should I buy this bracelet?

[diamondseeker2006]

One more thing, the key would be to stay in the .40 range and that will literally slash the cost of a new bracelet. I see a .43 G VS2 for under a $1000, AGS ideal cut (I wouldn't have to have all ACA but I'd want all ideal/excellent cut). See, this is doable for far less than $50k. And I can't imagine not preferring a bracelet with ideal cut 40 pointers over one with vg cut 50 pointers. 40 pointers are BIG in a bracelet!!!

 

[m-2-b]

Great post, DS!

Phoenix: I think you should get quotes from both BGD and WF for something similar and see if it is worth it to you to pay more for a quality piece? Maybe you can use some of credit from your BGD stones to make up the difference? I think this one looks pretty nice, especially w/ the bezels making it look bigger:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-bracelets/round-tennis-18k-white-gold-5656w18

 

[04diamond<3]

Well...if that's the case (although I'm still not convinced it is because this always comes up), then get it. If you won't be ok with a smaller tennis bracelet and this is something you will always keep, then sure, I'd get it. Would you wear it on a daily basis? If that's the case then I suppose I could justify it. But...if you intend on keeping it then go for it. Maybe pass it down to your daughter? If you have one or will have one. If she's anything like you I'm sure she'd be ecstatic! I know I would be

LOL, you're too funny!!

Yes, I'd def wear it on a daily basis (this woman has and her taste is rather similar to mine). All my pieces are for daily wear; and I HATE having pieces that sit around doing nothing (perhaps with the exception of a *future* riviera necklce, if any); which is exactly why I've been culling my collection for the last few years and getting items that would get plenty of use out of.

No daughter...for now...again, that's all I am prepared to say!

Then unless you won't consider anything smaller with better cut (like that drool worthy one DS posted from WF ) and size matters more, get it and post 1000 pictures!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

First of all, Phoenix, I do not like people suggesting how you could better spend your money. This is a diamond forum and jewelry is a hobby for most of us who stick around here. So I am always going to consider questions like this with the premise that the person wouldn't be asking if they couldn't afford the piece, and investments and charitable giving are none of our business!!!

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-bracelets/x-prong-diamond-tennis-bracelet-330.htm

the ONLY reason I said anything like this is because she was wondering about it and asked. So like you, I gave my opinion. I will agree with you on the bracelet from WF!!!!!!!!!! It's stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't mean to single you out because I have seen other people think that way before on previous threads.

 

[Phoenix]

First of all, Phoenix, I do not like people suggesting how you could better spend your money. This is a diamond forum and jewelry is a hobby for most of us who stick around here. So I am always going to consider questions like this with the premise that the person wouldn't be asking if they couldn't afford the piece, and investments and charitable giving are none of our business!!!

Now that I have gotten that out of the way, I will give my non-enabling opinion. I try to think things through and give an honest opinion, and you know that. The only thing tempting about this purchase is that it is a bargain for what it is. My first question is, do you know for sure the total carat weight of the piece and is there documentation to prove the weight, color, and clarity of those diamonds? Because if she just bought it out of a jewelry case, we both know the stones could be lower than she thinks, especially clarity and color could be a grade or two lower as well.

Anyway, getting to the real point, I am almost certain you would not buy this bracelet under other circumstances. So I am going to say that I don't think you should do it. That bracelet is 12 carats, but I would rather have this ACA bracelet of 7.2 cts at $11,600 over a mediocre quality 12 ct. bracelet at $16k.

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-bracelets/x-prong-diamond-tennis-bracelet-330.htm

But of course, WF or BG could make you one for $16k with larger stones than the one I linked, or you can wait until some of your diamonds sell and buy whatever size you really want. But I would NOT sacrifice quality! If this was a $500 pair of earrings we were talking about, it wouldn't matter. But $16k is a LOT of money to spend on a piece that you have valid doubts about and a great amount to put toward a high quality piece. I have a 4 ct tennis bracelet pre-PS that is probably like that bracelet. It appears to be good color and clarity, thankfully, but certainly the stones are not excellent cut. But they are only 10 pointers so it is harder to detect it. I would notice it a lot more in half carat stones!

So, I am going to leave you with my original tagline and also MrsSalvo's:

When in doubt, don't.

A deal is only a deal if you are getting exactly what you want.

THANK YOU, DS, for saying what I really want to say but in a much more eloquent way, ha ha!!

Would it make any difference if I were to tell you that all of these diamonds have a laser inscription and I have louped them. They are all G-H, VS1- VS2 as per the GIA reports (or are they called "dossiers" - ie. the smaller GIA rpts).

Ha ha, I was waiting for someone to quote me that tagline!!

LOVE YA, DS. You're making a lot of sense...in fact, just reading your post is convincing me to go towards a NAY decision. Yes, 16k IS still a huge amount of money, regardless of needs/ wants and have's/ havenot's.

THANK YOU!!

 

[chrono]

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.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I love ya, back, Phoenix, and you know that is why I always think about what I would truly do myself in the same situation and then give you an honest answer! I don't know if you saw my second post, but I see that you can get a G VS2 ideal cut .43 for about $1000. You know going over that .50 mark is what drives the price up so much. So I really would suggest going for the .40 range because the substance will be there without paying that huge bump up in price at .50!

Yes, it is good to know the diamonds are G VS and certified. Seeing it in person might make a difference. BUT, I know right now that if I could change my nice tennis bracelet into a WF or BG ideal cut one without losing money, I would!!! So I would still go for one with 40 pointers if I were you!

 

[Phoenix]

Great post, DS!

Phoenix: I think you should get quotes from both BGD and WF for something similar and see if it is worth it to you to pay more for a quality piece? Maybe you can use some of credit from your BGD stones to make up the difference? I think this one looks pretty nice, especially w/ the bezels making it look bigger:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-bracelets/round-tennis-18k-white-gold-5656w18

LOL, I have actually recently asked Lesley for a quote and it was really high and thus I didn't pursue it further. A tennis bracelet is actually lower down my wish-list. A pair of earirngs is my first priority (as you may already know), next is either a 3-stone ring or a reset for Holly (but hopefully both).

That is one very beautiful bracelet - certainly I'd be able to trade in one or two of my existing BGD diamonds. Thanks for posting it.

I was only temped b/c this woman offered this bracelet to me today, and I had to give it some consideration. And am glad I came here to ask for help.

Thank you.

How is your search for the 4ct going btw? You know Brian is going to Antwerp this coming Sunday?

 

[m-2-b]

Great post, DS!

Phoenix: I think you should get quotes from both BGD and WF for something similar and see if it is worth it to you to pay more for a quality piece? Maybe you can use some of credit from your BGD stones to make up the difference? I think this one looks pretty nice, especially w/ the bezels making it look bigger:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-bracelets/round-tennis-18k-white-gold-5656w18

LOL, I have actually recently asked Lesley for a quote and it was really high and thus I didn't pursue this further.

A tennis bracelet is actually lower down my wish-list. A pair of earirngs is my first priority (as you may already know), next is either a 3-stone ring or a reset for Holly (but hopefully both).

i was only temped b/c this woman offered this bracelet to me today, and I had to give it some consideration. And am glad I came here to ask for help.

Thank you.

How is your search for the 4ct going btw? You know Brian is going to Antwerp this coming Sunday?

Just looking from afar right now, although Holly and Maya are giving me DSS as we speak! No bling budget left at this time to do so! DH did promise me some spending $$ in the near future for a potential upgrade!

So will they be able to find you a match soon for your studs?

 

[Phoenix]

First of all, Phoenix, I do not like people suggesting how you could better spend your money. This is a diamond forum and jewelry is a hobby for most of us who stick around here. So I am always going to consider questions like this with the premise that the person wouldn't be asking if they couldn't afford the piece, and investments and charitable giving are none of our business!!!

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-bracelets/x-prong-diamond-tennis-bracelet-330.htm

the ONLY reason I said anything like this is because she was wondering about it and asked. So like you, I gave my opinion. I will agree with you on the bracelet from WF!!!!!!!!!! It's stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't mean to single you out because I have seen other people think that way before on previous threads.

No worries, 04diamonds<3! I know you were speaking from your heart.

And yes, the bracelet DS posted is absolutely STUNNING!!

 

[Phoenix]

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.

Yes, this is the way I am leaning towards.

 

[orbaya]

If I were you (which I would love to be in your shoes for a day!), I would pass. I would regret the cut in the end so it would not be mind clean enough for me, even if it was a bargain! I would save for other pieces instead (such as an ACA WF tennis bracelet)! Just my 2cts!

This is the ONLY thing that's holding me back. A similarly-sized WF ACA or BGD H&A bracelet would be terrilby expensive (like USD50k) and that's why I still haven't bought one yet. Perhaps I could put my existing bracelet up for sale and put the proceeds toward the purchase of an ideal or super-ideal cut tennis bracelet, he he... That's the only way I could justify buying one of those. What do you think?

Since there's something holding you back on this bracelet, don't do it. I believe that you won't be "mind clean" happy and will decide later on to sell or just not wear it.

 

[Phoenix]

I love ya, back, Phoenix, and you know that is why I always think about what I would truly do myself in the same situation and then give you an honest answer! I don't know if you saw my second post, but I see that you can get a G VS2 ideal cut .43 for about $1000. You know going over that .50 mark is what drives the price up so much. So I really would suggest going for the .40 range because the substance will be there without paying that huge bump up in price at .50!

Yes, it is good to know the diamonds are G VS and certified. Seeing it in person might make a difference. BUT, I know right now that if I could change my nice tennis bracelet into a WF or BG ideal cut one without losing money, I would!!! So I would still go for one with 40 pointers if I were you!

THANK YOU again, DS, for your honest answer. I absolutely agree - going to 50pt and above would jack up the pricing significantly, so the key would be to say below 50pt each. I think in the LR, I'd much prefer well cut but slightly smaller (by no means "small' though) diamonds to those that are bigger but not as firey/ sparkly and not ideal or super-ideal cut. Like you, I think there's really no need for super-ideal though and ideal would be plenty good for a bracelet.

 

[Phoenix]

Just looking from afar right now, although Holly and Maya are giving me DSS as we speak! No bling budget left at this time to do so! DH did promise me some spending $$ in the near future for a potential upgrade!

So will they be able to find you a match soon for your studs?

Maya? Maya? I think I'd better scoot over to RMTB to see who she is, lol. (am very sleepy though and should be going to bed very soon).

DH promised? Sounds GOOOOD!!

Hmmm...Lesley said Brian would try. I really hope so, otherwise there's something in the other sub-forum, he he..

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree. GIA Excellent or AGS Ideal for a bracelet that size. Staying under the price jump points is always a good idea in a piece like this.

 

[04diamond<3]

First of all, Phoenix, I do not like people suggesting how you could better spend your money. This is a diamond forum and jewelry is a hobby for most of us who stick around here. So I am always going to consider questions like this with the premise that the person wouldn't be asking if they couldn't afford the piece, and investments and charitable giving are none of our business!!!

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-bracelets/x-prong-diamond-tennis-bracelet-330.htm

the ONLY reason I said anything like this is because she was wondering about it and asked. So like you, I gave my opinion. I will agree with you on the bracelet from WF!!!!!!!!!! It's stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't mean to single you out because I have seen other people think that way before on previous threads.

No worries, 04diamonds<3! I know you were speaking from your heart.

And yes, the bracelet DS posted is absolutely STUNNING!!

Thank you Phoenix And DS - I understand. I kind of can't help it as that is my way of thinking when buying anything! Probably because I'm still in school and we're living on one salary. One more year!

Absolutely would love to have a collection like yours Phoenix (ESPECIALLY HOLLY!!!)! And DS - your new RHR is stunning and I'd love to have a ring like that. Maybe with blue sapphires

 

[diamondseeker2006]

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]

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

DS put things into perspective so eloquently. Yes, it's an amazing deal, but I didn't put into account the mind cleanliness of the cut of the stones in the long run

You asked what I would do.

First, I was be soooo excited that I have a chance to get a tennis bracelet for such a cheap price. Then my mind would start turning... How much more would it be to get better cut diamonds... And then I would forget about the original tennis bracelet and it would become my project to get the best bracelet for the best price.

So, what I am saying is don't settle. It seems in your new posts you sound like you're kinda settling. Phoenix never settles!

 

[Rosebloom]

First of all, Phoenix, I do not like people suggesting how you could better spend your money. This is a diamond forum and jewelry is a hobby for most of us who stick around here. So I am always going to consider questions like this with the premise that the person wouldn't be asking if they couldn't afford the piece, and investments and charitable giving are none of our business!!!

Now that I have gotten that out of the way, I will give my non-enabling opinion. I try to think things through and give an honest opinion, and you know that. The only thing tempting about this purchase is that it is a bargain for what it is. My first question is, do you know for sure the total carat weight of the piece and is there documentation to prove the weight, color, and clarity of those diamonds? Because if she just bought it out of a jewelry case, we both know the stones could be lower than she thinks, especially clarity and color could be a grade or two lower as well.

Anyway, getting to the real point, I am almost certain you would not buy this bracelet under other circumstances. So I am going to say that I don't think you should do it. That bracelet is 12 carats, but I would rather have this ACA bracelet of 7.2 cts at $11,600 over a mediocre quality 12 ct. bracelet at $16k.

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-bracelets/x-prong-diamond-tennis-bracelet-330.htm

But of course, WF or BG could make you one for $16k with larger stones than the one I linked, or you can wait until some of your diamonds sell and buy whatever size you really want. But I would NOT sacrifice quality! If this was a $500 pair of earrings we were talking about, it wouldn't matter. But $16k is a LOT of money to spend on a piece that you have valid doubts about and a great amount to put toward a high quality piece. I have a 4 ct tennis bracelet pre-PS that is probably like that bracelet. It appears to be good color and clarity, thankfully, but certainly the stones are not excellent cut. But they are only 10 pointers so it is harder to detect it. I would notice it a lot more in half carat stones!

So, I am going to leave you with my original tagline and also MrsSalvo's:

When in doubt, don't.

A deal is only a deal if you are getting exactly what you want.

I completely agree with all of this!

I think a tennis bracelet of .45ers ACA/BGS stones would be a forever piece for you. And $16k would probably cover half the cost, I would guesstimate? So I would definitely hold out for the perfect version that you'll cherish forever.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I would say not to buy it. I skimmed the responses and agree with DS that finding diamonds in the .40 range that are ideal cut makes more sense. Also, I am thinking it's awkward to be buying this from a friend who is "practically begging you to buy it." It would be weird wearing it around someone who had to sell due to financial distress. I can understand an online selling/pre-loved situation, but not someone you know in person who's having problems.

 

[Enerchi]

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....

 

[MichelleCarmen]

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....

I just posted similar above. I wasn't sure if it was appropriate, but in REALITY, not PS world, it would be SUPER AWKWARD wearing the bracelet in front of her.

 

[donnabrsd]

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.

 

[sapphirering]

I agree with DS and others who voted no. Don't do it, Phoenix!

Sure, it sounds like a great bargain. But is it really? How much would a VG cut bracelet cost in retail? Probably not that much more than $16k? It really isn't fair to compare your friend's bracelet to a top-of-the-line one from WF or BGD. That's not an apple-to-apple comparison! As a former financial analyst, my #1 rule when doing cost-benefit analysis is always to make sure that you are comparing like to like!

This bracelet is only a super deal if it's a super-ideal cut bracelet on par with WF or BGD. Otherwise, I'd pass. You have amazing jewelry Phoenix. It's like you are used to wearing Manolos or Choo pumps everyday and you see a great deal on a pair of Cole Haan (hey this is not to knock CH). How often would you really wear them even if they are a bargain?

 

[orbaya]

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.

 

[Alexiszoe]

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!

 

[Dancing Fire]

[quote="Phoenix|1359474266|
Okay, I've already shared too much of my life and my/ our circumstances on PS, so I am not going to say anymore, other than the following : Let's assume that these other needs are taken care of/ we're well on the way to achieving our goals - not confirming or refuting, one way or the other...but again let's just assume that all these needs are well taken care of and the purchase of this bracelet (IF it does happen) is NOT going to make a significant difference to our funds / those needs or going to distract us from our goals & objectives.

FYI, I do not want a smaller tennis bracelet. EIther I buy this or something like this, or I don't at all. I have wanted a tennis bracelet of this size for quite a while already. The only thing I am unsure about is the cut. As mentioned above, the other criteria (ie. colour, clarity and pricing) are plenty mind-clean for me.

What would your advice be then?[/quote]


then BUY IT ..we all know you have money coming out of your WAZOO ... ..$17K is a very fair price for both buyer and seller... ...i wouldn't have any problem with VG cuts on a tennis bracelet. please post some wrist shots after your purchase...

 

[Dancing Fire]

OK,make her an offer of $14k = $560 per stone ...

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

[quote="Phoenix|1359474266|
Okay, I've already shared too much of my life and my/ our circumstances on PS, so I am not going to say anymore, other than the following : Let's assume that these other needs are taken care of/ we're well on the way to achieving our goals - not confirming or refuting, one way or the other...but again let's just assume that all these needs are well taken care of and the purchase of this bracelet (IF it does happen) is NOT going to make a significant difference to our funds / those needs or going to distract us from our goals & objectives.

FYI, I do not want a smaller tennis bracelet. EIther I buy this or something like this, or I don't at all. I have wanted a tennis bracelet of this size for quite a while already. The only thing I am unsure about is the cut. As mentioned above, the other criteria (ie. colour, clarity and pricing) are plenty mind-clean for me.

What would your advice be then?

then BUY IT ..we all know you have money coming out of your WAZOO ... ..$17K is a very fair price for both buyer and seller... ...i wouldn't have any problem with VG cuts on a tennis bracelet. please post some wrist shots after your purchase... [/quote]
Sometimes I can't even comprehend the amount of money coming out of her wazoo.

 

[Dancing Fire]

[quote="YT|1359513052|


Sometimes I can't even comprehend the amount of money coming out of her wazoo.[/quote]

a very BIG wazoo!!...