Which one would you choose? Whiteflash or IDJ bangle?

[SMC]

Hi everyone,

The diamond bangle saga continues with this thread. I'm trying to decide between the two diamond bangle options:

1. Whiteflash platinum bangle with 25 x 0.10 ct ACA melee (2.5ctw), returnable
2. IDJ platinum bangle with 18 x 0.25 ct "PS quality" diamonds (4.5ctw), non-returnable (custom order)

Lets say that the prices of both bangles were within the same acceptable range (WF's is cheaper because it's a lower ctw).

My FI and I are ordering 2 of these bracelets for our moms to wear at our wedding. I'm hesitant to go with IDJ because of their return policy. It's a lot of money to commit to something and the lack of a return policy scares me. I understand that this is the norm for custom orders though.

Given this - which would you choose? Appreciate thoughts and your vote! Thanks!

Edit: This is the look I am going for (from WF's site): http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-bracelets/shared-prong-diamond-bangle-708.htm

 

[WillyDiamond]

WF all the way. In my opinion better quality of diamonds used.

 

[Gypsy]

I have bought some PS quality diamonds from IDJ and I was very happy with them. So ask long as they state what color/clarity and state that they will be great cut, I would have no issue with buying from them.

That said, what does the IDJ setting look like? Is it the same? Cause the setting could make or break it for me.

 

[SMC]

I have bought some PS quality diamonds from IDJ and I was very happy with them. So ask long as they state what color/clarity and state that they will be great cut, I would have no issue with buying from them.

That said, what does the IDJ setting look like? Is it the same? Cause the setting could make or break it for me.

Yes, they did specify they would be PS quality, F/G SI, ideal cut diamonds. The setting picture that they sent me was very similar to the WF one.

IDJ is a bigger look for the money, but if I didn't like it, we'd be stuck with 2 of the same. There's not enough time for me to order one and see how I like it as we need them by the 3rd week in December.

 

[heididdl]

very generous and I am sure they will be thrilled with anything that you give them. Why would they return a gift. And in my HO as a woman of a certain age (children just under marriage age) I would prefer the larger stone bangle.....

 

[SMC]

very generous and I am sure they will be thrilled with anything that you give them. Why would they return a gift. And in my HO as a woman of a certain age (children just under marriage age) I would prefer the larger stone bangle.....

I'm sure that our moms would like anything we give them and would never instigate returns. I'm more afraid that they come out looking different from what I expect and then we'll be stuck with 2 that I didn't like. It's just important to me that I spend FI's money wisely and that we are pleased with the final results.

 

[heididdl]

understood. I guess you have to go with the reviews that people have using both vendors and of course it is a lot of money so I get it.

 

[lizzyann]

Hi Sortmon! Long time no talk... ha ha! I think both would be beautiful. Does your mom and soon to be mother in law wear pretty large pieces on a daily basis? If they do and you think they would be able to sport the higher carat weight one on a pretty regular basis, I might consider the IDJ one. However, that high a carat weight is going to be pretty blingy blingy if you know what I mean. Even the 2.5ctw is going to be pretty blingy as well. If you think they might get more use out of the smaller weight one, then my thoughts are to go the WF route. Stones and setting have been purchased from PSers many a many times and all are happy. I think the IDJ stones would be very pretty as well, but the setting concerns me for some reason just because I haven't seen any purchased on here before, plus the no return policy would have me concerned. Could you post a pic of their setting for us to take a peek at?

 

[lizzyann]

One more thing to add...have you seen Dancing Fire's wife's WF 3ctw bangle? It has a really big presence, pretty similar to the 2.5tw I would guess. https://www.pricescope.com/communit...gift-on-this-3-ctw-wf-bangle-bracelet.160640/

 

[LaraOnline]

i would go for the larger bangle, if you are sure you have their wrist measurements fine for the order.
They are older ladies, they will appreciate the larger diamonds imho..

 

[Gypsy]

I have bought some PS quality diamonds from IDJ and I was very happy with them. So ask long as they state what color/clarity and state that they will be great cut, I would have no issue with buying from them.

That said, what does the IDJ setting look like? Is it the same? Cause the setting could make or break it for me.

Yes, they did specify they would be PS quality, F/G SI, ideal cut diamonds. The setting picture that they sent me was very similar to the WF one.

IDJ is a bigger look for the money, but if I didn't like it, we'd be stuck with 2 of the same. There's not enough time for me to order one and see how I like it as we need them by the 3rd week in December.

I'd go with IDJ, but I've worked with them before and feel comfortable. And I'd definitely want the larger stones for the money. You have to do what you feel comfortable doing, though.

 

[Smith1942]

I would go for the larger stones in the IDJ bracelet. 0.10 stones are really not large at all. I have WF ACA 0.15 each baby bezel studs, and they are so tiny. For the money, you might even be disappointed, nice as ACA stones are.

I totally understand about the returns quandary. I feel the same about custom. However, the design is classic. I don't see what could go that wrong, considering you will have lovely big stones. I also agree that as older ladies, they may well appreciate the bigger diamonds.

Does IDJ have any images of such bangles they have previously produced that they could send you?

 

[plummiecat]

I have worked with both vendors and while they were both pleasant to work with overall, I would choose WF. I had a custom piece made by IDJ and there were some issues with the workmanship that took quite a while to resolve. I would prefer the WF ACA melee to larger stones from IDJ, but that is just my personal preference.

 

[SMC]

Does IDJ have any images of such bangles they have previously produced that they could send you?

Unfortunately, I could only get one picture of a similar bangle that they've produced before. I didn't think it was enough for me to decide on, so I decided to reach out to PS for advice.

I'm still undecided. For me IDJ gives me better value but it seems like there have been fewer problems with WF.

Thanks for weighing in everyone!

 

[SMC]

Going with IDJ on this one. Had a good talk with Yekutiel (who is an excellent salesperson) and I feel confident that he will make something our parents will like. In the end, I just wanted a bigger look for our older parents.

The service/communication that I received from WF was spectacular though. Bob answered my emails really promptly and I felt that he strove to provide me with options given my short time frame. I hope to purchase something from them in the future so I can see what this ACA hype is all about.

I'll be posting a SMTB thread once the bangles arrive!

 

[VRBeauty]

A new adventure! I'm looking forward to seeing your (beautiful and oh so very thoughtful) gifts!

What did you decide on for the dads?

 

[SMC]

A new adventure! I'm looking forward to seeing your (beautiful and oh so very thoughtful) gifts!

What did you decide on for the dads?

Yeah, I'm really excited about it!

Not sure what to get our dads yet. We're thinking Mont Blanc pens and a Tiffany silver picture frame (with a pic of us).

 

[CrazyBirdLady]

Whiteflash without a doubt. My ID eternity has some slight workmanship issues and 3 of the stones have black inclusions in them if you look at the ring in fluorescent light. I would not feel confident ordering something from them again, especially something that isn't returnable. You might be more lucky.

 

[Gypsy]

Make sure your order says eyeclean SI. At any distance.

 

[CrazyBirdLady]

Make sure your order says eyeclean SI. At any distance.

This was done with my order and I still didn't get eye clean

 

[SMC]

Make sure your order says eyeclean SI. At any distance.

Thanks for the advice! Luann did say they would be 100% eyeclean. She also said that they'd swap out any diamonds where I would be able to spot any imperfections. Given the amount of hounding that I've done, I'm optimistic that the order will turn out well.

 

[SMC]

Bangles will be here this week! Here are some pictures from Luann. I'm super excited, but also super nervous. It was a huge amount of money for us, so I really hope they look as good IRL as they do in the photos.

 

[sweet_blossom]

They look gorgeous!

 

[heididdl]

I am just going to repeat my former comment I wish I were one of your moms

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

Wow!!!! I can't wait for you to get them!!

I think I need to take a trip over to see you before you head off to your wedding.

 

[SMC]

They look gorgeous!

Thank you! I'm always apprehensive with vendor photos because things always look different IRL. There will be 2 more sleepless nights until I get them.

I am just going to repeat my former comment I wish I were one of your moms

Ha! Well, I wish I were your daughter so I could inherit your collection.

Wow!!!! I can't wait for you to get them!!

I think I need to take a trip over to see you before you head off to your wedding.

GTG on Sunday?

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

They look gorgeous!

Thank you! I'm always apprehensive with vendor photos because things always look different IRL. There will be 2 more sleepless nights until I get them.

I am just going to repeat my former comment I wish I were one of your moms

Ha! Well, I wish I were your daughter so I could inherit your collection.

Wow!!!! I can't wait for you to get them!!

I think I need to take a trip over to see you before you head off to your wedding.

GTG on Sunday?

We will see. I need to see how the pass is. I won't know until the day before or so.

 

[lizzyann]

They came out great!

 

[Missy]

Gorgeous! Your mother and MIL are going to be thrilled. What a thoughtful and generous gift from you and your dh-great job!

 

[misskittycat]

They are stunning Sortomon!! Great choice!