Tennis Bracelet or VCA?

[tkyasx78]

The love bracelet is sold by Cartier stores and suppliers , So I would not ask the VCA employees too much about it as they will likely not be super receptive to discussing a competitor.

Granted I haven't been in a VCA store in ages so ... who knows!

I think the love bracelet is pretty, but I won't wear jewelry 24/7 and the bracelet doesn't come on and off quite as easy as one would hope ( you need the tool they provide to remove it. ) I have also heard that over time ( many years) if you remove it at night the screw can become worn so it is best if you can keep it on unless you need to remove it. ( it is an 18 K piece so it is softer than a 14 k ring ) I do think they will replace the screw if it wears though within the first year or so , but most people never have an issue of course.

 

[facetgirl]

I bought my tennis bracelet first. It is a little over 4 carats. I wore it daily for a while and then I got a RG vintage 5 motif Alhambra which I wore until my mom took it over. But over time I think I find the tennis bracelet a little blingy for everyday. I work in an office. I feel more comfortable with an Alhambra. I agree that a tennis bracelet is a staple and I am glad I bought it. But in a day to day basis I wear the Alhambra more. And it’s a weird thing about VCA. Once you have it on, and you have the chance to look at it every day, you appreciate the beauty and the workmanship more and more. At least I do. I am waiting on a onyx and white gold special order which will take about five months. I expect that will be my daily piece when I get it.

So, I would get the VCA piece first and see how much you wear it. And depending on how much you wear it, I would decide if I even want a tennis bracelet.

What you say here- "And it’s a weird thing about VCA. Once you have it on, and you have the chance to look at it every day, you appreciate the beauty and the workmanship more and more. " This is where I'm at right now - only after seeing them in the VCA thread. I think I have to see it on me to see if it resonates and compare to what I'd be looking at with a tennis bracelet. 2 very different looks. I just hope I don't get more confused. Thanks for your advice @LLJsmom !

 

[facetgirl]

I vote tennis bracelet.
Personally I’ve been “put off” those expensive designer pieces because I’ve been seeing around various “copies” of the VCA bracelet. Seeing as you are paying such a huge premium for the VCA name and design (all that money you pay isn’t in the materials) I wouldnt like the idea of “my” VCA $5,000 bracelet being compared to the “one Susie got of eBay just the same for $80!

I feel the same way @Bron357 - I don't typically gravitate towards brand names but I've not seen the Alhambra on anyone around me and its kind of interesting to think of it as a potential signature piece. Sage advice though and something I will consider as I do comparison research.

Thanks again for all of your opinions and advice everyone. I have to go try some bracelets on.

 

[Octo2005]

@Phoenix and @hathalove - I was about to say I'm not a fan of the Love bracelet although I've been intrigued by it. I just don't see myself wearing it all the time though. I won't rule it out and if I go to VCA in NYC, maybe I'll stop by Cartier and try one on for size.

I love love the onyx Alhambra you posted hathalove. I am drawn to the RG and the YG more though. Something about those make me swoon.

So excited for you, can't wait to see what you decide.

Just to add another perspective - I was having the tennis bracelet debate with myself awhile back. I haven't been able to act on it just yet but I was leaning towards the diamond sweet alhambra. For me it felt like the best of both, iconic and can be dressed up or dressed down.

I know that you have already ruled it out but as for the Love - I have a a diamond Love bracelet. I never wear it! I have gained weight since and it is currently tighter than I prefer. Anyone considering being one I would recommend considering going a size up.

To be honest, I didn't wear it that often when it fit better. It is a pain to put on and take off (it's the old design. I also find the original size a little to wide for my arm. I am short and carrying extra weight, so I just don't find it to be as elegant looking as on a woman with long slender arms. Maybe if I had a stack. That being said, I really like the new skinny versions and I am totally lusting after one of the pave versions.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think the diamond bracelet and an iconic solid gold bracelet are both staple pieces, so I'd aim for both and it doesn't matter which you get first. I will say that I think the yellow gold is going to be more enduring than the pink gold, and it is simply brighter and shows up more. BUT, a lot depends on your skin, because my skin is pinkish and the pink gold looks blah on my skin. My younger (Asian) daughter has more brown skin, and all metals look fabulous on her! In addition, there are many more pieces of Alhambra set in yg to coordinate with a yg bracelet if you ever decided to get a ring, pendant, or earrings. But if it is a one and only VCA purchase (), then it wouldn't matter as much. Other VCA fans understand the laughing emojis!

 

[DorotheaBrooke]

@facetgirl, I'm very interested to know how your decision-making process has evolved since you started this thread. Have you had a chance to try the options on in person? Purchased one yet? I've found the responses here to be super helpful and I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Coincidentally, I'm making a similar decision for an anniversary gift. I'm considering a tennis bracelet or a rose gold bracelet - specifically the Whiteflash 2 ctw 3 prong white gold tennis bracelet, Cartier thin Love, VCA Perles d'or, and VCA six motif sweet. Or the VCA white gold pave sweet after seeing, I think, @LLJsmom post about it. I'm going to try on the Cartier and VCA pieces while visiting NYC this weekend.

 

[facetgirl]

@facetgirl, I'm very interested to know how your decision-making process has evolved since you started this thread. Have you had a chance to try the options on in person? Purchased one yet? I've found the responses here to be super helpful and I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Coincidentally, I'm making a similar decision for an anniversary gift. I'm considering a tennis bracelet or a rose gold bracelet - specifically the Whiteflash 2 ctw 3 prong white gold tennis bracelet, Cartier thin Love, VCA Perles d'or, and VCA six motif sweet. Or the VCA white gold pave sweet after seeing, I think, @LLJsmom post about it. I'm going to try on the Cartier and VCA pieces while visiting NYC this weekend.

Thanks for checking in! My process is still in motion. I went to IDJ a few weeks back and tried on tennis bracelets as well as my local jeweler but I'm just not feeling it. I also went into VCA and tried on the Vintage Alhambra 5 motive and while it is truly beautiful, I'm in my head too much and having a hard time spending that much money on something without diamonds. Still, it is so iconic. I do think if I bought a bracelet, that is what I would get though.

So my search continues. I'm now contemplating earrings since I don't have any and I think I'll wear those more often.

 

[KristinTech]

Thanks for checking in! My process is still in motion. I went to IDJ a few weeks back and tried on tennis bracelets as well as my local jeweler but I'm just not feeling it. I also went into VCA and tried on the Vintage Alhambra 5 motive and while it is truly beautiful, I'm in my head too much and having a hard time spending that much money on something without diamonds. Still, it is so iconic. I do think if I bought a bracelet, that is what I would get though.

So my search continues. I'm now contemplating earrings since I don't have any and I think I'll wear those more often.

Earrings are an awesome choice! At VCA, did you try on just the vintage size, or also the 5-motif sweet? That’s the one I’m considering. The price tag makes me gulp but not choke, lol.

 

[DorotheaBrooke]

Thanks for checking in! My process is still in motion. I went to IDJ a few weeks back and tried on tennis bracelets as well as my local jeweler but I'm just not feeling it. I also went into VCA and tried on the Vintage Alhambra 5 motive and while it is truly beautiful, I'm in my head too much and having a hard time spending that much money on something without diamonds. Still, it is so iconic. I do think if I bought a bracelet, that is what I would get though.

So my search continues. I'm now contemplating earrings since I don't have any and I think I'll wear those more often.

Thanks so much for responding! Based on your positive reaction to the Vintage Alhambra 5 motif, I'll add it to my try-on list. I'm thinking the sweet version would be more proportionate to my wrist, but maybe not. I'm also hesitant about spending this amount of money on a piece without diamonds, but I figure that if wear it and love it, then it must be worth it - diamonds or not.

Are you considering Alhambra earrings or diamond studs? Diamond studs are yet another option in the back of my mind. I definitely want a pair someday, but I have other earrings to keep me happy for now, while I don't wear any bracelets currently. I'll be visiting IDJ to see their selection.

Do you happen to have photos of the bracelets you tried on? I'd love to see!

The price tag makes me gulp but not choke, lol.

Ha, well said!

 

[LLJsmom]

I was thinking about this myself. I was in your position @DorotheaBrooke and @KristinTech about three years ago. I bought my tennis bracelet first, and wore it regularly for less than a year. I didn't want to pay that much for VCA, for pieces that had NO diamonds.
I do love my tennis bracelet. I can see myself wearing it for stretches, when I feel like it. But I do think that I will wear my VCA a lot more. I have had my butterfly for about two years and I've worn at for about 1.5, and I wear my carnelian sweet almost every day since I bought it, which has been about a year. I see myself wearing my vintage bracelets a lot too, more than my tennis bracelet. I now wear VCA on both wrists. VCA takes a while to get your head around. But the more I looked, and allowed myself to love a non-diamond piece, the easier it became. I'm not saying to force yourself. I'm just saying be open and give yourself time. I surprised myself at how much I came to appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty and color, rather than just BLING BLING BLING. And seriously nothing wrong with BLING. I've just broadened my jewelry appreciation. It's a fun journey, let me tell you! I've gotten to the point where I just wear what makes me happy and smile when I look at it. The size thing takes time. When I first started looking I would not consider a vintage size. They all seemed TOO big. But after a couple of years, the eye gets used to it. I have a five inch wrist and the size of the vintage motifs look just right.

 

[DorotheaBrooke]

I had a chance to try on some options a couple of weeks ago, and I am still undecided.

I tried on tennis bracelets at IDJ - a 4 ctw that was too big for my lifestyle and a 2 ctw that was a bit smaller than I'd like, so I decided that I would want a 3 ctw. But the bracelets did not capture my heart. There was no wow factor.

I still like the idea of a classic tennis bracelet, especially since this will be a 15-year wedding anniversary gift from my husband. I wonder if my reaction would be more enthusiastic to a Whiteflash bracelet? Would it be much more sparkly?



I instantly loved the VCA Vintage Alhambra 5-motif bracelet in rose gold (the sweet - second picture below - was too small). It's gorgeous in real life. At first, I was pretty set on this as my choice, but the more time goes by, the more my mind wanders back to a tennis bracelet. I watched Nappily Every After on Netflix tonight (recommended!) and the main character wore a tennis bracelet throughout that looked beautiful on her. I wish I could try on the Alhambra again, but there's no Van Cleef in my state.



I was also considering diamond stud earrings, but ruled out that option. I tried on .8 - 2 ctw at IDJ, but I actually preferred a pair of .38 ctw bezel studs from Tiffany. The price for that size from BGD is quite reasonable, so I'll just buy a pair on my own, not as my anniversary gift.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I think the VCA looks great on you.
I too toyed with the idea of a tennis bracelet but it didn’t click with me.
I ended up making an open bangle with 2 super ideal cut rounds (.62 ct each) and loved it for the more noticeable impact factor. I can see myself upgrading to even bigger stones some day. Hehe.

Have you tried on other styles of diamond bracelet? Maybe a DBTY or a cuff style? Maybe a pave bangle to stack with others?

 

[Lykame]

I had a chance to try on some options a couple of weeks ago, and I am still undecided.

I tried on tennis bracelets at IDJ - a 4 ctw that was too big for my lifestyle and a 2 ctw that was a bit smaller than I'd like, so I decided that I would want a 3 ctw. But the bracelets did not capture my heart. There was no wow factor.

I still like the idea of a classic tennis bracelet, especially since this will be a 15-year wedding anniversary gift from my husband. I wonder if my reaction would be more enthusiastic to a Whiteflash bracelet? Would it be much more sparkly?



I instantly loved the VCA Vintage Alhambra 5-motif bracelet in rose gold (the sweet - second picture below - was too small). It's gorgeous in real life. At first, I was pretty set on this as my choice, but the more time goes by, the more my mind wanders back to a tennis bracelet. I watched Nappily Every After on Netflix tonight (recommended!) and the main character wore a tennis bracelet throughout that looked beautiful on her. I wish I could try on the Alhambra again, but there's no Van Cleef in my state.



I was also considering diamond stud earrings, but ruled out that option. I tried on .8 - 2 ctw at IDJ, but I actually preferred a pair of .38 ctw bezel studs from Tiffany. The price for that size from BGD is quite reasonable, so I'll just buy a pair on my own, not as my anniversary gift.

Serious thread jack here, sorry sorry, but @DorotheaBrooke, your wedding band... May I see it closer up? I found your jotw thread congratulations but would love to see that wedding band... Perhaps in that thread so I don't steal this one?

 

[MrsKBP]

I have been facing this dilemma as well and I have decided the classics first for me and then the fun pieces which for me means tennis bracelet first!

 

[DorotheaBrooke]

Serious thread jack here, sorry sorry, but @DorotheaBrooke, your wedding band... May I see it closer up? I found your jotw thread congratulations but would love to see that wedding band... Perhaps in that thread so I don't steal this one?

Well, I already thread jacked from @facetgirl, the OP, since our dilemma is the same. :-p My wedding band is a 1.26 ct eternity band (G, VS melee) from finejewelers.com (I pulled the paperwork to remember, since this was in 2004). Here are a couple of pictures I snapped for you.


(Edit: in case you were referring to my other band, the one I wear on my other hand with my anniversary ring is the rose gold Tiffany Olive Leaf band.)


Now that I think more about it, I love my wedding band because it looks like a shimmering halo of sparkles. I was hoping to get the same feeling from the tennis bracelet, but there was too much metal showing in the smaller size. So now I'm considering the Whiteflash or BGD shared prong diamond bangle, which is almost like a bracelet version of my ring. The price is low enough to add on the small diamond bezel stud earrings I want.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-bracelets/shared-prong-bangle-14k-white-gold-5418w14

https://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-bracelets/shared-prong-diamond-bangle-750.htm

Here's a photo I saved of the 2ct version from a prior thread (can't remember whose - sorry).

I have been facing this dilemma as well and I have decided the classics first for me and then the fun pieces which for me means tennis bracelet first!

Good point! What style tennis bracelet did you decide on? Do you think a diamond bangle like the one above is as classic as a tennis bracelet?

I think the VCA looks great on you.
I too toyed with the idea of a tennis bracelet but it didn’t click with me.
I ended up making an open bangle with 2 super ideal cut rounds (.62 ct each) and loved it for the more noticeable impact factor. I can see myself upgrading to even bigger stones some day. Hehe.

Have you tried on other styles of diamond bracelet? Maybe a DBTY or a cuff style? Maybe a pave bangle to stack with others?

Your bangle is gorgeous! I saw your SMTB thread. For some reason, open bangles never sit quite right on my wrist, unfortunately. I've tried on DBTY style, but I can't get over the diamonds flipping so easily. I like the idea of a pave bangle. Do you have any thoughts on the one I posted above? I would wear this alone or with a watch, not stacked with anything else. I don't even own any bracelets at the moment.

 

[MrsKBP]

Well, I already thread jacked from @facetgirl, the OP, since our dilemma is the same. :-p My wedding band is a 1.26 ct eternity band (G, VS melee) from finejewelers.com (I pulled the paperwork to remember, since this was in 2004). Here are a couple of pictures I snapped for you.


(Edit: in case you were referring to my other band, the one I wear on my other hand with my anniversary ring is the rose gold Tiffany Olive Leaf band.)


Now that I think more about it, I love my wedding band because it looks like a shimmering halo of sparkles. I was hoping to get the same feeling from the tennis bracelet, but there was too much metal showing in the smaller size. So now I'm considering the Whiteflash or BGD shared prong diamond bangle, which is almost like a bracelet version of my ring. The price is low enough to add on the small diamond bezel stud earrings I want.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-bracelets/shared-prong-bangle-14k-white-gold-5418w14

https://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-bracelets/shared-prong-diamond-bangle-750.htm

Here's a photo I saved of the 2ct version from a prior thread (can't remember whose - sorry).





Good point! What style tennis bracelet did you decide on? Do you think a diamond bangle like the one above is as classic as a tennis bracelet?

I don’t know if this link will work but this is the one I really like. It’s on my wish list.
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/f...MIxMH1h4uv3gIVikwNCh33bwp9EAQYASABEgJ8_PD_BwE


Your bangle is gorgeous! I saw your SMTB thread. For some reason, open bangles never sit quite right on my wrist, unfortunately. I've tried on DBTY style, but I can't get over the diamonds flipping so easily. I like the idea of a pave bangle. Do you have any thoughts on the one I posted above? I would wear this alone or with a watch, not stacked with anything else. I don't even own any bracelets at the moment.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I really love this from Cartier

 

[RosieR]

I was hoping to get the same feeling from the tennis bracelet,but there was too much metal showing in thesmaller size.


@DorotheaBrooke I found the same with IDJ tennis bracelets, so I asked for the pricescope quality cut and had them put the diamonds in another more rounded setting to show of the stones. I would strongly advise you read this thead as to get a great bracelet the setting and the diamonds need to be right. https://www.pricescope.com/communit...perspective-shots-of-tennis-bracelets.205194/

Good luck making your choice

 

[MrsKBP]

I had a chance to try on some options a couple of weeks ago, and I am still undecided.

I tried on tennis bracelets at IDJ - a 4 ctw that was too big for my lifestyle and a 2 ctw that was a bit smaller than I'd like, so I decided that I would want a 3 ctw. But the bracelets did not capture my heart. There was no wow factor.

I still like the idea of a classic tennis bracelet, especially since this will be a 15-year wedding anniversary gift from my husband. I wonder if my reaction would be more enthusiastic to a Whiteflash bracelet? Would it be much more sparkly?



I instantly loved the VCA Vintage Alhambra 5-motif bracelet in rose gold (the sweet - second picture below - was too small). It's gorgeous in real life. At first, I was pretty set on this as my choice, but the more time goes by, the more my mind wanders back to a tennis bracelet. I watched Nappily Every After on Netflix tonight (recommended!) and the main character wore a tennis bracelet throughout that looked beautiful on her. I wish I could try on the Alhambra again, but there's no Van Cleef in my state.



I was also considering diamond stud earrings, but ruled out that option. I tried on .8 - 2 ctw at IDJ, but I actually preferred a pair of .38 ctw bezel studs from Tiffany. The price for that size from BGD is quite reasonable, so I'll just buy a pair on my own, not as my anniversary gift.

We buy from the Van Cleef & Arpels in Aspen which is great because when they ship we don’t have to pay taxes! Check that option out. We have one in Houston as well and if we buy here we then ship to Aspen...just a thought?

 

[Lykame]

Well, I already thread jacked from @facetgirl, the OP, since our dilemma is the same. :-p My wedding band is a 1.26 ct eternity band (G, VS melee) from finejewelers.com (I pulled the paperwork to remember, since this was in 2004). Here are a couple of pictures I snapped for you.


(Edit: in case you were referring to my other band, the one I wear on my other hand with my anniversary ring is the rose gold Tiffany Olive Leaf band.)


Now that I think more about it, I love my wedding band because it looks like a shimmering halo of sparkles. I was hoping to get the same feeling from the tennis bracelet, but there was too much metal showing in the smaller size. So now I'm considering the Whiteflash or BGD shared prong diamond bangle, which is almost like a bracelet version of my ring. The price is low enough to add on the small diamond bezel stud earrings I want.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-bracelets/shared-prong-bangle-14k-white-gold-5418w14

https://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-bracelets/shared-prong-diamond-bangle-750.htm

Here's a photo I saved of the 2ct version from a prior thread (can't remember whose - sorry).

Oooh boy they are both exceptionally beautiful! Delighted to see both! Hehe was referring to your Tiffany Olive Leaf Band, I wasn't sure whether your picture was flipped or not hence I called it a wedding band. But that eternity, thank you for showing it, that's really beautiful a ring. I love the side profile of all of those diamonds. Do you ever find it rubs? Either for your fingers or against another ring?

That Tiffany Olive Leaf band looks much better on you than it does on random internet photos. I'm pondering an unusually shaped band to go against my ring, but I don't like 'curved' bands. Something like that seemed like a possibility... works with your ring because there's something very floral about it, so having the olive leaf too works really well and continues the theme.

Such good taste you have, I'm sure whatever bracelet you get will ring true to that.

 

[facetgirl]

Hello @DorotheaBrooke - I love love the 3 ct tennis bracelet on you!

So here is the deal for me. I fell in love with the idea of tennis bracelet but as I tried different sizes, I started to question how often I would actually wear one. I will say that the smaller carat sizes work better for me for some reason - but I have a big sterling bracelet I wear all the time that I' can't part with so I've decided that a tb is lower on my priority list. I'll get one someday but not now. I ruled out earrings because my hair is long and will cover them - and because I just find earrings uncomfortable.

I tried on the vintage alhambra. It was divine!

 

[Lykame]

Hello @DorotheaBrooke - I love love the 3 ct tennis bracelet on you!

So here is the deal for me. I fell in love with the idea of tennis bracelet but as I tried different sizes, I started to question how often I would actually wear one. I will say that the smaller carat sizes work better for me for some reason - but I have a big sterling bracelet I wear all the time that I' can't part with so I've decided that a tb is lower on my priority list. I'll get one someday but not now. I ruled out earrings because my hair is long and will cover them - and because I just find earrings uncomfortable.

I tried on the vintage alhambra. It was divine!

Pretty obvious what you should be getting then...

 

[facetgirl]

The only problem @Lykame is I've convinced myself I need diamonds! And the diamond version is way out of my league.

Is it nuts to spend that budget on a VCA without having a diamond staple like a pendant? (I do have a 5 stone ring btw, which is a staple)

 

[LLJsmom]

The only problem @Lykame is I've convinced myself I need diamonds! And the diamond version is way out of my league.

Is it nuts to spend that budget on a VCA without having a diamond staple like a pendant? (I do have a 5 stone ring btw, which is a staple)

Do what is right for you. I used to think I HAD to have a diamond tennis bracelet in my collection because I thought I would wear that a lot. After getting VCA pieces I discovered that I wore those more. Who knows really. We sometimes surprise ourselves.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Honestly the thing I wear daily and feel naked without is my trinity band thumb ring. No diamonds. I think it was under 200$ lol. Go figure.

 

[AprilBaby]

I have the WF 3 ct and it’s the perfect size.

 

[Lykame]

The only problem @Lykame is I've convinced myself I need diamonds! And the diamond version is way out of my league.

Is it nuts to spend that budget on a VCA without having a diamond staple like a pendant? (I do have a 5 stone ring btw, which is a staple)

Give yourself a few days, and see how you feel. Diamonds aren't the be all and end all of everything. If you buy this and wear it everyday for the next however many years that's money spread out over time. If you got the tennis bracelet but wore it only a few times per year, that's a lot of money per wear.

But give yourself a few days at least so you aren't making a decision whilst still in a honeymoon phase... Sometimes our desire for things is a passing fancy. If the bracelet continues to make your heart go pitter patter and you can afford it, then go for it.

 

[MrsKBP]

Give yourself a few days, and see how you feel. Diamonds aren't the be all and end all of everything. If you buy this and wear it everyday for the next however many years that's money spread out over time. If you got the tennis bracelet but wore it only a few times per year, that's a lot of money per wear.

But give yourself a few days at least so you aren't making a decision whilst still in a honeymoon phase... Sometimes our desire for things is a passing fancy. If the bracelet continues to make your heart go pitter patter and you can afford it, then go for it.

You’re so right. Diamonds aren’t for everyone! On a side note that’s kinda relatable.... when I met my husband I had just finished paying off a 2005 Toyota 4Runner which I had bought after realizing my BMW was too small for my new baby and all her gear! Fast forward to that baby being 9 yrs old and I am remarried and my husband decides I need a new car and buys me a $100,000+ Mercedes! You would think I would love it right? What’s not to love! I did love it but after almost three years, I had 9,000 miles on it and the 4Runner now has 212,900 miles on it! Turns out, I am a total soccer mom! I’m carting around kids, softball gear, swim team totes, and tennis rackets for the entire family PLUS a dog! No way would I have put that in the Mercedes not to mention three stepsons that are occasionally in my car!
So two weeks ago I sold the Mercedes and ordered....a Jeep Wrangler! Now on the surface it would appear that I’ve lost my mind. We are seemingly city folks with full time domestic help, a second place in Aspen, country club membership, blah blah blah....you get the picture. But when we started going to Colorado something happened to me...I love the outdoors! It turns out this city girl is outdoorsy! I think in my circles I’m kinda odd man in that sense. When my husband’s partner & his wife go to Aspen they never hike, bike ride or do the outdoorsy thing. They go for shopping, dining & relaxing while we on the other hand can hardly ever be found indoors.

What in the world is my point?! We can be ourselves and choose whatever the heck we love! I can show up with my Jeep, no makeup, AND super expensive jewels or I can slap on my Swatch watch because it brings me the nostalgia that at this age I seem to crave. Just like that Jeep purchase. I dreamed of owning one as a kid! We have “made it”, accomplished the American dream. I’ve moved from doing things to impress my peers to getting it and realizing...the only person I need to make happy is JC, and those that love & support me and even they can’t always love all of my choices!

We come to the forum to get opinions and sometimes a tad bit of validation but at the end of the day, you ultimately have to love what you’ve bought. I LOVE jewelry and especially diamonds. It is always my answer for what’s the best gift for me. I also love vintage so when those are combined...forget it. One of my my friends that certainly has more money than anyone could ever need or spend...she wears a simple gold band and drives a Bug convertible! I love being a walking contradiction to folks that expect predictability in me and admire it in others!

Don’t fret...when in doubt and if money is not an issue...get both! If that’s not an option, get what fits your lifestyle OR what you’ve always secretly wanted! Either way, you can’t go wrong. That’s the beauty of these 1% problems we have. At least that’s what my husband tells me when I’m faced with these “problems”.

Sorry this is so long. It’s late and I couldn’t sleep! Too much caffeine I think. Maybe I’m having a Jerry McGuire moment and will want to delete this when I’m not zombie awake in bed at 2:45 am!

 

[facetgirl]

Well, I went ahead and did it. I purchased a .82 ct H VS2 diamond from Brian Gavin and its going to be set in a platinum martini necklace. Understated but packs a punch. Just like me hehehe. I went with BGD because I found a really nice stone in this size plus they have a special going on through midnight. Plus Jamie put up with all of my questions and my going back and forth on what I wanted.

I had a realization the other day - whatever I buy, it isn't the last thing I'll buy. I was so wrapped up in the thinking that this purchase was it. Or that I had to buy something for my daughters to enjoy. Instead, I bought something for me that I could wear everyday, any occasion. And down the road-I have the option to find a match for earrings if I want.

 

[LLJsmom]

Well, I went ahead and did it. I purchased a .82 ct H VS2 diamond from Brian Gavin and its going to be set in a platinum martini necklace. Understated but packs a punch. Just like me hehehe. I went with BGD because I found a really nice stone in this size plus they have a special going on through midnight. Plus Jamie put up with all of my questions and my going back and forth on what I wanted.

I had a realization the other day - whatever I buy, it isn't the last thing I'll buy. I was so wrapped up in the thinking that this purchase was it. Or that I had to buy something for my daughters to enjoy. Instead, I bought something for me that I could wear everyday, any occasion. And down the road-I have the option to find a match for earrings if I want.

Well, congratulations @facetgirl I think you will be very satisfied with your purchase. It’s a classic pendant that will go with everything, super low maintenance and big enough to make itself known. Congratulations on a terrific addition to your permanent collection. I’m sure Your daughter will love this piece too.