Thoughts on tennis bracelet.. :(

[galatie]

Hi everyone,

I have been working on a diamond tennis bracelet project with a well respected popular vendor that is well known on these boards.

A few weeks, this vendor told me that the price for a 6.25 inch diamond tennis bracelet with .25 pointers would be $9,950. I opted instead to have this bracelet made with .20 pointers instead as this was a bit out of my budget.

I received the bracelet and was honestly a bit disappointed - I felt that the stones were too small and the bracelet was also a bit tight. I asked the vendor what we could do. He said I cannot return the item since it is considered a custom item since the length of the bracelet was shortened from the regular 7 inch standard size to 6.25 inches. I agreed and asked if we could make the bracelet using larger stones? He said that we can add two stones to make the bracelet 6.5 inches in length, and to also increase the pointer size from .20 pointer to .25 pointers each. The vendor then told me that the price to make the bracelet 6.5 inches and .25 pointers each would be $11,500, which I was surprised about. It seems the price to add on an additional two stones would be $1,550 more in additional to the original $9,950 I was quoted a few weeks ago which he said is because the market changes all the time and prices increased after the New Year. I'm happy to do this if this sounds plausible, but do diamond prices really shift that much in so short a time?

And if I do increase to .25's, will that make a visual difference over the .20s I currently have?

And lastly, he also suggested I can go down to .24's, which will look the same as .25's but be a bit less price wise.

Thoughts on the best action to take? Thanks!!!

 

[tkyasx78]

How much does the vendor want just to add 2 .2 stones to make the current bracelet long enough? I dont know that a .24 stone vs the .20 that you have would be worth all the extra money at this point.

 

[galatie]

Would there be a visual difference between .24 or .25 over .20s?

I haven't asked him about just adding on 2 .20 stones, as was pretty fixated on increasing the size of the stones, but this is also another option to explore.

 

[allycat0303]

I also don’t think that the .20 and .25 will make a visual difference for that price. I would increase with two stones, and that would be it.

However, ask the vendor to send you a pic with 0.20 and 0.25 bracelets side by side. I would be surprised if you could tell.

 

[icy_jade]

It’s 16% bigger. Irl I know a 0.2 mm difference is noticeable to me but then it’s just 0.2 mm and I’m not sure you want to pay a significant premium for that.

 

[allycat0303]

It’s 16% bigger. Irl I know a 0.2 mm difference is noticeable to me but then it’s just 0.2 mm and I’m not sure you want to pay a significant premium for that.

Oh great visual icy_jade. I’m torn. I do see a difference and it might make more of difference in a bracelet (multiple diamonds after all)… but doesn’t it also depend on whatever 0.25 measure in mm? I’m assuming some are less and some are more?

All that being said… here’s my final thought process… I don’t think that the 0.25 will make OP “happy.” Despite the slightly increased size and extra money. I have a feeling she will still be “disappointed” I’m not sure it’s enough a difference where she will “fall in love” so I don’t think she should invest significantly more money..

 

[galatie]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far, so helpful.

Here are pics of me with the .20s (on the left) and .25s (on the right).

The .25s just seem so much bigger to me than the .20s for some reason. However, I wonder if it has to do not only with the size of the stones themselves, but also the setting? The stones seem to sit lower on my bracelet and seem a bit more flat. The vendor said he can make my new bracelet with a higher setting. Would this make the stones look bigger and "pop" out more? Not sure if there are any other differences in the setting, but he said they were basically the same?

 

[marymm]

You're all in already, with the custom bracelet that doesn't fit.

You at least have to add the 2 diamonds in order to be able to wear the current bracelet.

You already are disappointed with the size of the diamonds.

If you are happy otherwise with the bracelet style, I suggest you order the same style bracelet you received but with the larger 0.25ct stones and longer length.

If you don't care for the lower profile style of the bracelet you received, check to see if the vendor could send you a bracelet with the higher setting for you to approve (and return) ... if you end up preferring the higher-profile style, order the larger diamond bracelet in that setting.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I think there is a difference in stone size and the bracelet with the .25’s do sit up higher. I think this vendor has a setting where the diamond in prongs sits on a ‘donut’ so it does make the diamonds more prominent.

 

[dk168]

Not sure if this has been considered as an option, however, how about selling the bracelet as new which it is true except for trying it on, and use the proceed to fund another bracelet with bigger stones?

BTW, I do not believe the current bracelet is too tight, based on how high it sits on the wrist in the left hand side photo.

If you are disappointed with the size of the stones now, you won't be that much happier even if it is lengthened; so why spend the time, effort as well as money into something you don't like?

I would also strongly advise for you to go out and about, and try on as many tennis bracelets as you can, to find the stone size, length and setting that you like, before commissioning another custom piece, so as to avoid further disappointment.

Personal opinions, preferences and all that.

DK

 

[AprilBaby]

Your dissatisfaction is not with the vendor as much as with not getting what you really wanted. The vendor gave you exactly what you asked for. Bite the bullet and pay the extra to get what you really want or it will be a continuous upgrade.

 

[donnabrsd]

I think you'd see a visual difference from the .20 the .25 diamonds. I noticed a difference with my bracelet (.15 to .20 in a 3-prong setting). For me, it was not the individual diamonds that was very noticeable, it was the entire bracelet that looked more substantial.

It is hard to compare the bracelet on your wrist in the two photos because of the different angle of the photos.

 

[uyalison]

yes, I saw a very noticeable difference between 0.2 and 0.25. I personally would prefer the 0.25.

Did vendor mean that he can change/exchange the tennis bracelet for you from 0.2 to 0.25, and you just pay the price difference?

 

[galatie]

yes, I saw a very noticeable difference between 0.2 and 0.25. I personally would prefer the 0.25.

Did vendor mean that he can change/exchange the tennis bracelet for you from 0.2 to 0.25, and you just pay the price difference?

Yes, I can exchange if I upgrade which is nice but I was surprised at the price increase to add 2 more stones.

 

[galatie]

Not sure if this has been considered as an option, however, how about selling the bracelet as new which it is true except for trying it on, and use the proceed to fund another bracelet with bigger stones?

BTW, I do not believe the current bracelet is too tight, based on how high it sits on the wrist in the left hand side photo.

If you are disappointed with the size of the stones now, you won't be that much happier even if it is lengthened; so why spend the time, effort as well as money into something you don't like?

I would also strongly advise for you to go out and about, and try on as many tennis bracelets as you can, to find the stone size, length and setting that you like, before commissioning another custom piece, so as to avoid further disappointment.

Personal opinions, preferences and all that.

DK

Thanks, selling it is an idea I didn't really consider but worth a try.

Are there any recommended sites that you could recommend?

 

[Kim N]

Thanks, selling it is an idea I didn't really consider but worth a try.

Are there any recommended sites that you could recommend?

You could start with the Preloved forum here.

Preloved PS Jewels

Sometimes, a piece just needs a new home or you find yourself looking for something unique. Why not shop within the community? Be sure to read the detailed PS rules before listing!

www.pricescope.com

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

You will prolly be more happier with bigger diamonds in a new bracelet than you would be with just adding some 20 pointers to make the one you have longer. You would see a difference between 0.20 and 0.25. That being said, there is probably a price premium for hitting the 1/4 carat mark. So if I were you, I would trade in your current bracelet and upgrade to 0.24 rather than 0.25.

That being said, are you sure a 0.25 would give you the look you want? Sounds like you are going for a chunky look. If the vendor is willing to wait a while to let you trade, you might want to keep the bracelet and save for a bit.

 

[uyalison]

Yes, I can exchange if I upgrade which is nice but I was surprised at the price increase to add 2 more stones.

NICE!

In that case, I would definitely trade up, instead of selling it yourself, which you most likely will take a loss. Where as if you trade up with your vendor, I think you can trade up for the full value that you paid for, right?

I think you want bigger. Don't settle. Maybe you should also consider 0.3 as well 0.24/0.25, while you are at it.

Maybe you should get tester bracelets that are equivalent to 0.25 and 0.30 size. It is a costly mistake/lesson to spend so much money and then realizing it is not quite what you are looking for.

 

[galatie]

thanks, everyone, just posted on the preloved section, here goes!

 

[tyty333]

Yes, I can exchange if I upgrade which is nice but I was surprised at the price increase to add 2 more stones.

Did you give the price to just add 2 stones? The price I keep seeing is $11.5k and you said that's to also increase size to .25 .

So, It's not just to add two more stones... It's to go up to .25 stones too? Did I miss something?

 

[galatie]

Did you give the price to just add 2 stones? The price I keep seeing is $11.5k and you said that's to also increase size to .25 .

So, It's not just to add two more stones... It's to go up to .25 stones too? Did I miss something?

The price I was quoted a few weeks ago was $9,950 for .25 pointers, 6.25 inch bracelet. I decided to go with .20s instead as that was more within my budget.

Now the price quoted to make the bracelet with .25 pointers, with an additional 2 stones, is $11.5k, which is quite a lot just to add 2 more stones...

Hope that makes sense?

 

[tyty333]

Now I get it! I thought you paid $9950 for the one you have and they wanted the extra $1550 for 2 stones and up to .25s.

Now it makes sense! Yes, $1550 is a lot for just two stones but I guess they are throwing in a price increase due to the market. Ouch!

 

[AprilBaby]

It’s not just the stones but the extra gold.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

thanks, everyone, just posted on the preloved section, here goes!

Why would you list the bracelet when they are letting you return for an upgrade??? You will not get full priced offers on pre-loved.

 

[lulu_ma]

Did you ever get a price for 6.5” bracelet with .24 carat stones?

 

[galatie]

Why would you list the bracelet when they are letting you return for an upgrade??? You will not get full priced offers on pre-loved.

Hi! I am aware that I will have to sell it at a cost, but think that may be the better option.

I live in Singapore, so just kind of a pain to have to return the item to the US, then have it sent back to me, and then I also have to pay VAT on it... and honestly, I think it may just be better to try to work on this project with someone locally so I can make sure it's done the way I would envision. Lesson learned!

 

[galatie]

Did you ever get a price for 6.5” bracelet with .24 carat stones?

Hi, the price quoted for 6.5 with .24 is $10.8k.

 

[lulu_ma]

Hi, the price quoted for 6.5 with .24 is $10.8k.

Oh that’s not much of a savings…

 

[galatie]

Hi,

Thanks for everyone's help so far. I think it's best I just bite the bullet and get the size that I want in the long term.

I asked to upgrade to .25 pointers, however the vendor said that he does not have that in stock currently and by the time he does get it in, the prices will go up even higher.

He has .24s which he recommends and said that visually, it will look the same as .25s.

Can I please have thoughts on .24 vs .25 pointers on a tennis bracelet? Would I be able to see any noticeable difference in size?

 

[Buttercookies]

Hi,

Thanks for everyone's help so far. I think it's best I just bite the bullet and get the size that I want in the long term.

I asked to upgrade to .25 pointers, however the vendor said that he does not have that in stock currently and by the time he does get it in, the prices will go up even higher.

He has .24s which he recommends and said that visually, it will look the same as .25s.

Can I please have thoughts on .24 vs .25 pointers on a tennis bracelet? Would I be able to see any noticeable difference in size?

Tbh, I don’t think you’ll see much of a difference between 0.24 and 0.25 based on carat to mm conversion. They are likely going to be around 4mm imo. However, it’s going to be a mental thing and whether you’ll be happy knowing that they are not exactly 0.25.

3.75 mm.	0.21 ct.
4 mm.	0.25 ct

But based on your posts, I suggest to bite the bullet and pay extra for that 0.25 because you’re already hesitating. You don’t want to finally get the one you want after going back and forth and paying for upgrade etc. Coming from my indecisiveness and experience, I also learn this the hard way.