#JOTW I Found My White Whale-an 8.7 ct OEC Graduated Convertible Bracelet

[lulu_ma]

Two and a half years ago, I attended my very first antique jewelry show, NY JAWS. I had just gotten my first old cut diamond (piggy bank was empty) and was just comparison shopping. It was not my intention to buy.

Of course, I found a gorgeous 5 ct graduated bezel set OEC bracelet. I really wanted it, but I was determined to be disciplined...Well, I didn’t buy the bracelet at the show and I found out it sold the next day. Since then, I have discovered that bezel set old cut diamond bracelets are hard to come by-especially the graduated ones.

After an extensive search and several misses, I gave up hope. Then in December, I posted about the JAWs bracelet on the "pieces that got away" thread here and lo and behold, this bracelet popped up 11 days later. This time, I jumped on it-like no deliberation at all!

Here is my White Whale bracelet…



The center bezel is 6.7 mm in diameter



Fancy stack



I wear my box set OEC bracelet on the daily and wasn't sure 100% that I could justify two OEC bracelets. I started playing around and the wheels were turning...

 

[lovedogs]

Yayyyyy congrats!!!!

 

[maryjane04]

You've got me wanting a bracelet like this too @lulu_ma .

I love the necklace conversion. It's beautiful!

 

[oldcutclubmember]

Just like @maryjane04 I would love to have a big ctw graduated bracelet like your white whale!! It has so much presence and the proportions are perfect as a necklace too!

 

[Mreader]

Count that as a third person haha who now also wants one of these. Oh so beautiful! So rare! So jelly over here.

 

[lulu_ma]

View this content on Instagram

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The bracelet was a little snug so I determined that I would change the clasp.



Also, I wanted to make the bracelet more versatile. I set about trying to come up with a creative solution. Luckily, I had this convertible bracelet in my inspo file.



First, I decided that I wanted a barrel type clasp versus a lobster clasp. This is the best white gold finding that I could procure quickly.



I then ordered a few different tester chains to pair with the bracelet. The smallest bezel measures 3.5 mm. I settled upon a 3 mm white gold ball chain. I actually searched for anklets because I only needed 9 to 10" in length!

Here's the end result:





I am SUPER excited that I was able to make the conversion work. I've increased my CPW (cost per wear) by two-fold!

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

So cool!

 

[Bron357]

It’s stunning and extra wonderful that it is dual purpose.
enjoy enjoy enjoy

 

[MissGotRocks]

Beautiful piece and love the dual versatility! You did very well!

 

[Slickk]

What an amazing piece!! Very happy that you were able to find it!! And yassss to #winning in the ‘cpw’ aspect!! Did I already say how amazing it is?? Love love love it!

 

[mrs-b]

What a stunner! And I've never come across a bracelet like this - what a find!!

Congratulations!

 

[Pomelo]

Not only is it the perfect bracelet, it’s also the perfect necklace!!

It’s amazing that you managed to find a similar bracelet again, and cannot believe how great the conversion turned out!

Thank you for sharing the conversion process with us. I reckon you’ve started a trend for… bracelaces(?)

 

[Ally T]

Blown away that this came back to you. It’s a stunning bracelet & I love the conversion option too!

Congratulations!

 

[missy]

Meant to be @lulu_ma !!!
Wear your gorgeous bracelet good health and bling joy!

 

[kathley]

What a beautiful conversion necklace! All of your pieces are stunning!

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I love the conversion idea!! It’s such an amazing way to get more wear out of the piece. Love it!!

And it’s gorgeous - both ways! So happy for you that you found the one that got away

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

Fabulous! A truly unique and gorgeous piece.

 

[lulu_ma]

Yayyyyy congrats!!!!

@lovedogs thank you!! apparently, I was manifesting when I posted on your thread

So cool!

Thank you @oncrutchesrightnow !

It’s stunning and extra wonderful that it is dual purpose.
enjoy enjoy enjoy

@Bron357 thanks so much-'m so glad I was able to make the conversion work!

 

[lulu_ma]

You've got me wanting a bracelet like this too @lulu_ma .

I love the necklace conversion. It's beautiful!

Just like @maryjane04 I would love to have a big ctw graduated bracelet like your white whale!! It has so much presence and the proportions are perfect as a necklace too!

Count that as a third person haha who now also wants one of these. Oh so beautiful! So rare! So jelly over here.

What can I say- @maryjane04 @oldcutclubmember @Mreader- you are my very favorite enablers!

AND, you know that when you are ready, I will help spend money search for your own bracelets!

#blingfriendsarethebestfriends

 

[plad25]

Wow. What a great idea! It looks fabulous both ways!

 

[cushioncutnut]

Two and a half years ago, I attended my very first antique jewelry show, NY JAWS. I had just gotten my first old cut diamond (piggy bank was empty) and was just comparison shopping. It was not my intention to buy.

Of course, I found a gorgeous 5 ct graduated bezel set OEC bracelet. I really wanted it, but I was determined to be disciplined...Well, I didn’t buy the bracelet at the show and I found out it sold the next day. Since then, I have discovered that bezel set old cut diamond bracelets are hard to come by-especially the graduated ones.

After an extensive search and several misses, I gave up hope. Then in December, I posted about the JAWs bracelet on the "pieces that got away" thread here and lo and behold, this bracelet popped up 11 days later. This time, I jumped on it-like no deliberation at all!

Here is my White Whale bracelet…



The center bezel is 6.7 mm in diameter



Fancy stack



I wear my box set OEC bracelet on the daily and wasn't sure 100% that I could justify two OEC bracelets. I started playing around and the wheels were turning...

That is gorgeous! I love the conversion!!! Can't go wrong either way!!

 

[lulu_ma]

Side by side comparison of the piece that got away versus the piece I got:

(gah-feeling quite pasty right now!)

 

[lavenderdragonfly23]

Side by side comparison of the piece that got away versus the piece I got:

(gah-feeling quite pasty right now!)

I adore the one you now have, sooo elegant, yet a piece you can easily wear with everything

 

[dk168]

Congratulations and it is beautiful!

DK

 

[JV36912]

Amazing in every way! Enjoy!!

 

[Catmom]

Wow it's an absolutely beautiful bracelet and the whole conversion to a necklace idea and execution is fabulous! Congrats!!

 

[yennyfire]

That is just stupendous!! What an incredible find (and kismet that you found not one but two of these rarities!)!! And your conversion is nothing short of genius!! I love you CPW rationale too!! Well done!

 

[Patty]

It’s beautiful and I love that it will do double duty for you!

 

[madelise]

I already fawned on IG, and I'm here to fawn on PS! so creative!!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

STUNNING!!! PS'ers find the BEST stuff!

cheers--Sharon