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Scooba116

Scooba116

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Apr 10, 2006
Messages
199
I am replacing a lost 3 ctw tennis bracelet. It was 18kt white gold, and I had had it for 17 years and it was still perfectly white. I decided to go with WF for the replacement because ACAs, and I liked that they had a platinum option, especially since they suggested their WG would have to be replated every 1-2 years.

My bracelet is insured for $5661. WF gave me the following prices:

14 kt $5250
18 kt 5695
plat 5795

I planned to go with the platinum. But I then found out that they are no longer using ACA melee in their bracelets as the standard. I can still get ACA, but the prices are:

14 kt $5950
18 kt 6425
plat 6750

i really don’t want to spend a substantial amount to replace what I had, but I also don’t want to have to worry about replating. So I think my options are platinum non ACA for $5795 or 14 kt ACA for $5950 (so with my deductible, it will still cost $400, not a big deal but I have a bunch of other expenses at the moment so what would normally feel like nothing feels like “another expense” right now).

is it worth it to get the ACA in a bracelet? Or would piece of mind in not having to replate platinum be the better value (I’d also probably never or almost never replenish it)? But I’m also concerned that the platinum alloy is 950 iridium and maybe it will get really beat up. And with WG, will I care that it’s 14kt and not 18kt like my old one?

I’m stuck, help!
 
I can’t help you decided, as I am in the same position! My hubby surprised me with a 7ct bracelet, which has been ordered. Then I saw your post and reached out to my SA at Whiteflash. I too am getting a quote for the ACA’s but I’m unsure if I will swap the order yet. On the one hand, hubby is a doll for surprising me and he was so excited when he gave me a sweet note to open with a pic of the order. On the other hand, I think, this is a lot of money to spend if it’s not the best of the best. I will see what the quote is and go from there. I have a pair of inside out hoops made by Wolf CBI that I used their excellent melee in. Due to a time constraint, I couldn’t get the luxe melee. I have been very happy with them so I’m thinking I may just be very happy with the excellent melee in the tennis bracelet if it’s comparable. Please, keep me posted on what you decide!
 
A jeweler once told me that white gold was better for a bracelet as platinum stretches over time. Not sure if this is true but might be worth asking. I was left with the impression that the white gold would be safer for stones and shape retention. Replating can be a hassle but I do like the color of white gold.
 
I think 18kt palladium WG does not need to be replated, IIRC?

For me, I don’t personally think I would need the ACA grade for such small stones. But in that case, you are better off also getting a quote from elsewhere to see if the price for WF non ACA is worth it - perhaps IDJ?
 
AllAboardTheBlingTrain said:
I think 18kt palladium WG does not need to be replated, IIRC?

For me, I don’t personally think I would need the ACA grade for such small stones. But in that case, you are better off also getting a quote from elsewhere to see if the price for WF non ACA is worth it - perhaps IDJ?
Click to expand...
I did get a quote from IDJ and it was MUCH less, but my insurance will cover the WF non ACA, so unless there is something better out there, I’ll probably just go with that.
 
Scooba116 said:
I did get a quote from IDJ and it was MUCH less, but my insurance will cover the WF non ACA, so unless there is something better out there, I’ll probably just go with that.
Click to expand...

I meant more like if they are comparable quality (I don’t know if they are, you may need to see both to decide) there is no point in paying for WF non ACA. At that point you could upgrade size with IDJ, for example.
 
AllAboardTheBlingTrain said:
I meant more like if they are comparable quality (I don’t know if they are, you may need to see both to decide) there is no point in paying for WF non ACA. At that point you could upgrade size with IDJ, for example.
Click to expand...

I understand what you're saying but I'm not sure the insurance would pay to upgrade carat weight, and I wouldn't want to. My 3 carat was perfect for me for everyday wear.
 
MamaBear said:
I can’t help you decided, as I am in the same position! My hubby surprised me with a 7ct bracelet, which has been ordered. Then I saw your post and reached out to my SA at Whiteflash. I too am getting a quote for the ACA’s but I’m unsure if I will swap the order yet. On the one hand, hubby is a doll for surprising me and he was so excited when he gave me a sweet note to open with a pic of the order. On the other hand, I think, this is a lot of money to spend if it’s not the best of the best. I will see what the quote is and go from there. I have a pair of inside out hoops made by Wolf CBI that I used their excellent melee in. Due to a time constraint, I couldn’t get the luxe melee. I have been very happy with them so I’m thinking I may just be very happy with the excellent melee in the tennis bracelet if it’s comparable. Please, keep me posted on what you decide!
Click to expand...

WF sent videos comparing an ACA bangle to a non-ACA top grade bracelet, and unfortunately it's not making the decision easier.
 
Scooba116 said:
WF sent videos comparing an ACA bangle to a non-ACA top grade bracelet, and unfortunately it's not making the decision easier.
Click to expand...

Did they look the same?
 
Have you gotten a quote from Brian Gavin?
 
Can you post the video?
 
Would love to hear your thoughts on the differences.
 
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