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What's better? Go up in one level in clarity or color?

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niceguymr

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 20, 2006
Messages
80
Ok, I'm NOW narrowing down my 10 year anniversary present to a 10 ct tw diamond tennis bracelet. I was originally looking at 10ct necklaces but after comparing the two in person side by side and worn on a person, the 10 ct bracelet has a lot more impact/statement/pow!

So I'm dealing with a very reputable jeweler and here's where I'm at:
10 ct tw (40 something diamonds @ .29 ct each)
7.5" length
18 kt white gold
G color
SI2 clarity
round cut
Out the door price tax included $8k

I'm comfortable here on all levels - price, appearance, quality, etc.

But I MAY be willing to step out of my comfort zone and considering going up in color or clarity or BOTH.

But IF I were to decide to go up in just one (cut or clarity), which one would make the greatest impact (or be most noticeably different) even though I realize it won't be much? Cut or Clarity?

Also, before I begin to talk about this, given the price that I'm at ($8k otd), by how much reasonably should I expect the price to go up by going up one level in either or BOTH? Would it be reasonable to expect to pay just $1000 more for a move up one level in both (so $9k for all above same with F/VS2)?

Thanks in advance!
 
G color stones are very white so if I were to upgrade anything, I would definitely upgrade the SI2 clarity. Price could be all over the place depending on who you are dealing with - did you ask your jeweler? I would give him the color/clarity combo you are interested in and see what his price is. Then you can shop around to see what other prices you could find online.
 
at .29 carat I doubt SI2 is causing much trouble. I wouldn't upgrade anything unless the diamonds look included to you. Cut is what makes the real difference rather than the inclusions or the colour. You may find it doesn't look much different even if you upgrade. Personally I'd just leave it alone unless the price difference was minor.
 
G is fine for color (actually very white)...and depending on the stones I would go up in clarity.

Are you comfortable that these stones will be well cut...because if they are only "Good" I would
put my money there and get a better quality Cut of G/SI2s. I would also be willing to drop to H/SI1s.
H in my book will still be pretty white. What color is her engagement ring (even though it's far
enough away not to matter)?
 
I agree with others - G is plenty white and I wouldn't pay for F but if I were going to spend extra money, I'd make sure I was getting eye clean SI1 stones, if not VS2, instead of SI2.
 
And "round" is not a grade of cut, it is a shape. So please ask what the cut "grade" is. Don't skimp on cut cuz that's where the sparkle comes from. I'd probably prioritize cut first, then color, then (size or) clarity.
 
Eye clean and define what eye clean means to you

Emphasize excellent cut

G is plenty white! Can't wait to see what you end up with.
 
I am not an expert, however, I too would go up in clarity or cut grade instead of colour.

My untrained eyes cannot detect the difference between G and H colours, and can only tell the difference between E and G/H when they are side by side.

DK :))
 
Hmmm...something just don't jive here. A nice 10ct with well cut .29ct stones will cost you way over $8K. I would shoot for some well cut H/I SI1 stones.
 
HI:

Focus on well or very well cut stones. Tennis bracelets get dirty quickly (hand lotion, perfume, sweat, etc etc) and I'd want a bracelet that could be "dirty" and still sparkle. Poorly cut stones will dull instantly with any hint of grime.

cheers--Sharon
 
Ok, Thanks everyone. Pictures will be posted in a couple of weeks as the bracelet is being made. Here's what I went with: (I went up one grade in clarity. Stones are Russian cut and all VG to EX)

10 ct tw (min)
.25 round stones (approx. 40 something stones)
G / SI1
VG to EX cut

18 kt white gold mid-profile setting tennis bracelet with dual figure 8 clasps. (18 gr)

$9k tax incl. (includes paying on credit card which gives me 2% cash back)

I'm probably paying slightly more than I should but since they are making this bracelet for me and it is from a local, known, reputable and trusted jeweler (who I bought my wife's engagement ring from 11 years ago), I'm happy with my decision.
 
HI:

Good!! If you are happy, "we" are happy. Come back with pictures and wrist shots!!

cheers--Sharon
 
I am very glad about two things...that you went with a bracelet instead of a necklace, and that you went up in clarity!

I hope you will come back with pictures for us!
 
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