Tennis bracelet help.

[skphotoimages]

I''m wanting to buy a white gold diamond tennis bracelet. Can anyone tell me what I should look for in diamonds in a bracelet. What do you think a good clarity is to look for. I guess I should note here I am pretty educated on diamonds. I was on here for months before and after buying my upgrade for my ring. But I am clueless when it comes to bracelets. Any information regarding tennis bracelets would help.
My mom has a tennis bracelet that has larger diamonds but fewer of them as there is a bit more of a design to the gold which takes up more space. For example it probably has 25-30 larger stones as opposed to 40ish. I like that, but I''m open to whatever.
Also can you point me to any online vendors who are good with tennis bracelets?
I don''t know what my budget is...maybe $5000..maybe less. At this point I don''t even know what carat range that puts me in. I guess that depends on the design. Hmmm.
Thanks!

 

[skphotoimages]

I did a few hours of searching last night and I came up with two more questions. I plan on wearing this everyday, all day..what settings are tough enough for this? For example is the three prong enough? Or would I be better with something like a half bezel?
Next question is, does anyone have or know anyone who had an add-a-diamond bracelet? I saw a link to one yesterday, and it looked interesting, but I''m not sure I want a whole bezel. And also I''m wondering if that ends up being way more expensive in the end. Here''s the link. I think someone else has them too, but this was the only round one I saw.

 

[somethingshiny]

*bump* for someone who can help

 

[Modified Brilliant]

Hi Sk,

Very good questions!
I need to remain unbiased regarding vendors but can offer the following "generic" advice.

As an appraiser...this is what I see alot!

Top light brown or low color grade diamonds in "promotional" quality bracelets.
Fibers catching on the prongs and links of the "S" style.
Three prongs seem to be okay, but I encounter loose stones often when checking.
Bezel set gives a more streamlined, heavier and substantial look.
Mismatched stones, varying in diameter sizes...you need to look closely.

I would put color before clarity, especially with white gold bracelets, but as usual avoid eye visible
dark inclusions. Tennis bracelets are made in hundreds of styles. Choose one that suits your needs,
price point, and life style.

Jeff Averbook, GG
Graduate Gemologist/Appraiser

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com

 

[DiamanteBlu]

Stones in a bracelet are generally small. I would guess that you would be fine with SI1-SI2. I would worry more about the cut and the color. You might want to stay with G-H or above. It could take a while to assemble that many stones of a great cut.

I have a full bezel bracelet with 3mm stones [38 of them if I counted right!] in it [10 pointers, I think] and it is great to wear every day. It is nice and sparkly. I have a more substantial one that is prong set [4 prong baskets] that I do not wear every day so I can''t comment on a different type of setting for daily wear.

 

[Diamond*Dana]

I have a 2ctw half bezel set bracelet, and I wear it everday. I love the setting because it does not catch on anything!

 

[aljdewey]

WF does a few different tennis bracelets; one is prong-set and other is half-bezel, I think?

 

[Tacori E-ring]

wink has done some really nice bracelets as well.

 

[diamondfan]

I just got one, in white gold, prong set. I think the stones are G/H and VS2. I do not know if there is a standard of quality for them, I know there is ring quality in a stone and that for earrings and bracelets you do not need that quality level. Mine look white and sparkly though and I like it!

 

[skphotoimages]

Date: 12/10/2007 9:08:51 PM
Author: DiamanteBlu
Stones in a bracelet are generally small. I would guess that you would be fine with SI1-SI2. I would worry more about the cut and the color. You might want to stay with G-H or above. It could take a while to assemble that many stones of a great cut.


I have a full bezel bracelet with 3mm stones [38 of them if I counted right!] in it [10 pointers, I think] and it is great to wear every day. It is nice and sparkly. I have a more substantial one that is prong set [4 prong baskets] that I do not wear every day so I can''t comment on a different type of setting for daily wear.

Hi, thanks for your reply. Would you by any change be able to post a picture of it on your wrist? That''s where I''m having a problem...picturing different sty;es of bracelets on a wrist. If you can, great. If not I still really appreciate your opinion!

 

[skphotoimages]

Date: 12/10/2007 9:38:34 PM
Author: Diamond*Dana
I have a 2ctw half bezel set bracelet, and I wear it everday. I love the setting because it does not catch on anything!

Hi! would you happen to have a photo of it on your wrist? Like I said in my post above, I''m having trouble picturing different settings and sizes on an actual wrist.
I really like the half bezels. Do you know how big your individual stones are?

 

[CrookedRock]

I might be able to help a little. here is a link to a recent thread about tennis bracelets where I posted a pic of my Mom's... Good Luck!

 

[diamondfan]

Dia, could you describe your prong set bracelet?

 

[skphotoimages]

Date: 12/11/2007 10:09:42 PM
Author: CrookedRock
I might be able to help a little. here is a link to a recent thread about tennis bracelets where I posted a pic of my Mom''s... Good Luck!

That does help! Thank you. Where did you get yours? I actually prefer yours to your moms. I think I''d be perfectly happy with a 3ct.