Tennis bracelet settings

[diamondseeker2006]

I have been thinking about some kind of diamond bracelet for the last few months. My main dilemma is that I want one to wear very casually, so I have to be careful to get the right design. I was and still am strongly considering a bezel bracelet like @ksluice has (but from Whiteflash):

The gift I didn’t know I needed.

I have a lovely MIL who was set on getting me something I would love for my big 5-OH. She has a bracelet she loves and thought I needed a version of it, and was very wise in listening to my babble about the importance of cut and folks like Brian Gavin. Enter my beautiful birthday gift of 38...

www.pricescope.com

I think my main problem is that I can't see and try one on to know if that is the size diamond I prefer or if the setting is exactly what I want, etc.

I tried on m-2-b's 3 prong WF bracelet a few years ago and thought it was gorgeous, but I hesitate due to feeling like a prong set bracelet might look a little too dressy for my very casual days. I also like the look of a classic 4 prong line bracelet, and I actually ordered (and returned) a lab one to try out to get an idea of sizes and to see how lab stones actually looked. I think it was actually fine other than being a little small, but I just think I'd be happier with natural diamonds to go with my other diamond jewelry. I really love a classic diamond line bracelet, and to my delight, I was looking at the WF site today and they have actually added two new 4 prong bracelet settings that I like better than their x-prong one! They come in platinum, too.

Four-Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet | 6609

Adorn your wrist with the timeless beauty of the Four-Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet. Shop now at Whiteflash and add a touch of sparkle to any occasion. | 6609

www.whiteflash.com

Four-Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet | 6609

Adorn your wrist with the timeless beauty of the Four-Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet. Shop now at Whiteflash and add a touch of sparkle to any occasion. | 6609

www.whiteflash.com

I think if I were to go with 4 prong, I might have to go with 6 ctw (12 pointers) just due to not wanting it to be too blingy. The bezel bracelet in the first link above has 15 pointers, but looks much larger due to the bezels. The only downside is that the bezel setting takes a lot more platinum and would cost a good bit more, especially with the larger stones. But I am worried about feeling like 12 pointers are too small (I know they do custom orders for larger sizes of their bracelets, though, since several people here have 7.8-10 ctw+ bracelets). Stock bracelets can be returned but custom can't, and that is why I have to get this project right the first time!

Any thoughts pro or con on bezel bracelets versus 4 prong tennis bracelets for casual wear? Pictures are welcome, especially of these styles (I have searched all the tennis bracelet threads here several times already!). Thanks!

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

Personally, I know that bezels are most people’s preferred choice of setting because they look visually bigger and they catch less on clothing; but I like prong set bracelets much more. I like the minimal metal look because it looks like a line of liquid sparkle, though I prefer 3 prong settings so you can see the shape of each individual stone more.

If I remember correctly, you have a DBTY bracelet already, so perhaps getting a prong set TB will give you something different? Or, on the flip side, maybe you’d prefer bezels to match your bracelet. I’m no help, sorry!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Personally, I know that bezels are most people’s preferred choice of setting because they look visually bigger and they catch less on clothing; but I like prong set bracelets much more. I like the minimal metal look because it looks like a line of liquid sparkle, though I prefer 3 prong settings so you can see the shape of each individual stone more.

If I remember correctly, you have a DBTY bracelet already, so perhaps getting a prong set TB will give you something different? Or, on the flip side, maybe you’d prefer bezels to match your bracelet. I’m no help, sorry!

No, it helps to hear what others prefer! I sold that dbty to a friend, so that doesn't enter into the decision. I think in reality, I could find reason to justify both bezel and prong set, but I honestly don't want to put that much money into diamond bracelets! I do enjoy wearing my VCA bracelets casually, but I don't want that to be what I wear all the time. I just need something to alternate so people don't call me the clover lady!

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

No, it helps to hear what others prefer! I sold that dbty to a friend, so that doesn't enter into the decision. I think in reality, I could find reason to justify both bezel and prong set, but I honestly don't want to put that much money into diamond bracelets! I do enjoy wearing my VCA bracelets casually, but I don't want that to be what I wear all the time. I just need something to alternate so people don't call me the clover lady!

I would definitely go for the prong set bracelet then - but that’s me!!

 

[lissyflo]

I much prefer bezels for bracelets for practical reasons, but I live in a country where I wear a jumper for at least 9 months of the year and hate snagging. Warmer climates would open up options! I also think bezels lend a more casual vibe, which you mention wanting.

It sounds like you’re fixed on a tennis bracelet - it’s just the size/setting up in the air - but I thought I’d throw a DBTY/tennis bracelet hybrid into the mix just in case!

I saw @bludiva’s bracelet in a thread recently and was struck by the lovely balance it strikes between diamond coverage and airiness. I think someone else on PS has a similar bracelet with larger stones?

Show me your yellow diamonds

I recently received a beautiful S-colour AVC from GOG, and I've been going back and forth (as usual) about how to set it. My latest idea is to set in a halo: yellow gold bezel around the AVC to play up colour, and white diamond melee in a white metal halo. I know there are some beautiful yellow...

www.pricescope.com

For me this style hits a perfect casual, daily wear note, and with a lovely, slightly antiquey vibe too. As I say, it sounds like you’re decided on a full diamond line but thought I’d raise this in case, given that you specifically mentioned casual; the more options the merrier…until analysis paralysis sets in!

 

[icy_jade]

Just a comparative visual in case it helps. I think the tennis bracelet is like 6 or 7 ctw and it felt small to me, probably as I was used to the diamond size on my station bracelet.

 

[ksluice]

I feel like @icy_jade makes a very compelling argument for yes, both and all.

 

[allycat0303]

Hi DiamondSeeker,

What a great project. I’m very partial to the VCA bracelets as well… so I’m clover lady as well.

Probably not a very helpful comment but 4 prong classic (second link) hands down. I’m not sure how to articulate it… but I feel it visually matches more with your engagement ring setting then the other one. Not sure if you care about that… but it’s stuff that I agonize over. I prefer my jewelry to be “cohesive”

I feel your engagement ring is more vintage/ Art Deco while a bezel set ring looks quite modern to me. While the classic 4 prong is more transitional or “classic”… closer time periods.

Sorry if not the greatest of help..

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I much prefer bezels for bracelets for practical reasons, but I live in a country where I wear a jumper for at least 9 months of the year and hate snagging. Warmer climates would open up options! I also think bezels lend a more casual vibe, which you mention wanting.

It sounds like you’re fixed on a tennis bracelet - it’s just the size/setting up in the air - but I thought I’d throw a DBTY/tennis bracelet hybrid into the mix just in case!

I saw @bludiva’s bracelet in a thread recently and was struck by the lovely balance it strikes between diamond coverage and airiness. I think someone else on PS has a similar bracelet with larger stones?

Show me your yellow diamonds

I recently received a beautiful S-colour AVC from GOG, and I've been going back and forth (as usual) about how to set it. My latest idea is to set in a halo: yellow gold bezel around the AVC to play up colour, and white diamond melee in a white metal halo. I know there are some beautiful yellow...

www.pricescope.com

For me this style hits a perfect casual, daily wear note, and with a lovely, slightly antiquey vibe too. As I say, it sounds like you’re decided on a full diamond line but thought I’d raise this in case, given that you specifically mentioned casual; the more options the merrier…until analysis paralysis sets in!

Actually, that is something I am very interested in! I had not seen bludiva's lately, so thank you for posting the link! The only thing that scares me about this idea is the labor cost with all those handmade bezels! The setting would likely cost more than the diamonds! BUT, you are right on target with what I like!

Just a comparative visual in case it helps. I think the tennis bracelet is like 6 or 7 ctw and it felt small to me, probably as I was used to the diamond size on my station bracelet.

I have this beautiful picture saved! Thank you for posting it! I do love your bracelets and especially the bezel one. They are definitely not as common as line bracelets and I think I prefer this bezel style or the full bezel bracelets, but as I said above, I am a little afraid of the cost of a handmade setting as opposed to cast! Why do I always love the most expensive things?!!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I feel like @icy_jade makes a very compelling argument for yes, both and all.

That solves the whole problem, doesn't it! I wish we lived close so I could try yours on!!!!

Hi DiamondSeeker,

What a great project. I’m very partial to the VCA bracelets as well… so I’m clover lady as well.

Probably not a very helpful comment but 4 prong classic (second link) hands down. I’m not sure how to articulate it… but I feel it visually matches more with your engagement ring setting then the other one. Not sure if you care about that… but it’s stuff that I agonize over. I prefer my jewelry to be “cohesive”

I feel your engagement ring is more vintage/ Art Deco while a bezel set ring looks quite modern to me. While the classic 4 prong is more transitional or “classic”… closer time periods.

Sorry if not the greatest of help..

Ahh, we have a whole thread for posting VCA pieces! If you have a spare moment, we'd LOVE to see your collection! Lots of nice VCA eye candy in the thread!

Show me your Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry!

At the risk of spamming this thread... I love these earrings more and more every time I wear them :love:

www.pricescope.com

Oh, I am glad someone can relate to agonizing over these decisions!!! I very much think like you do in that I want cohesive pieces. I do have a combination of classic or antique style, though (and I do favor Art Deco!). It's kind of problematic in that my studs are ACAs and both of my rings have antique or antique style diamonds! I will say, though, that I have seen antique diamond bezel bracelets and chains! I can't find a necklace at the moment, but here is a bracelet posted on PS by Green with Envy. So that's kind of why I have included bezels as a transitional kind of piece between antique and modern. Tiffany gets the credit for bringing them back into popularity, but they didn't invent them! Actually, I also have 36" and 17" diamonds-by-the-yard platinum bezel necklaces made by Whiteflash. So that was another reason for the bezel idea! I should have put that in my first post.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, I had a picture of Widget's antique bezel bracelet saved, too! I am not considering making one with antique diamonds, though. That would drive me totally nuts trying to find well matched ones! It would have to be the bezel-link style or the connected bezel line bracelet.

 

[allycat0303]

That solves the whole problem, doesn't it! I wish we lived close so I could try yours on!!!!



Ahh, we have a whole thread for posting VCA pieces! If you have a spare moment, we'd LOVE to see your collection! Lots of nice VCA eye candy in the thread!

Show me your Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry!

At the risk of spamming this thread... I love these earrings more and more every time I wear them :love:

www.pricescope.com

Oh, I am glad someone can relate to agonizing over these decisions!!! I very much think like you do in that I want cohesive pieces. I do have a combination of classic or antique style, though (and I do favor Art Deco!). It's kind of problematic in that my studs are ACAs and both of my rings have antique or antique style diamonds! I will say, though, that I have seen antique diamond bezel bracelets and chains! I can't find a necklace at the moment, but here is a bracelet posted on PS by Green with Envy. So that's kind of why I have included bezels as a transitional kind of piece between antique and modern. Tiffany gets the credit for bringing them back into popularity, but they didn't invent them! Actually, I also have 36" and 17" diamonds-by-the-yard platinum bezel necklaces made by Whiteflash. So that was another reason for the bezel idea! I should have put that in my first post.

DiamondSeeker,

I was just about to say that some miligrain on the bracelet to tie it all in. The VCA Alhambra pieces have miligrain on them so I find the fit quite nicely with your ring. If you were planing to stack them.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

DiamondSeeker,

I was just about to say that some miligrain on the bracelet to tie it all in. The VCA Alhambra pieces have miligrain on them so I find the fit quite nicely with your ring. If you were planing to stack them.

You know, that is one of the things I love about Alhambra since they have the beaded edges! They do work together! I love milgrain and have thought about it for the bracelet. The dilemma there is that my dbty necklaces have the plain bezels!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Just a comparative visual in case it helps. I think the tennis bracelet is like 6 or 7 ctw and it felt small to me, probably as I was used to the diamond size on my station bracelet.

I went back to your bracelet thread and realized I asked you about your bracelet and just now saw you replied with more pictures of the underside and profile view which are excellent to have if I go in that direction! I'd probably have all my stones the same size, but I'd want the setting made identical to yours. It's perfect!

 

[icy_jade]

I went back to your bracelet thread and realized I asked you about your bracelet and just now saw you replied with more pictures of the underside and profile view which are excellent to have if I go in that direction! I'd probably have all my stones the same size, but I'd want the setting made identical to yours. It's perfect!

Keep us posted however you go!

Just want to add that to prevent DSS in case you want to go the tennis bracelet route, you may want to go slightly bigger. I think the bracelet in my comparative pic are 13 or 15 pointers, and definitely felt small.



This one is over 20 pointers and it felt right.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Nothing to add, but Clover Lady? LOLOL Too funny DS!!!!!!

Whatever you get will be gorgeous...you haven't disappointed yet!

cheers--Sharon

 

[WillyDiamond]

DS2006–

Dressy vs. Casual, I vote for which ever one puts a bigger smile on your face. I think a Dressy or Casual piece is in the eye of the beholder. Woman used to buy fur coats and at first only wear them to special occasions. That meant the coat would sit in the closet 99% of the time. Now, women wear the coat/jacket to the supermarket. Why not? It’s yours to enjoy.
If you have looked at the posts on this forum, you have seen my wife’s tennis bracelet (little under 4 cts) with the 3-prong setting. I personally like the prongs because they do not swallow up the small diamond vs what a bezel set could do.

My vote is to get the one that puts the biggest smile on your face and you can wear for any occasion. I personally have thrown out the book on what is casual vs. dressy. Good luck.

 

[donnabrsd]

I'd select the design that you prefer to look at and not worry about it being too dressy. I am a very casual dresser (leggings, t-shirt or sweatshirt, tennis shoes or flip-flops) and I wear my 3-prong 7.8ctw every day.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd select the design that you prefer to look at and not worry about it being too dressy. I am a very casual dresser (leggings, t-shirt or sweatshirt, tennis shoes or flip-flops) and I wear my 3-prong 7.8ctw every day.

I wear flip-flops from April through October, basically! So it's good to know you wear yours daily! I really like that size a lot. I think prices have gone up and I regret not doing this earlier!!!

 

[icy_jade]

I wear flip-flops from April through October, basically! So it's good to know you wear yours daily! I really like that size a lot. I think prices have gone up and I regret not doing this earlier!!!

I agree, go with what you like to look at best. I mean, I got the station bezel, and then still ended up wearing a stack along with my multi-shape bracelet. I’m in Singapore and work from home so yeah in flip flops all the time too.

Really enjoy my stack. They basically are on 24/7 and I love the bling factor so encourage you to get your bracelet soon so that it can make you happy sooner.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I personally like the three prong setting. I tried the five carat bracelet on at WF when I was there three years ago. I recently went into a higher end jewelry store where they had a 5.65 carat three prong tennis bracelet in white gold. The stones were said to be H, SI1. The cost was a whopping $14,300!! WF has their five carat version with F/G diamonds, VS clarity for $7,736.00 (wire price). I was shocked at the difference between the two. Better quality stones for almost half price. I too have seen the price increase at WF but the jewelry store price really blew me away!

Size is truly personal preference but I too say get what you love and what you determine to be the most wearable. I currently have a half bezel set diamond tennis bracelet and while the bezel enhances the stone size, I think I still prefer the diamonds set alone and in prongs - well cut stones always being key of course!

 

[cflutist]

@diamondseeker2006

What a wonderful project to have.

As far as being casual, I have been casual most of my adult life. Imo, you can wear any size you would like, I have been wearing my .33s daily since I received it from @Wink back in August 2004.

As far as DSS is concerned, I agree with @icy_jade, I think .20s from WF for you would be fabulous for daily wear. It's a substantial size without being ott.

The photo I attached just shows the .20s and .33s of two of my bracelets.

Let us know what you get and Happy Holidays.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I personally like the three prong setting. I tried the five carat bracelet on at WF when I was there three years ago. I recently went into a higher end jewelry store where they had a 5.65 carat three prong tennis bracelet in white gold. The stones were said to be H, SI1. The cost was a whopping $14,300!! WF has their five carat version with F/G diamonds, VS clarity for $7,736.00 (wire price). I was shocked at the difference between the two. Better quality stones for almost half price. I too have seen the price increase at WF but the jewelry store price really blew me away!

Size is truly personal preference but I too say get what you love and what you determine to be the most wearable. I currently have a half bezel set diamond tennis bracelet and while the bezel enhances the stone size, I think I still prefer the diamonds set alone and in prongs - well cut stones always being key of course!

Yikes, I know! I went to a nearby fine jeweler recently just to help myself with preferences, and their bracelets were much higher than WF with lower quality stones! It really made me appreciate to opportunity to access top quality diamond jewelry without a crazy price premium.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

@diamondseeker2006

What a wonderful project to have.

As far as being casual, I have been casual most of my adult life. Imo, you can wear any size you would like, I have been wearing my .33s daily since I received it from @Wink back in August 2004.

As far as DSS is concerned, I agree with @icy_jade, I think .20s from WF for you would be fabulous for daily wear. It's a substantial size without being ott.

The photo I attached just shows the .20s and .33s of two of my bracelets.

Let us know what you get and Happy Holidays.

I've always loved your bracelets and how you wear them casually or dressy! What yours show me is that I'd be unhappy with anything under 20s. I've looked at your picture with all three and the 16s (I think) looked small compared to your other two. The sad thing is, I think I could wear the largest one just fine, although I don't really want to invest that much in a bracelet with prices on the higher side right now! I need to get new quotes for 20s and I may price 25s just for fun! Thank you and I hope your holidays are wonderful, too!

 

[icy_jade]

I've always loved your bracelets and how you wear them casually or dressy! What yours show me is that I'd be unhappy with anything under 20s. I've looked at your picture with all three and the 16s (I think) looked small compared to your other two. The sad thing is, I think I could wear the largest one just fine, although I don't really want to invest that much in a bracelet with prices on the higher side right now! I need to get new quotes for 20s and I may price 25s just for fun! Thank you and I hope your holidays are wonderful, too!

Given the price jumps at the 5 and 0 marks, wonder if a 23 or 24 may be priced more reasonably? Or doesn’t make a big difference for that size?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Given the price jumps at the 5 and 0 marks, wonder if a 23 or 24 may be priced more reasonably? Or doesn’t make a big difference for that size?

Definitely worth asking about that!!!

 

[seafarm]

I have two tennis bracelets, one bezel set and one four prong. Both measure 18.5cm (approx 7 1/4 inches) in length.

The bezel set is 18k yellow gold, 2.24ctw (I was young and it was all I could afford at the time!) with 41 diamonds, approx 0.055 carat each.

The prong set is 18k white gold, 10.68ctw with 44 diamonds, approx 0.24 carat each.

Both are H-I / SI1-2.

I’d always wanted a 10ctw tennis bracelet, but I still love the bezel set and I wear it all the time. I’m getting used to wearing the prong set more often, though it definitely has more presence.

 

[Ann]

Almost 10 ct - it's so old I've forgotten the specs . But it started out as a 14kt. I grew tired of that had it rhodium dipped years ago. That finish wore off somewhat. I really would like to have it reset. Love Whiteflash's X prong - but since they don't reset a customer's stones, I'm left looking for another option. The bezel set is very easy to wear and has a nice weight to it.

 

[PushinCushion]

@diamondseeker2006 my husband surprised me with this 5 tcw 4 prong line bracelet from Mark @brilliantlyengaged a few months ago.

I wear it almost daily in casual and dressy settings. I have big wrists and really can’t see going over 5 carats for daily wear given my stage of life (elementary age kids, running around town, etc). I now wear it almost exclusively on my right bc I found wearing it on my left was too much.

 

[Heathcat24]

Mine is much smaller at 1.9 ctw, but I really do love the setting, so I thought I'd share! It's from IDJ and is in 18kt white gold.

My husband said, "You'll never wear that." since I'm not a bracelet person. Boy, was he wrong. I reach for it a LOT to add a little bling! It's very sparkly and fun!