Whiteflash or IDJewelry for diamond bracelet???

[Dandi]

For many on here I'd say this would be a no brainer, ie. ACAs vs. not, but I'm taking this opportunity to (a) be a size whore, and (b)compare opinions from the lovely PSers out there who own diamonds from ID Jewelry!

I've been saving for a WG bracelet for a while now, and always thought I'd go with ID Jewelry's 3ctw 3-prong. I'm having a hard time deciding though, because for the price I can get ACAs from Whiteflash, but theirs for that price is only 2ctw. So I guess the question is do I go for size from ID Jewelry, or maximum brilliance from the 2ctw ACAs? Mind, I don't own any ACAs or branded cut in any shape or form, I've never clapped eyes on one in real life! Perhaps it's time I did? Or maybe they'd outshine all my other stuff?? AHH!

Does anyone own a piece of bling from ID with smaller melee (ie. 3-4pt a piece or thereabouts)? How does the cut of the diamonds stack up, in your opinion? I'd like to buy soon, while the Aussie dollar is so good (I'm an opportunist ).
Anyone lovely person who can chime in, thanks in advance!!

 

[starryeyed]

Hi DandiAndi!

I have an ACA pendant and the diamond is wonderful, so 2 carats in a bracelet would be very blingy. I know what you mean - it may seem tough to justify 2 carats when you can get 3.

Can you ask ID if they use "Ideal" or "Excellent" cut stones? Did they give you any indication of the cut quality they offer in their bracelets?

 

[FancyDiamond]

starryeyed has a good point about the stone types. Make sure that you are comparing apples with apples. Besides being ideal cut, ACA melees are F color VS clarity. I have a tennis bracelet from Whiteflash, and I am very pleased with it. The diamonds are white and brilliant - simply drop-dead gorgeous. Don't know much about IDjewelry, so can't comment. However, based on the lifeless or less lively diamond bracelets I have seen from regular stores, I am glad that I bought from Whiteflash.

I know size is important, but I bet an ACA 2-carat bracelet is much more attractive thana 3-carat bracelet of ordinary cut/color/clarity. Perhaps consider stretching your budget a little to get the Whiteflash 3-carat bracelet. After all, it is not everyday that you buy a diamond bracelet. It will last forever, both materials wise and style (timeless).

 

[lizzyann]

I don't have a bracelet from WF, but I do have the 1.5cttw bangle from BGD (BGD signature melee) which will be the same sized stones as your 3ctw tennis bracelet. The stones are beautiful and sparkly, lots of fire for sure.

When I quoted some stacker ring styles awhile back from ID, I told them I was from PS and he said that he would use Excellent cut stones F-G SI stones for a ring I was looking into. I'm sure their stones will be nice too, maybe not quite as nice as WF, but still much nicer than maul stores for sure. The other thing like you said is that you don't wear any other Ideal/WF/BGD stones so you may be better off to go with the higher carat weight, non-ideal stones. I think either way you decide you'll be happy with your bracelet. Just thought I'd offer my 2 cents!

Good Luck!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Hi,
I have three WF stones: two ACAs and one expert selection (those are AGS). Then I also have an excellent cut stone (GIA) and I cannot tell the difference. Only under the ideal scope is the difference obvious. If you, I'd spring for the larger ct weight ID jewelry bracelet.

ETA - just wanted to include that in addition to those four, I have another of similar size. That one is a D VS2 and it's gorgeous but the above four that I mentioned sparkle more. . .remember color isn't everything! (mine range from D-G!)

 

[Dandi]

Thanks for your feedback starryeyed! Yah, exactly as you said... I'm having a hard time justifying only 2/3 of the carat weight for the fact that the diamons are ACAs, knowing full well how stunning they would be. I've been assured from the staff at ID (whose service is out of this world fantastic, I must add!) that the stones are excellent cut. I've just been drooling over your INCREDIBLE ACA pendant, you've done an awesome job with the modifications, it looks amazing. And thanks again!!

FancyDiamond, thanks so much for your valuable opinion! OOOOOHH have we seen pics of your bracelet?! I'm going off to stalk your posts now Ahh I'd sell my right arm if it meant being able to afford the 3-carat WF version, it's just not on the cards unfortunately. Oops, I'd have to sell my left arm, I'm planning to wear the bracelet on my right. Silly me! I think I've still got a bit more research to do!

LizzyAnne, I'm so glad you posted! It's great to hear from someone who's had dealings with ID, and like you said, I don't own any branded stuff, although I am very finicky, and the diamond pieces I DO own, in my most humble opinion, comprise of beautifully cut stones! I'm really thinking the ID one is for me now, for that reason. Thankyou so much for chiming in, lovely!!


MC, I think your post was the turning point for me, if someone as knowing as yourself when it comes to diamonds sees vast similarities between ACAs and excellent non-branded cuts (I've been assured the ones in the ID bracelet are the latter), I am VERY reassured! The melee is F-G, so I'm thinking I'm safe in that department. THANKYOU THANKYOU!!!

I have a bit more saving to do, house projects keep getting in the way of my bling fund, harrumph!! Thanks all SO MUCH for chiming in, I'm pretty set on the higher ctw one now. Ta!!!

 

[yssie]

I'm late to this but I'm excited to see you're leaning toward the larger one, I'd take 3ctw too! I definitely think in those sizes the minutae of optical symmetry make truly negligible difference, but SIZE you'll see!

 

[lizzyann]

I think it's a great decision to go with ID! I plan on getting an eternity ring from them with 10 pointers within the next year. After I saw your eternity ring, I knew I wanted the larger 10 pt stones!!!! I think I am going to try to go into NYC and stop in there when I am ready to purchase within the next year. Keep us posted on your project! It's gonna be beautiful!

 

[starryeyed]

Thanks for your feedback starryeyed! Yah, exactly as you said... I'm having a hard time justifying only 2/3 of the carat weight for the fact that the diamons are ACAs, knowing full well how stunning they would be. I've been assured from the staff at ID (whose service is out of this world fantastic, I must add!) that the stones are excellent cut. I've just been drooling over your INCREDIBLE ACA pendant, you've done an awesome job with the modifications, it looks amazing. And thanks again!!
...
I have a bit more saving to do, house projects keep getting in the way of my bling fund, harrumph!! Thanks all SO MUCH for chiming in, I'm pretty set on the higher ctw one now. Ta!!!

Hi again DandiAndi.

Thanks for the compliments on my pendant! WF ACA's are gorgeous, but "Excellent" cut stones will be extremely sparkly too, and very appropriate for a bracelet. I'm with you 100% on that.

I bought a tennis bracelet from Facets, also a 3-prong setting (in platinum) with "Excellent" cut stones, F VS. It is super sparkly and was more affordable than some other quotes I received. I am very happy with "Excellent" cut stones.

One thing you may want to keep in mind is the length of the bracelet. For a fixed carat weight, the shorter the length, the larger the melee, which means the more expensive the bracelet. So when comparing quotes, make sure they are for the same length of bracelet - a 1/4" can matter. What length are you thinking about?

 

[SB621]

3 ctw!!!!!!!

 

[Dandi]

Thankyou for the reassurance Yssie! I'm pretty happy with my decision now that I've had so many positive comments on here!
Oooh lizzyann, how exciting! I'll definitely keep you guys posted, I can't wait to see pics of your eternity ring!!

Wow starryeyed, the length vs price thing didn't even cross my mind! Thankyou SO MUCH for bringing that to my attention, heck I didn't even think about that. I'd like the bracelet to be 7 inches, which is probably pretty standard too! Thankyou dearest!!

Sarahbear, I agree!!

 

[PerRana]

I’d definitely go for the 3CTW from I.D. Jewelry. If Yekutiel says the stones are nice – believe him. I.D. has done 2 rings for me, 1 for my sister and, 3 rings for friends – all have turned out great (no regrets). Please post pix when your new bracelet arrives!

 

[Loveis...]

I was lucky enough to recently purchase my engagement ring directly from Yekutiel at ID whilst in NYC. I can't speak for their bracelets but my ring is beautiful (cushion cut with diamond halo and band) and my local jeweller was very impressed with my setting and the diamonds when I had my Australian valuation done. I will definitely trust them for future purchases

 

[marcy]

Sounds like you've made your choice and I am sure you'll be very pleased with the 3 ctw. Can't wait to see it.