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Anyone up for a challenge? Looking for a piece on a super budget.

girlyglam

girlyglam

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Apr 13, 2015
Messages
285
My birthday is coming up, and my husband told me the other day that he wanted to get me a nice piece of jewelry. He's never bought me diamonds before (we did a gemstone engagement ring), so he'd like to get me a diamond piece. However, he's completely clueless about diamonds - no clue about quality, cost, etc. so he asked if I could pick out some things I'd like for him to choose from.

His budget is about $800, which is fairly generous for us as far as gift go, but obviously doesn't take us too far in the diamond world. Would anyone be able to help me find some things that are still pretty, sparkly, and good quality within this budget? Some things I'm looking/hoping for:
  • I prefer natural-mined diamonds rather than lab-created diamonds.
  • I understand I'm not getting the biggest and best with this budget, but if possible, I'd still like to get something that is still good quality and has a presence. Essentially, I don't want to get something that has diamonds purely for the sake of getting something with diamonds.
  • With diamonds as small as we are likely looking at, I'm not sure how much this matters, but I am not color sensitive and really only need something to be eye-clean.
  • I'd like this to be an everyday piece.
  • Ideally, I'd like this to be something that goes with the jewelry I already wear everyday - diamond studs, a .25ct bezel set diamond necklace, a .70ct 7-station diamonds by the yard bracelet, e-ring with wedding band and diamond right-hand ring.
  • I'm primarily looking at bracelets but and also open to necklaces. I have diamond studs I wear everyday and rarely change out so earrings aren't top of mind, but I would consider it. Similarly, I have my standard rings I wear everyday and rarely deviate from, so I'm not really looking for rings/bands, but again, I'm open to considering it.
    • I'm drawn to the idea of a half-coverage tennis bracelet, but I'm not sure if that is possible at this price point given all the other points above?
Some items I'm considering - I welcome any thoughts on them and/or the company. (I've worked with Ivy and Rose, am familiar with Quince, and know Blue Nile has a good rep, but a quick Google search gives me mixed reviews of the others.)
bracelet.png​
1715703578669.png​
1715704606126.png​
1715705080977.png​
IMG_8736.jpeg​

I am VERY open to other ideas/retailers/suggestions. I appreciate any help/advice!
 
Last edited:
You can afford diamonds for $800. James Allen has several options over half a carat for J color and VS2. The problem is actually the cost of setting in a bracelet. You
could go with a single bezel set diamond on a chain bracelet. The problem is that they flip over and while it might not seem like a big deal, a lot of people find it annoying. Another idea is a wire cuff bracelet; the price of the metal would eat into your diamond budget, though, so the solitaire would be small on the bracelet. Another possibility is a bypass bracelet. I don’t know about this vendor but the image shows the idea:

1715747900154.jpeg
 
Hi @girlyglam -

What do your engagement and wedding rings look like? You need some cohesion here for all the things you already have to work with a new piece.

Firstly - please don't go with the Blue Nile piece - it's pretty crap. Low quality diamonds, small, unlikely to show much/any sparkle, and mostly metal.

However - most of the other things you're considering are lovely! The Ferkos clover diamonds bracelet would definitely be my choice - nicely made, a little different to usual, a nice amount of gold and just very elegant right across the board. The quality of the diamonds also seems not too bad.

I'm not fond of bracelets that only show diamonds half way around the wrist; the rotate and then you're not looking at anything in particular. So that nixes most of the other pieces.

I do like the Quince bangle with the diamond circle, tho - very nice, but, be aware - tiny little diamonds, so sparkle would be minimal.

But my best suggestion would be your (or his - or both!) initial in diamonds that you could add to a necklace or, in particular, to your bezel set necklace.

Alternately - and this would be most impactful of all and definitely my pick of the bunch - have you thought of turning your bezeled necklace diamond into a cluster? If you were to put 5 point diamonds around your 1/4 ct diamond, it would go from 4mm across - to 9 mm across - and be a lovely statement piece, especially if you bezel set it - sort of honoring your original piece, and making it even more substantial (probably somewhere between 10 and 11mm across for the finished piece). It wouldn't be large or heavy - just more visible - and you'd get lots of twinkle and sparkle - which you *wouldn't* get with a lot of these tiny diamond pieces. David Klass Jewelry in LA would be my best suggestion for this, as their work is both very good and well priced. I am all about spending my money to get substantial, lifelong, sentimental pieces, so I'd be looking to make something you wouldn't want to upgrade or change as your collection grew.

Anyway, just a couple of ideas - and good luck! It sounds like a terrific project.

:wavey:
 
oncrutchesrightnow said:
You can afford diamonds for $800. James Allen has several options over half a carat for J color and VS2. The problem is actually the cost of setting in a bracelet. You
could go with a single bezel set diamond on a chain bracelet. The problem is that they flip over and while it might not seem like a big deal, a lot of people find it annoying. Another idea is a wire cuff bracelet; the price of the metal would eat into your diamond budget, though, so the solitaire would be small on the bracelet. Another possibility is a bypass bracelet. I don’t know about this vendor but the image shows the idea:

1715747900154.jpeg
Click to expand...
Thank you @oncrutchesrightnow! My DBTY bracelet flips over, and yes, I do find it mildly annoying so that is definitely a consideration for another bezel-set diamond on a chain. I am intrigued by the idea of a bypass bracelet - I'll be looking into that more. Thanks!
mrs-b said:
Hi @girlyglam -

What do your engagement and wedding rings look like? You need some cohesion here for all the things you already have to work with a new piece.

Firstly - please don't go with the Blue Nile piece - it's pretty crap. Low quality diamonds, small, unlikely to show much/any sparkle, and mostly metal.

However - most of the other things you're considering are lovely! The Ferkos clover diamonds bracelet would definitely be my choice - nicely made, a little different to usual, a nice amount of gold and just very elegant right across the board. The quality of the diamonds also seems not too bad.

I'm not fond of bracelets that only show diamonds half way around the wrist; the rotate and then you're not looking at anything in particular. So that nixes most of the other pieces.

I do like the Quince bangle with the diamond circle, tho - very nice, but, be aware - tiny little diamonds, so sparkle would be minimal.

But my best suggestion would be your (or his - or both!) initial in diamonds that you could add to a necklace or, in particular, to your bezel set necklace.

Alternately - and this would be most impactful of all and definitely my pick of the bunch - have you thought of turning your bezeled necklace diamond into a cluster? If you were to put 5 point diamonds around your 1/4 ct diamond, it would go from 4mm across - to 9 mm across - and be a lovely statement piece, especially if you bezel set it - sort of honoring your original piece, and making it even more substantial (probably somewhere between 10 and 11mm across for the finished piece). It wouldn't be large or heavy - just more visible - and you'd get lots of twinkle and sparkle - which you *wouldn't* get with a lot of these tiny diamond pieces. David Klass Jewelry in LA would be my best suggestion for this, as their work is both very good and well priced. I am all about spending my money to get substantial, lifelong, sentimental pieces, so I'd be looking to make something you wouldn't want to upgrade or change as your collection grew.

Anyway, just a couple of ideas - and good luck! It sounds like a terrific project.

:wavey:
Click to expand...
@mrs-b - Thank so much! My e-ring is the ring in my profile photo (an alexandrite in a diamond halo), my wedding ring is a blue sapphire and diamond alternating band, and both are in white gold. So actually, I guess it's not completely true that my husband has never bought me diamonds since I do have diamond accents in my set, but the gemstones were definitely the focus for both rings. =)2

I'll definitely nix the Blue Nile from my list - I was a bit cautious about it given the I3 clarity, but I wasn't sure if it mattered that much in diamonds so small. Thank you for helping me avoid a disappointing purchase!

And great point re. bracelets that only show diamonds half-way around. I didn't think about the rotation factor. I'm glad to hear your positive thoughts of the Ferkos clover diamond bracelet. I'm definitely very drawn to that one - the little clover feel very feminine to me, which I really like, and I also like the bracelet overall is a little different from what you usually see - all of that feels very "me," and it's high up on my list.

I never considered a diamond initial - honestly, I'm a bit conflicted on how I feel about initial jewelry. I like it, and I really like it on others, but somehow it feels weirdly self-serving or self-promoting for myself (which, I know is a really weird way of thinking because all jewelry is really just for ourselves :razz:). But that being said, I'm now thinking about it. My husband and I actually have the same initial(s) so it could have dual-meaning as well. :D I also really really like the idea of turning my bezeled necklace into a cluster. I'm not sure how my husband will feel - he's super supportive of my fashion and jewelry endeavors, but I suspect he kind of wants to get me a new/separate piece that's entirely from him, if that makes sense, since my current bezeled necklace is something I bought for myself. But I really really love the idea, and I think I'll probably pursue that regardless of whether or not we go that route for the birthday gift.
 
Another factor to consider is the inexpensive sterling silver setting. You may or may not be open to this option. I am traveling, and have not read anything but the last two posts.

My apology if this has already been mentioned.
 
girlyglam said:
My birthday is coming up, and my husband told me the other day that he wanted to get me a nice piece of jewelry. He's never bought me diamonds before (we did a gemstone engagement ring), so he'd like to get me a diamond piece. However, he's completely clueless about diamonds - no clue about quality, cost, etc. so he asked if I could pick out some things I'd like for him to choose from.

His budget is about $800, which is fairly generous for us as far as gift go, but obviously doesn't take us too far in the diamond world. Would anyone be able to help me find some things that are still pretty, sparkly, and good quality within this budget? Some things I'm looking/hoping for:
  • I prefer natural-mined diamonds rather than lab-created diamonds.
  • I understand I'm not getting the biggest and best with this budget, but if possible, I'd still like to get something that is still good quality and has a presence. Essentially, I don't want to get something that has diamonds purely for the sake of getting something with diamonds.
  • With diamonds as small as we are likely looking at, I'm not sure how much this matters, but I am not color sensitive and really only need something to be eye-clean.
  • I'd like this to be an everyday piece.
  • Ideally, I'd like this to be something that goes with the jewelry I already wear everyday - diamond studs, a .25ct bezel set diamond necklace, a .70ct 7-station diamonds by the yard bracelet, e-ring with wedding band and diamond right-hand ring.
  • I'm primarily looking at bracelets but and also open to necklaces. I have diamond studs I wear everyday and rarely change out so earrings aren't top of mind, but I would consider it. Similarly, I have my standard rings I wear everyday and rarely deviate from, so I'm not really looking for rings/bands, but again, I'm open to considering it.
    • I'm drawn to the idea of a half-coverage tennis bracelet, but I'm not sure if that is possible at this price point given all the other points above?
Some items I'm considering - I welcome any thoughts on them and/or the company. (I've worked with Ivy and Rose, am familiar with Quince, and know Blue Nile has a good rep, but a quick Google search gives me mixed reviews of the others.)
bracelet.png​
1715703578669.png​
1715704606126.png​
1715705080977.png​
IMG_8736.jpeg​

I am VERY open to other ideas/retailers/suggestions. I appreciate any help/advice!
Click to expand...

Is your budget super firm? This full tennis bracelet from IDJ is $1,100. Lots of people have experience with them here; it’s where I purchased my bracelet.

idjewelry.com

18KT ROSE GOLD 3-PRONG PETITE DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET /IDJ15915

LENGTH: 7 INCHES
idjewelry.com idjewelry.com

Also check out Alex Park’s mined jewelry page:https://www.instagram.com/parksfinegroupinc.heather/?hl=en

Sholdt:https://www.sholdtdesign.com/shop/?orderby=price&product-page=9
1715813178498.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Wink makes a great suggestion. I have a number of pieces in silver, some in argentium, and they're very satisfactory. Spend more on the diamond, save on the setting.
Which means you could make a very nice right hand ring (tugging at the hem of your dress).
 
Wink said:
Another factor to consider is the inexpensive sterling silver setting. You may or may not be open to this option. I am traveling, and have not read anything but the last two posts.

My apology if this has already been mentioned.
Click to expand...

Then I vote for a cuff bracelet!
 
mayaINaU said:
Is your budget super firm? This full tennis bracelet from IDJ is $1,100. Lots of people have experience with them here; it’s where I purchased my bracelet.

idjewelry.com

18KT ROSE GOLD 3-PRONG PETITE DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET /IDJ15915

LENGTH: 7 INCHES
idjewelry.com idjewelry.com

Also check out Alex Park’s mined jewelry page:https://www.instagram.com/parksfinegroupinc.heather/?hl=en

Sholdt:https://www.sholdtdesign.com/shop/?orderby=price&product-page=9
1715813178498.jpeg
Click to expand...

Also Costco has many necklaces and earrings in this price range: https://www.costco.com/round-brilli...rrings.product.100511867.html?sh=true&nf=true

IMG_8229.pngIMG_8230.png
 
I would browse the preloved forum, eBay, and/or the real real.
 
Wink said:
Another factor to consider is the inexpensive sterling silver setting. You may or may not be open to this option. I am traveling, and have not read anything but the last two posts.

My apology if this has already been mentioned.
Click to expand...
I'm not at all opposed to silver - this is a great idea as well! Thank you!

mayaINaU said:
Is your budget super firm? This full tennis bracelet from IDJ is $1,100. Lots of people have experience with them here; it’s where I purchased my bracelet.

idjewelry.com

18KT ROSE GOLD 3-PRONG PETITE DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET /IDJ15915

LENGTH: 7 INCHES
idjewelry.com idjewelry.com

Also check out Alex Park’s mined jewelry page:https://www.instagram.com/parksfinegroupinc.heather/?hl=en

Sholdt:https://www.sholdtdesign.com/shop/?orderby=price&product-page=9
1715813178498.jpeg
Click to expand...

Thank you for linking that IDJ bracelet! I actually looked at them but must have done a not-great search because I could only find tennis bracelets starting at the $2000+ range. Will see if there's any wiggle room in the budget because this is a lovely option! And thank you for the reminder re. Alex Park. I follow him but haven't kept up on recent posts/offerings so definitely something to check out.

Ibrakeforpossums said:
Wink makes a great suggestion. I have a number of pieces in silver, some in argentium, and they're very satisfactory. Spend more on the diamond, save on the setting.
Which means you could make a very nice right hand ring (tugging at the hem of your dress).
Click to expand...
For some reason, I never considered setting a diamond in silver - I guess I just always thought it "had" to be gold or platinum, but I'm more than open to it! I really like silver, and it's definitely a bonus for cost-savings purposes!

oncrutchesrightnow said:
Then I vote for a cuff bracelet!
Click to expand...
Definitely an option, especially as I love a cuff!

mayaINaU said:
Also Costco has many necklaces and earrings in this price range: https://www.costco.com/round-brilliant-0.90-ctw-vs2-clarity,-i-color-diamond-14kt-white-gold-flower-earrings.product.100511867.html?sh=true&nf=true

IMG_8229.pngIMG_8230.png
Click to expand...
We're not Costco members so I hadn't looked there. Browsing through, there are actually a few items that catch my eye, but I'm not sure if I can purchase without being a member. Product page says you need to be a member, but it does let me add to cart...

Mreader said:
I would browse the preloved forum, eBay, and/or the real real.
Click to expand...
I've actually started going that as well! It's a bit overwhelming, but I know people have found some great items.
 
JMO of course but to cut costs, I'd go with lab diamonds over sterling silver.
 
girlyglam said:
I'm not at all opposed to silver - this is a great idea as well! Thank you!



Thank you for linking that IDJ bracelet! I actually looked at them but must have done a not-great search because I could only find tennis bracelets starting at the $2000+ range. Will see if there's any wiggle room in the budget because this is a lovely option! And thank you for the reminder re. Alex Park. I follow him but haven't kept up on recent posts/offerings so definitely something to check out.


For some reason, I never considered setting a diamond in silver - I guess I just always thought it "had" to be gold or platinum, but I'm more than open to it! I really like silver, and it's definitely a bonus for cost-savings purposes!


Definitely an option, especially as I love a cuff!


We're not Costco members so I hadn't looked there. Browsing through, there are actually a few items that catch my eye, but I'm not sure if I can purchase without being a member. Product page says you need to be a member, but it does let me add to cart...


I've actually started going that as well! It's a bit overwhelming, but I know people have found some great items.
Click to expand...

Happy to help you shop:) I believe that you can purchase most items on Costco.com without a membership (except those labelled for members only) and there is a 5% surcharge. I cannot find that explicitly stated on Costco.com, though, but see if you can create an account and proceed to checkout.

Depending on how much you plan to spend, vs. the 5% surcharge, purchasing a membership may be cheaper.

I love the idea of the tennis bracelet, because you really can wear it all the time. Ask IDJ if they have other options and metals, etc. They probably do.
 
Hi All,

Thank you everyone who responded with ideas and suggestions. I wanted to come back with an update. I ended up going in a completely different direction and choose this 14k, lapis, and diamond pendant:

1716228692137.png

Like I said, very different than what I was looking for! I was really focused on bracelets, and I really wanted a diamond-focused piece, and this doesn't really fulfill any of that. It's obviously not a bracelet, and while it does have diamonds, I see it more of a diamond-accented piece rather than a diamond-focused piece. But I came across it, fell in love, and couldn't stop thinking about it. I ultimately sent my husband two bracelet options and this one, and he asked me which I liked the most. I realized that I really loved them all, but that if he got me either bracelet option, I would still go out and buy the pendant for myself but if he got me the pendant, I probably wouldn't go out and buy either bracelet for myself...which made me think that even though I loved all options, maybe I loved the pendant a little bit more. The bracelets are very pretty, and I'd be thrilled with them, but this pendant just lives in my mind rent-free. This sounds a bit woo-woo, but the pendant makes me feel something - and I kind of feel like that's what jewelry should be about. So, all that to say, I've found my birthday gift! Thank you all again because even though I ultimately went in a very different direction, looking into all of these suggestions let me on the very long and windy road to find this pendant!
 
girlyglam said:
Hi All,

Thank you everyone who responded with ideas and suggestions. I wanted to come back with an update. I ended up going in a completely different direction and choose this 14k, lapis, and diamond pendant:

1716228692137.png

Like I said, very different than what I was looking for! I was really focused on bracelets, and I really wanted a diamond-focused piece, and this doesn't really fulfill any of that. It's obviously not a bracelet, and while it does have diamonds, I see it more of a diamond-accented piece rather than a diamond-focused piece. But I came across it, fell in love, and couldn't stop thinking about it. I ultimately sent my husband two bracelet options and this one, and he asked me which I liked the most. I realized that I really loved them all, but that if he got me either bracelet option, I would still go out and buy the pendant for myself but if he got me the pendant, I probably wouldn't go out and buy either bracelet for myself...which made me think that even though I loved all options, maybe I loved the pendant a little bit more. The bracelets are very pretty, and I'd be thrilled with them, but this pendant just lives in my mind rent-free. This sounds a bit woo-woo, but the pendant makes me feel something - and I kind of feel like that's what jewelry should be about. So, all that to say, I've found my birthday gift! Thank you all again because even though I ultimately went in a very different direction, looking into all of these suggestions let me on the very long and windy road to find this pendant!
Click to expand...

It's lovely and looks like a great signature piece! Congratulations!
 
girlyglam said:
Hi All,

Thank you everyone who responded with ideas and suggestions. I wanted to come back with an update. I ended up going in a completely different direction and choose this 14k, lapis, and diamond pendant:

1716228692137.png

Like I said, very different than what I was looking for! I was really focused on bracelets, and I really wanted a diamond-focused piece, and this doesn't really fulfill any of that. It's obviously not a bracelet, and while it does have diamonds, I see it more of a diamond-accented piece rather than a diamond-focused piece. But I came across it, fell in love, and couldn't stop thinking about it. I ultimately sent my husband two bracelet options and this one, and he asked me which I liked the most. I realized that I really loved them all, but that if he got me either bracelet option, I would still go out and buy the pendant for myself but if he got me the pendant, I probably wouldn't go out and buy either bracelet for myself...which made me think that even though I loved all options, maybe I loved the pendant a little bit more. The bracelets are very pretty, and I'd be thrilled with them, but this pendant just lives in my mind rent-free. This sounds a bit woo-woo, but the pendant makes me feel something - and I kind of feel like that's what jewelry should be about. So, all that to say, I've found my birthday gift! Thank you all again because even though I ultimately went in a very different direction, looking into all of these suggestions let me on the very long and windy road to find this pendant!
Click to expand...

I’m glad you found something you love! The search is half of the fun, anyway!
 
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