Did I do okay on my Tennis bracelet purchase?

[Dominick122]

Hello,

I am new to the forum. I don’t know very much about diamonds. My girlfriend’s 30th birthday is coming up. I decided to buy her a tennis bracelet. I went to R&R jewelers in the diamond district. I paid $2,400 for a Lab grown 2.5 Kt diamond/14 Kt White gold tennis bracelet. I did a little research prior to going. I found that a tennis bracelet should roughly be $1,200 per Kt. Using this knowledge I thought I paid a pretty fair price but again I have limited knowledge. I definitely would like some opinions as I do plan on buying an engagement ring within the next 6 months .. & would like to know if I got taken advantage of from this place or if they treated me fairly. Thank you in advance for the help!

 

[mayaINaU]

Hello,

I am new to the forum. I don’t know very much about diamonds. My girlfriend’s 30th birthday is coming up. I decided to buy her a tennis bracelet. I went to R&R jewelers in the diamond district. I paid $2,400 for a Lab grown 2.5 Kt diamond/14 Kt White gold tennis bracelet. I did a little research prior to going. I found that a tennis bracelet should roughly be $1,200 per Kt. Using this knowledge I thought I paid a pretty fair price but again I have limited knowledge. I definitely would like some opinions as I do plan on buying an engagement ring within the next 6 months .. & would like to know if I got taken advantage of from this place or if they treated me fairly. Thank you in advance for the help!

I think it depends on the cut quality of the stones. I think the price you paid was a little high. Don't stress about it, though. If it's beautiful and sparkly and you love it, you can just do more research for the next purchase. If you can return it, and want to explore some lower-priced options, see some vendors I listed below. For the engagement ring, please come back here and start a new post with your budget, what you're looking for, and let people make recommendations. We would love to help.

Alex Park probably has the best prices on labs, and people have been pleased with the quality (I have not personally purchased from him, but many here have). He has a 2.9 carat tennis bracelet for about $1500.

2.91 CT LAB 3 PRONGS YELLOW TENNIS BRACELET

14 k 7 inches Yellow Gold 2.91 CT E,F VVS/VS Lab Grown Diamonds

alexparkjewelry.com

ID Jewelry (in the diamond district) has 3 carats for $2100. I have a mined bracelet from them (ask for "Pricescope quality" (better cut stones)) and I love it.

Lab Grown 3ctw 3 Prong Tennis Bracelet

E-F color VS1 clarity

idjewelry.com

Whiteflash (which will have a better cut quality) has a 3.14 carat lab for $2610. https://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-bracelets/three-prong-diamond-tennis-bracelet-7234.htm

Costco sells a mined 2 carat bracelet for $2,000. https://www.costco.com/round-brilliant-2.00-ctw-vs2-clarity,-i-color-diamond-14kt-white-gold-bracelet.product.100480898.html

 

[Dominick122]

Than you for you’re detailed reply. It is very much appreciated! It does look like I overpaid a bit. Funny enough - They started at $2650 for it. I was able to get them down to $2,400. They definitely seem to inflate prices quite a bit at this place. I will attach a picture of the appraisal. It might give a better idea. Unfortunately the bracelet has been gift wrapped. I hope the quality is Atleast good. I wouldn’t mind over paying a bit if it is a good one. I definitely plan on making a second post on the engagement ring. Would be great if I can get a reasonable number in mind before buying. Please see attached appraisal.

 

[mayaINaU]

Than you for you’re detailed reply. It is very much appreciated! It does look like I overpaid a bit. Funny enough - They started at $2650 for it. I was able to get them down to $2,400. They definitely seem to inflate prices quite a bit at this place. I will attach a picture of the appraisal. It might give a better idea. Unfortunately the bracelet has been gift wrapped. I hope the quality is Atleast good. I wouldn’t mind over paying a bit if it is a good one. I definitely plan on making a second post on the engagement ring. Would be great if I can get a reasonable number in mind before buying. Please see attached appraisal.

Yes, unfortunately, an appraisal from the place you bought it from will not be an accurate number. They want to make you feel like you got a great deal. They are not independent, so they have a stake in giving you a high number. In addition, appraisals in general are usually quite inflated in comparison to what someone would or should pay for the item. That can be useful for insurance purposes, but should not be confused with the price you should have paid for the item or what you could sell it for as a private, non-retail seller.

Also: I believe you have ended up with a "trade" designation on your profile by accident. Just hit "report" on one of your own posts, and in the note, ask the moderator to remove your trade designation.

 

[Dominick122]

Yes I agree. I learned from my research that the appraisal is always very inflated. I posted more for the description of the piece. Definitely wish I would have posted on this forum before purchasing. Regardless - it’s a nice piece. I think she will be happy with it. I may open and post pics of the actual bracelet when I get home from work.

Thank you for the heads up on that “trade” designation. Not too sure what it means but I reported it to the moderator.

 

[Dominick122]

Just for reference I decided to post some pics. Please see the attached. I should also mention it was $2,400 out the door. Tax included. So the bracelet itself was around $2,200 I suppose. Thanks!

 

[Bron357]

As the bracelet is already bought, please don’t go down “the rabbit hole” of ifs, buts and should have could haves. It’s a beautiful bracelet and she will be thrilled.
However, before you embark on the engagement ring come back here.
Firstly ascertain what shape diamond is her preference and what type of setting style.
You will definitely get a whole lot more diamond if you choose lab grown, but do check with your fiancé to be (subtly) as some people have very strong preferences.
There is a wealth of experience and knowledge here on PS and they can help you get the best value for your money at whatever your price point is.
Please make sure you know her preferences as engagement rings are not only expensive they are a most important piece of jewellery and no one likes to be surprised in a disappointing way.