Tennis bracelet - Costco 4 carat mined or IDJ 5 carat lab grown

[lindaw09]

Hi! First time poster here I'm looking into 4 prong tennis bracelets and am deciding between two for the same price - 1) Costco 4 carat mined, I color, VS2 and 2) IDJ 5 carat lab grown, D-E color, VVS-VS.

For reference, my engagement ring is I color. I'm wondering if there will be too large of a contrast with the IDJ bracelet.

Also, I'm wondering if any of you have experience with the quality of the setting for Costco vs. IDJ in terms of security and appearance (does one do better prong settings than the other)? I'd prefer something with minimal metal showing.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[mayaINaU]

It’s a tough call. I am very happy with the IDJ setting; 3 carats, ideal cut, F-G color. @MamaBee just bought a 3 carat four prong from Costco, and has some close-up photos here. The prong-work looks very nice as well. Do you have any feelings about lab vs. mined that might sway you? I think you’d be happy with the quality of either. Many people would not be bothered by the color difference between the ring and bracelet, but I’d go try some on in that color range to see if it bothers you. MamaBee’s photos:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-costco-diamonds.231864/post-5244341

 

[autumngems]

Hi! First time poster here I'm looking into 4 prong tennis bracelets and am deciding between two for the same price - 1) Costco 4 carat mined, I color, VS2 and 2) IDJ 5 carat lab grown, D-E color, VVS-VS.

For reference, my engagement ring is I color. I'm wondering if there will be too large of a contrast with the IDJ bracelet.

Also, I'm wondering if any of you have experience with the quality of the setting for Costco vs. IDJ in terms of security and appearance (does one do better prong settings than the other)? I'd prefer something with minimal metal showing.

Thanks for your advice!

I would go for the mined, but that is me, I do not care for lab.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I too would go for mined over lab but no one can really tell you what is right for you. I personally would not need D-E color for a tennis bracelet. You could ask IDJ for their price on a 5 carat tennis bracelet in an F-G color range too.

 

[mayaINaU]

I too would go for mined over lab but no one can really tell you what is right for you. I personally would not need D-E color for a tennis bracelet. You could ask IDJ for their price on a 5 carat tennis bracelet in an F-G color range too.

I agree, mine is mined and F-G, and I think the color is perfect.

 

[MamaBear]

I too would go for mined over lab but no one can really tell you what is right for you. I personally would not need D-E color for a tennis bracelet. You could ask IDJ for their price on a 5 carat tennis bracelet in an F-G color range too.

This. It’s at least worth asking them for the quote. I’d prefer mined as well…

 

[mayaINaU]

IDJ just posted this code for 30% off lab bracelets!

 

[lindaw09]

Yes, I saw this. I'm factoring in the 30% off when comparing the prices

 

[Chasiu]

Hi @lindaw09! I have a 5ct lab diamond 4-prong tennis bracelet from IDJ (D/E Color, VS Clarity), and I also own an earth-mined BGD Signature J colored round diamond. I tried to take a few photos for you in indoor lighting to compare:






To my eyes, there is a tinge more warmth in the J stone when I put them side by side, but overall the smaller D/E stones just look super bright. However, I'm sure that any well cut diamonds in a smaller diameter will generally look pretty bright. Agree that D/E is kind of overkill on the color, but that is what they had at the time and the price was good

I don't know if the 5ct 4-prong bracelet listed on their website is the exact same one that I purchased, but it looks pretty close. I tried on a few at the store, and definitely some felt different on the wrist than others despite looking like the same style. The clasp feels pretty secure to me (I love that there are diamonds on the clasp enclosure as opposed to plain metal), and honestly the bracelet looked FABULOUS when I wore it to my company's holiday party (in dimly lit party hall) as well as under overhead lighting.

 

[lindaw09]

Thank you!!! This is so helpful! Your bracelet looks beautiful

 

[chere]

I took a chance on the 4ctw Costco tennis bracelet since it was on sale and they have a great return policy...

It was appraised as EFG, VS-VVS, Excellent cut.

It's worth taking a look...

 

[AE16]

I’m curious, which one did you decide on?!