Tennis Bracelet Clasp

[kel12345]

Hi, I received a tennis bracelet for Christmas. The diamonds are beautiful but in general I feel as though the setting feels very cheap. I purchased a tennis necklace from the same jeweler and it feels very luxe. This bracelet is light weight (it’s supposed to be 14k gold) and the clasp is so big and spans 3 or 4 diamonds making part of the bracelet extremely stiff and not flexible. It drapes very strangely almost boxy since there’s no flexibility for the heavier part. This bracelet is 6.5” 10.6carats. Is this large of a clasp needed? I have a Swarovski tennis bracelet I got years ago (granted probably 1/2 the carat weight) since I wanted to see how often I would wear one and it just feels so much more expensive. It’s completely flexible and drapes off the wrist very nicely. I reached out to the jeweler so I’ll wait to hear back as to what they think but would love some opinions. Attaching photo of the clasp. Thank you!

 

[WillyDiamond]

Did you receive any pictures of the bracelet before you bought it? Also, the bracelet looks a little big for your wrist. Can you return it? Looking at the underside of the bracelet it looks clunky, not delicate.

 

[kel12345]

I did recieve photos but couldn’t tell it would be so stiff with such a large clasp. I can return however I wanted it a bit big. I like my bracelets an inch more than my wrist which this is. Do you know what the problem would be? Do I need a smaller clasp?

 

[kel12345]

Did you receive any pictures of the bracelet before you bought it? Also, the bracelet looks a little big for your wrist. Can you return it? Looking at the underside of the bracelet it looks clunky, not delicate.

did recieve photos but couldn’t tell it would be so stiff with such a large clasp. I can return however I wanted it a bit big. I like my bracelets an inch more than my wrist which this is. Do you know what the problem would be? Do I need a smaller clasp?

 

[kel12345]

Did you receive any pictures of the bracelet before you bought it? Also, the bracelet looks a little big for your wrist. Can you return it? Looking at the underside of the bracelet it looks clunky, not delicate.

Agreed it looks clunky great word for it, it is 10.6 carats and I have a very small wrist but I’ve tried on large carat bracelets before that were completely flexible and would hang off the wrist delicately. I’m not really sure what to ask my jeweler for other than a smaller clasp which he says doesn’t like to do with larger carat weight bracelets.

 

[WillyDiamond]

Agreed it looks clunky great word for it, it is 10.6 carats and I have a very small wrist but I’ve tried on large carat bracelets before that were completely flexible and would hang off the wrist delicately. I’m not really sure what to ask my jeweler for other than a smaller clasp which he says doesn’t like to do with larger carat weight bracelets.

Interesting point about size of clasp relative to carat weight size. I cannot add anything there, others might be able to chime in. I wonder if you could show the clasp to WF or BGD for their opinion on clasp size or is your jeweler blowing smoke up your axx?

 

[WillyDiamond]

I can’t say I love the space of diamonds near the clasp, thought it would be contiguous so if clasp rotated to top of your wrist, it would not show space of diamonds in bracelet line. These are pics of my wife’s bracelet, definitely smaller total carat size then yours, just wanted to show for comparison, hope helpful.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I think the style of the bracelet setting is important. Not sure if this particular bracelet has that large of a clasp due to the carat weight of the bracelet. I would guess that the stiffness might get better with time and wear but only the jeweler knows the answers to these questions. It is a large carat weight bracelet, obviously costly, but needs to be pleasing to you. My best advice is not to settle for something that doesn’t tick all of your boxes! Let us know what the jeweler has to say in response to your questions.

 

[kel12345]

I think the style of the bracelet setting is important. Not sure if this particular bracelet has that large of a clasp due to the carat weight of the bracelet. I would guess that the stiffness might get better with time and wear but only the jeweler knows the answers to these questions. It is a large carat weight bracelet, obviously costly, but needs to be pleasing to you. My best advice is not to settle for something that doesn’t tick all of your boxes! Let us know what the jeweler has to say in response to your questions.

The jeweler said the clasp has to be big because of the carat weight. I’m not sure why I asked for him to clarify. He offered a lobster clasp which I said no to, asking for another option and if it’s a security concern I’m okay with a smaller clasp as long as it has an additional clasp on the side. It’s really beautiful I’m very happy with the diamonds but I feel as though I’ll be unhappy with the current setting. I know 10.6 carat is by no means delicate but I wanted it to hang more delicately off the wrist, not so clunky looking. It almost makes it look like a square bangle when looking at the extra “slack” because it has no movement or flex near the clasp so that whole half of the bracelet looks square. It seems so off to me. Thank you for your input I appreciate it!

 

[MissGotRocks]

The jeweler said the clasp has to be big because of the carat weight. I’m not sure why I asked for him to clarify. He offered a lobster clasp which I said no to, asking for another option and if it’s a security concern I’m okay with a smaller clasp as long as it has an additional clasp on the side. It’s really beautiful I’m very happy with the diamonds but I feel as though I’ll be unhappy with the current setting. I know 10.6 carat is by no means delicate but I wanted it to hang more delicately off the wrist, not so clunky looking. It almost makes it look like a square bangle when looking at the extra “slack” because it has no movement or flex near the clasp so that whole half of the bracelet looks square. It seems so off to me. Thank you for your input I appreciate it!

It might be hard for it to look delicate at that carat weight but I do understand what you are saying. If the links are not flexible in between, it does start to resemble a bangle.
Wonder how much different it would look if it were a three prong bracelet instead of a four prong?
I would maybe call Whiteflash or Brian Gavin and ask what their thoughts are on a larger carat weight bracelet. Never hurts to ask!
Not sure how this compares in price but it has been done. @RunningwithScissors, does your tennis bracelet drape?

'Three-Prong' Tennis Bracelet | 6691

Three-Prong Tennis Bracelet. A bracelet that holds each diamond securely in a three-prong setting. | 6691

www.whiteflash.com

 

[Lookinagain]

The whole thing looks stiff, so I'm guessing it's the setting and not just the clasp.
It doesn't seem to "bend" well before the clasp is involved. So to me it would be the setting as much (or more) than the clasp.

 

[kel12345]

The whole thing looks stiff, so I'm guessing it's the setting and not just the clasp.
It doesn't seem to "bend" well before the clasp is involved. So to me it would be the setting as much (or more) than the clasp.

I think you are right, it’s more than the clasp. How should I tell my jeweler that? I’m having trouble explaining it to him as to what needs to be changed.

 

[seafarm]

Hi kel12345, I have an almost identical tennis bracelet.
It is 10.68ctw and 7 inches long. It is 18ct white gold and weighs just under 14 grams.
The clasp takes up 3 of the diamonds plus the release mechanism.
It is more ‘squarish’ and bulkier at the clasp, but to me this is required so the bracelet is secure (it has never bothered me). It also helps to keep the clasp at the base of my wrist because it is heavier, meaning it doesn’t easily spin on my wrist.
Here are some photos…..

 

[Lookinagain]

Hi kel12345, I have an almost identical tennis bracelet.
It is 10.68ctw and 7 inches long. It is 18ct white gold and weighs just under 14 grams.
The clasp takes up 3 of the diamonds plus the release mechanism.
It is more ‘squarish’ and bulkier at the clasp, but to me this is required so the bracelet is secure (it has never bothered me). It also helps to keep the clasp at the base of my wrist because it is heavier, meaning it doesn’t easily spin on my wrist.
Here are some photos…..

does the rest of the bracelet drape? Can you show it on your wrist? Her's seems to be stiff all the way around.

 

[Lookinagain]

I think you are right, it’s more than the clasp. How should I tell my jeweler that? I’m having trouble explaining it to him as to what needs to be changed.

My guess it's the setting. I'm interested to see how @seafarm's bracelet sits on her wrist.

But I'd ask the jeweler if there is a way to make it more flexible, as @MissGotRocks mentioned.

 

[seafarm]

does the rest of the bracelet drape? Can you show it on your wrist? Her's seems to be stiff all the way around.

Yes it does, but I have had it several years and although I don’t remember if it was overly stiff, it definitely has become more flexible over time.

 

[seafarm]

Close-up of the links….

 

[kel12345]

does the rest of the bracelet drape? Can you show it on your wrist? Her's seems to be stiff all the way around.

Good question the rest of bracelet is fine it’s just about idk 40% of the bracelet that is stiff on clasp side

 

[kel12345]

Yes it does, but I have had it several years and although I don’t remember if it was overly stiff, it definitely has become more flexible over time.

Thank you! Yours is exactly how I would like mine to hang off my wrist. As you can see a significant portion is stiff on the clasp side I’m beginning to wonder if it’s even the clasp that is the problem, versus the links?

 

[seafarm]

Thank you! Yours is exactly how I would like mine to hang off my wrist. As you can see a significant portion is stiff on the clasp side I’m beginning to wonder if it’s even the clasp that is the problem, versus the links?

The bracelet is stiff (boxy) at the clasp because the clasp is straight, it is not (and cannot be) curved or articulated like the links in the bracelet.
In this photo the clasp is not closed.

In one of my photos above I have my bracelet hanging over my finger. It does have a ‘boxy’ look at the clasp. It does look more flexible than yours (possibly) because I have had it almost six years.

I think your bracelet will become more flexible over time, but you need to be happy with it now.

It is a beautiful bracelet and looks lovely on you, so I hope you can work with your jeweller and find a happy medium.

Out of curiosity, what is the total weight of your bracelet? Mine is 13.66 grams.

Just to add, I have a 13.21ctw Riviera graduated tennis necklace (18 inches) in 14k white gold and it is substantially heavier at approx 29 grams.

 

[kel12345]

The bracelet is stiff (boxy) at the clasp because the clasp is straight, it is not (and cannot be) curved or articulated like the links in the bracelet.
In this photo the clasp is not closed.

In one of my photos above I have my bracelet hanging over my finger. It does have a ‘boxy’ look at the clasp. It does look more flexible than yours (possibly) because I have had it almost six years.

I think your bracelet will become more flexible over time, but you need to be happy with it now.

It is a beautiful bracelet and looks lovely on you, so I hope you can work with your jeweller and find a happy medium.

Out of curiosity, what is the total weight of your bracelet? Mine is 13.66 grams.

Just to add, I have a 13.21ctw Riviera graduated tennis necklace (18 inches) in 14k white gold and it is substantially heavier at approx 29 grams.

Great points! Thank you so much! Even with clasp on completely it’s the same thing (attached photo). I’m okay with it being straight where the clasp is which is 3 diamonds. I understand that there’s no way to change that, I would prefer a smaller clasp but it seems that might not be possible with this carat weight. I guess I’m confused as to why the rest of the links near the clasp are so stiff and not bendable it seems like something is off. You might be right that in time mine will be as flexible as yours! I just don’t know if I want to take the risk. I would love to make it work since the diamonds are so pretty though. I am waiting for my jeweler to get back to me. Last I told him, I mentioned maybe it’s less of a clasp issues and more of a stiff links issue but haven’t heard back yet.
I just weighed mine and it is 15 grams. My tennis necklace is perfectly flexible (from same jeweler) it is obviously straight at the clasp part but otherwise hangs normally. Can’t remember if it was more stiff when I first got it. My necklace is quite light 17carats at 23 grams. It must have minimal white gold compared to yours.

 

[seafarm]

Agree, it doesn’t look much different with the clasp fastened.

Just a thought…..you said your tennis necklace was more flexible than your bracelet. If you were to take your necklace and measure 6.5 inches then fashion it into a bracelet, does it have more flexibility than your bracelet or is it about the same?

I’m thinking your necklace possibly feels more flexible because of its length, though it probably has different links so this could be a futile exercise!! Mainly thinking out loud here!

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

I have sold hundreds of tennis braclets over the almost 5 decades and that type of clasp is one of the safest.
The balls on the end of the fig 8 clasps are a bit too big and stick out a bit much, which also makes it easy for them to catch on things and makes them look worse.
Necklaces are not in such a dangerous environment as braclets.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Stiff is great - it means the hinges are tight. They will get looser after wear.
EVERYONE - keep them clean and not too long as the wiggling causes wear, makes the a lot longer and then they catch on door handles etc and break.

 

[kel12345]

I have sold hundreds of tennis braclets over the almost 5 decades and that type of clasp is one of the safest.
The balls on the end of the fig 8 clasps are a bit too big and stick out a bit much, which also makes it easy for them to catch on things and makes them look worse.
Necklaces are not in such a dangerous environment as braclets.

Thanks Garry, it’s great to get a jeweler’s perspective. I thought mine was definitely defective in some way due to how stiff it is. It feels like a square bangle when looking the extra “slack” hanging but that’s good to know it should loosen over time. The fig 8 clasps that are a bit too big that you are referring to, that is different than my clasp correct? Also do you have any opinion on if the diamonds are set too high/look bulky? Appreciate your professional insight.

 

[kel12345]

Agree, it doesn’t look much different with the clasp fastened.

Just a thought…..you said your tennis necklace was more flexible than your bracelet. If you were to take your necklace and measure 6.5 inches then fashion it into a bracelet, does it have more flexibility than your bracelet or is it about the same?

I’m thinking your necklace possibly feels more flexible because of its length, though it probably has different links so this could be a futile exercise!! Mainly thinking out loud here!

Thank you, I love your ideas because I would really like to figure this out. If I fashioned my necklace to be roughly the same size as the bracelet, it still has a bit of stiffness but nowhere near as much as the bracelet. However, necklace is about 9 months old and smaller diamonds compared to bracelet. Gerry commented up above that he think stiffness is good as it means the hinges are tight and will get looser in time. I also wonder if the diamonds are set too high adding a clunkiness aspect to it which could be contributing. Mine are about 4mm tall from bottom of the setting to top of the prongs. If you have a measuring tool handy, as a science experiment hehe, would love to know how how tall your setting is since we almost have twin bracelets.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

The fig 8 claspa that are a bit too big that you are referring to, that is different than my clasp correct? Also do you have any opinion on if the diamonds are set too high/look bulky? Appreciate your professional insight.

The two outside clasps are what I am referring to as 'figure 8' clasps Kel.
Hard to say if it is too high - but every bracelet photo being worn here are too large and need some diamonds removed or they will catch and break.
Each link will grow about 0.3mm longer over a few years of wear. Then they wiggle more and wear much faster.
The dirt is the abrasive that causes the wear so weekly cleaning in very hot or boiling water with Ammonia and dish detergent and a good scrub or an ultrasonic cleaner extends the life of the bracelet by 3 times. And makes the diamonds shine more.
The cheapest vibrating (fake ultrasonics) work beautifully:

 

[kel12345]

The two outside clasps are what I am referring to as 'figure 8' clasps Kel.
Hard to say if it is too high - but every bracelet photo being worn here are too large and need some diamonds removed or they will catch and break.
Each link will grow about 0.3mm longer over a few years of wear. Then they wiggle more and wear much faster.
The dirt is the abrasive that causes the wear so weekly cleaning in very hot or boiling water with Ammonia and dish detergent and a good scrub or an ultrasonic cleaner extends the life of the bracelet by 3 times. And makes the diamonds shine more.
The cheapest vibrating (fake ultrasonics) work beautifully:

Thank you, I was warned about going too big but I just feel more comfortable with it bigger (I went an inch more than my wrist) however I know there’s a risk involved with that. At the very minimum should I have the jeweler make the side figure 8 clasps smaller? Thank you again for your help!

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Thank you, I was warned about going too big but I just feel more comfortable with it bigger (I went an inch more than my wrist) however I know there’s a risk involved with that. At the very minimum should I have the jeweler make the side figure 8 clasps smaller? Thank you again for your help!

You or hubby caan bend the ends in a bit?
Insure it!

 

[kel12345]

You or hubby caan bend the ends in a bit?
Insure it!

Will try that! Great reminder, I have a few things to insure, I need to get on that. Thank you for your knowledge.