buy the 40 point bracelet outright.

The thing is, a bracelet with 15-20 pointers is a very, very nice tennis bracelet for almost anyone, and doubling to 40 points is a significant piece. There may be someone here with one, but I don't think I have ever seen one that large. I am with Sharon in thinking that 50 points is almost too much. There is something very elegant about a little line of sparkle on the wrist. I do think her bracelet needs to be larger than mine (10 pointers) simply to be complimentary to her other jewelry. But anywhere between 20-40 pointers would be a very nice bracelet for someone with larger diamond jewelry, in my opinion.

.50 ct G VS2 ACA for < $1K ea.?

 

[chamois]

Do what makes you happy....you only live once.