Small Diamond tennis bracelet

[diamondfan26]

Hi Everyone!

So I am new here, well I have been reading around on the forum and taking in everyone diamond knowledge!
I am now in a position where I can buy my own official diamond piece (I have small gifts from parents but never brought diamond jewelry for myself)
I was to buy a small 'starter' tennis bracelet!
So Im looking to buy a small tennis bracelet for everyday wear, between 2-3 total carat weight.
I am in the UK, and have been talking to a couple of vendors, and gained a little bit of info on what to expect price wise.

So first I know i want the bracelet in white gold. I dont want to go too low on color but dont want to pay the premium for D/E. so would like it in the F-H range. I know cut is very important, so im looking at a V good/ excellent cut, Is excellent cut a must for tiny stones?

Now in terms of clarity, I want eye clean

So heres somes of the quotes.

Vendor 1
2ctw, VS1/2 excellent cut, F/G colour
£2600
3ctw, VS1/2 Excellent cut F/G
£3300
2.5 VS1/2 Excellent cut F/G
£3000

Now Vendor 2
2ctw SI Very good cut G/F colour
£1900
Same spec but VS1/2 very good cut G/F
£2150
3ctw
SI Very good cut G/F colour
£2525
VS1/2 very good cut G/F
£3275


So Im not sure what to go for?
Lower pricing obviously for cut grade and clarity.

Im a UK customer so id prefer to look here as it is my first big jewelry purchase, however if i exhaust all my options here I would be open to US vendors.

Thanks in advance!

 

[diamondfan26]

Anyone?

 

[diamondfan26]

 

[WillyDiamond]

Email Leslie at BGD. I bought a 3 carat for my wife, loves it.
Best of luck

 

[sarahb]

I have one from White Flash & I love it. I do also believe cut matters no matter the size of the diamond, just my 2 cents!
Good luck with your decision!
sarahb

 

[lambskin]

There are so many diamonds to a tennis bracelet that the overall quality is important. What I look for in a bracelet is first the size of the diamonds. Simply put IMHO, if they a really small, then the level of inclusions are not as important as the color and cut. You do not want to have off color and poorly cut stones-any size. No one is going to admire the bracelet with a loupe. But someone will be able to tell if the color is off or the stones are lifeless. Make sure that ALL of the stones are consistent in grading and that there are no duds.

 

[lambskin]

There are so many diamonds to a tennis bracelet that the overall quality is important. What I look for in a bracelet is first the size of the diamonds. Simply put IMHO, if they a really small, then the level of inclusions are not as important as the color and cut. You do not want to have off color and poorly cut stones-any size. No one is going to admire the bracelet with a loupe. But someone will be able to tell if the color is off or the stones are lifeless. Make sure that ALL of the stones are consistent in grading and that there are no duds.

 

[lambskin]

There are so many diamonds to a tennis bracelet that the overall quality is important. What I look for in a bracelet is first the size of the diamonds. Simply put IMHO, if they a really small, then the level of inclusions are not as important as the color and cut. You do not want to have off color and poorly cut stones-any size. No one is going to admire the bracelet with a loupe. But someone will be able to tell if the color is off or the stones are lifeless. Make sure that ALL of the stones are consistent in grading and that there are no duds.

 

[zah_zah]

I'm also wondering about this too!

 

[WillyDiamond]

Hey OP, you got some good advice, whats the latest?

Check this out:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-bracelets/three-prong-tennis-bracelet-14k-white-gold-5451w14

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-bracelets/three-prong-diamond-tennis-bracelet-501.htm

 

[diamondfan26]

Thanks everyone!

I think im going to go with the vendors offering higher cut quality and clarity.

The whiteflash one is quite expensive in my opnion, But they do have ACA diamonds.

Also question about prongs, I have read alot of people have 3 prongs from white flash. Im stuck deciding between 3 vs 4 prongs?

 

[sarahb]

I have a 3 prong WF & a 4 prong pre PS.

While I so love my WF bracelet, (it is really stunning IMHO with those ACA's), realize a 3 prong will be a completely different profile than a 4 prong.

The 4 prong will look like a 'line' bracelet, where as the 3 prong does not have that 'straight line' profile.

Once in a while I do wonder if I should have bought the 4 prong, but at this pint, it's water under the bridge!

Go to a few jewelry stores & try them on. See what you like!

I am posting a photo showing a comparison, from another PSr, I think she was butterfly7 or flower7, can't remember exactly (pardon me!) I spent time on her threads prior to purchase, she had the exact same dilemma.

Good luck with your decision!
sarahb

 

[WillyDiamond]

Don't think you will see any difference between WF and BGD for this project.

 

[Sunstorm]

Cut and color do make a huge difference in the small diamonds, in all diamonds actually, clarity not that much as long as you stick with SI1 or higher, preferably VS2 but you should look IRL in my opinion too, each stone is different and it is a good idea to see the bracelet IRL, workmanship is just as important as the stones themselves. I personally dislike the look of three prongs as I find it unbalanced, I would always go with an even number of prongs in rounds.

 

[diamondfan26]

Cut and color do make a huge difference in the small diamonds, in all diamonds actually, clarity not that much as long as you stick with SI1 or higher, preferably VS2 but you should look IRL in my opinion too, each stone is different and it is a good idea to see the bracelet IRL, workmanship is just as important as the stones themselves. I personally dislike the look of three prongs as I find it unbalanced, I would always go with an even number of prongs in rounds.

Thanks for the advice

How come you would go for the 4 prong?

 

[WillyDiamond]

Cut and color do make a huge difference in the small diamonds, in all diamonds actually, clarity not that much as long as you stick with SI1 or higher, preferably VS2 but you should look IRL in my opinion too, each stone is different and it is a good idea to see the bracelet IRL, workmanship is just as important as the stones themselves. I personally dislike the look of three prongs as I find it unbalanced, I would always go with an even number of prongs in rounds.

Thanks for the advice

How come you would go for the 4 prong?

Disagree, 3 prongs is well balanced, they are equally spread apart and shows more of the diamond than 4 prong. It comes down to personal taste

 

[swingirl]

I have a 3-prong 2 ct from Whiteflash and I love it. It's a perfect size for an everyday bracelet. Larger is always nice but with budget in mind I found the 2 ct to be a good choice.

The stones from WF are perfectly matched.

 

[zah_zah]

Cut and color do make a huge difference in the small diamonds, in all diamonds actually, clarity not that much as long as you stick with SI1 or higher, preferably VS2 but you should look IRL in my opinion too, each stone is different and it is a good idea to see the bracelet IRL, workmanship is just as important as the stones themselves. I personally dislike the look of three prongs as I find it unbalanced, I would always go with an even number of prongs in rounds.

Thanks for the advice

How come you would go for the 4 prong?

Disagree, 3 prongs is well balanced, they are equally spread apart and shows more of the diamond than 4 prong. It comes down to personal taste

I really like that setting!
Is that 3ctw?

 

[WillyDiamond]

Cut and color do make a huge difference in the small diamonds, in all diamonds actually, clarity not that much as long as you stick with SI1 or higher, preferably VS2 but you should look IRL in my opinion too, each stone is different and it is a good idea to see the bracelet IRL, workmanship is just as important as the stones themselves. I personally dislike the look of three prongs as I find it unbalanced, I would always go with an even number of prongs in rounds.

Thanks for the advice

How come you would go for the 4 prong?

Disagree, 3 prongs is well balanced, they are equally spread apart and shows more of the diamond than 4 prong. It comes down to personal taste

I really like that setting!
Is that 3ctw?

yes

 

[zah_zah]

For 3 ctw do you think a 4 prong will make it look more substantial or would 3 prong be better.
I was swaying towards 3 prong as it will show more diamond but my vendor said because the prongs would be more substantial as less prongs to hold them it would actually have the opposite effect.
He's saying I should go for 4, for more security and substantial.ll

 

[WillyDiamond]

For 3 ctw do you think a 4 prong will make it look more substantial or would 3 prong be better.
I was swaying towards 3 prong as it will show more diamond but my vendor said because the prongs would be more substantial as less prongs to hold them it would actually have the opposite effect.
He's saying I should go for 4, for more security and substantial.ll

Zah Zah, I don't know anyone on the forum who has had problems with stones falling out with the 3 prong setting who received the bracelets from WF or BGD. My wife's came from Leslie at BGD. Call both of them (WF and BGD) and tell them your concern. Do deal with Leslie at BGD if you decide to call them. Best of luck.

Edit: As far as the prongs, they are very delicate and can hardly see them with the naked eye

 

[sarahb]

Honestly, Diamondfan26--go try on a few at a store in real life to gauge what is substantial to your own eyes.

'Substantial' can vary by many degrees--& totally subjective and different from one person to the next. You won't know what your own comfort is until you try on a few different bracelets!

It can be a fun afternoon!!

My 6 CT 3 prong maybe overkill for others--just as an example.

As far as durability, IMHO, you won't have an issue with a 3 prong. Maybe he's trying to sell you his 4 prong? Or did he also have a 3 prong there as well?

sarahb

 

[diamondfan26]

I really like the 3 prong!

 

[zah_zah]

For 3 ctw do you think a 4 prong will make it look more substantial or would 3 prong be better.
I was swaying towards 3 prong as it will show more diamond but my vendor said because the prongs would be more substantial as less prongs to hold them it would actually have the opposite effect.
He's saying I should go for 4, for more security and substantial.ll

Zah Zah, I don't know anyone on the forum who has had problems with stones falling out with the 3 prong setting who received the bracelets from WF or BGD. My wife's came from Leslie at BGD. Call both of them (WF and BGD) and tell them your concern. Do deal with Leslie at BGD if you decide to call them. Best of luck.

Edit: As far as the prongs, they are very delicate and can hardly see them with the naked eye

Well the vendor was pushing towards 4 prongs as more secure and will look more substantial however he said it's up to me and he can make 3 prongs too.
Although he said making 3prongs safer would mean the prongs will have to be more substantial.

 

[WillyDiamond]

For 3 ctw do you think a 4 prong will make it look more substantial or would 3 prong be better.
I was swaying towards 3 prong as it will show more diamond but my vendor said because the prongs would be more substantial as less prongs to hold them it would actually have the opposite effect.
He's saying I should go for 4, for more security and substantial.ll

Zah Zah, I don't know anyone on the forum who has had problems with stones falling out with the 3 prong setting who received the bracelets from WF or BGD. My wife's came from Leslie at BGD. Call both of them (WF and BGD) and tell them your concern. Do deal with Leslie at BGD if you decide to call them. Best of luck.

Edit: As far as the prongs, they are very delicate and can hardly see them with the naked eye

Well the vendor was pushing towards 4 prongs as more secure and will look more substantial however he said it's up to me and he can make 3 prongs too.
Although he said making 3prongs safer would mean the prongs will have to be more substantial.

"prongs more substantial"???.....................did you speak with Leslie at BGD and ask about the prongs? if I can take a closeup of the bracelet to show you the prongs I will. They are small and dainty, same with WF. I am assuming that both BGD and WF buy the "bracelet" from the same vendor and then populate it with their stones.

Also you keep coming back to what your vendor is telling you and others on the post say different. You can believe what you want, you have to wear the piece

edit: can't take a good pic of the prongs. I can't even see the prongs with the naked eye.
I can't add any more here..........best of luck

 

[zah_zah]

For 3 ctw do you think a 4 prong will make it look more substantial or would 3 prong be better.
I was swaying towards 3 prong as it will show more diamond but my vendor said because the prongs would be more substantial as less prongs to hold them it would actually have the opposite effect.
He's saying I should go for 4, for more security and substantial.ll

Zah Zah, I don't know anyone on the forum who has had problems with stones falling out with the 3 prong setting who received the bracelets from WF or BGD. My wife's came from Leslie at BGD. Call both of them (WF and BGD) and tell them your concern. Do deal with Leslie at BGD if you decide to call them. Best of luck.

Edit: As far as the prongs, they are very delicate and can hardly see them with the naked eye

Well the vendor was pushing towards 4 prongs as more secure and will look more substantial however he said it's up to me and he can make 3 prongs too.
Although he said making 3prongs safer would mean the prongs will have to be more substantial.

"prongs more substantial"???.....................did you speak with Leslie at BGD and ask about the prongs? if I can take a closeup of the bracelet to show you the prongs I will. They are small and dainty, same with WF. I am assuming that both BGD and WF buy the "bracelet" from the same vendor and then populate it with their stones.

Also you keep coming back to what your vendor is telling you and others on the post say different. You can believe what you want, you have to wear the piece

edit: can't take a good pic of the prongs. I can't even see the prongs with the naked eye.
I can't add any more here..........best of luck

 

[zah_zah]

For 3 ctw do you think a 4 prong will make it look more substantial or would 3 prong be better.
I was swaying towards 3 prong as it will show more diamond but my vendor said because the prongs would be more substantial as less prongs to hold them it would actually have the opposite effect.
He's saying I should go for 4, for more security and substantial.ll

Zah Zah, I don't know anyone on the forum who has had problems with stones falling out with the 3 prong setting who received the bracelets from WF or BGD. My wife's came from Leslie at BGD. Call both of them (WF and BGD) and tell them your concern. Do deal with Leslie at BGD if you decide to call them. Best of luck.

Edit: As far as the prongs, they are very delicate and can hardly see them with the naked eye

Well the vendor was pushing towards 4 prongs as more secure and will look more substantial however he said it's up to me and he can make 3 prongs too.
Although he said making 3prongs safer would mean the prongs will have to be more substantial.

"prongs more substantial"???.....................did you speak with Leslie at BGD and ask about the prongs? if I can take a closeup of the bracelet to show you the prongs I will. They are small and dainty, same with WF. I am assuming that both BGD and WF buy the "bracelet" from the same vendor and then populate it with their stones.

Also you keep coming back to what your vendor is telling you and others on the post say different. You can believe what you want, you have to wear the piece

edit: can't take a good pic of the prongs. I can't even see the prongs with the naked eye.
I can't add any more here..........best of luck

Hey thanks for your help!
I'm swaying towards 3 prong but vendor is pushing me towards 4 prong.

Il contact white flash and BGD

 

[anthony-roman]

The jewellery with better cut and clarity would be expensive than the one with lower quality. So I guess you should go for the best diamond available. You wouldn't want to save a few dollars for a bad diamond!

 

[WillyDiamond]

Hey Zah Zah, what did you end up doing?

 

[luvdajules]

Willydiamond, zha zah posted her new bracelet with photos in her own thread recently. 5 pointer tennis bracelet too dainty? something like that. check it out. Find it using the search bar or clicking on Zha zha's user posts next to her avatar. It looks fantastic, by the way. She did good