8.1 ct tennis bracelet-worth it or not?

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lenie

lenie

O.G.
Aug 7, 2010
1,749
2,557
#1
I bought a 8.1 Ct diamond tennis bracelet-F color, SI2-SI3 clarity, 41 stones (just under 0.20 ct each) ideal cut, in 14 kt white gold for $4750.
I love the size of the stones, but am a little disappointed that there are a little more SI3 stones. With a jeweler's loupe, I can see some carbon specks, feathers. To the naked eye, you can't see the inclusions.

Do you think the quality is worth the price? Is it better to hold out for SI1 stones in a bracelet? Is it that noticeable a difference in the SI range when the stones are 0.20 ct each? I think in larger stones it would be more of a noticeable difference, but wasn't sure about smaller stones.

I am debating whether or not to return it. It looks great on, great size stones, just not sure if the price is worth the quality of the stones. Is this a good price for a bracelet with these specs?

Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts!
 
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#2
I think you got a pretty decent deal on the bracelet, essentially you paid roughly $500 per carat for the diamonds and thats not taking into account the metal replacement value of the bracelet. You will pay a lot more for cleaner stones which are also colorless (D - F)
 
#3
Where did you buy your bracelet? Maybe you can go back and compare to higher quality ones....


If your already questioning it, it might not be the right one for you.


Best of luck
 
#4
LilMissCutie said:
Where did you buy your bracelet? Maybe you can go back and compare to higher quality ones....


If your already questioning it, it might not be the right one for you.


Best of luck
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The seller was willing to let me exchange it for 7ct bracelet, F color, SI1 stones, but each stone is about 0.13 ct so the stones a bit smaller for the same price.
I just have to decide if I want the larger size stones or slightly better quality, smaller diamonds.
Thank you for your response.
 
#5
alphabimmer said:
I think you got a pretty decent deal on the bracelet, essentially you paid roughly $500 per carat for the diamonds and thats not taking into account the metal replacement value of the bracelet. You will pay a lot more for cleaner stones which are also colorless (D - F)
Click to expand...


Thank you for your response. I didn't actually think of the cost per carat factor. For a single large stone, I would be willing to pay more for good color and clarity, but not sure if it is worth the extra expense for smaller stones.
 
#6
If the S3/I1 stones are on your mind, i would exchange for the 7ct (if they are also exc/ideal cut) or refund if possible. S3 are really I1 stones, so stones aren't eye clean and i think they would be easily visible on 0.2ct stones upon inspection. I always go for quality over quantity.
 
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#7
lenie said:
The seller was willing to let me exchange it for 7ct bracelet, F color, SI1 stones, but each stone is about 0.13 ct so the stones a bit smaller for the same price.
I just have to decide if I want the larger size stones or slightly better quality, smaller diamonds.
Thank you for your response.
Click to expand...

I believe in quality vs quantity. I think you will be much happier with the better quality diamonds. :)
 
#8
I would advise going for the 7ct with better quality. Personally, I am clarity sensitive and wouldn't feel happy purchasing a tennis bracelet with stones where I could see inclusions.
 
#9
smashinstyle said:
I would advise going for the 7ct with better quality. Personally, I am clarity sensitive and wouldn't feel happy purchasing a tennis bracelet with stones where I could see inclusions.
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I can only see the inclusions with a jeweler's loupe, not with the naked eye. Do you feel the same if the inclusions are visible only with a loupe?
 
#10
I'm only posting from personal experience.
My TB is G, VS2/SI1, ex/ideal cut. If it were me I'd go down in color and up in clarity.
My TB faces up very white and because the cut is so good...very sparkly!
Even with little stones the cut is the most important, IMHO.
Keep us posted..........................
 
#11
lenie said:
I can only see the inclusions with a jeweler's loupe, not with the naked eye. Do you feel the same if the inclusions are visible only with a loupe?
Click to expand...


I do feel the same way. I am very clarity sensitive and at work today (I work in a jewellery store) I saw inclusions with my naked eye in an SI1 stone. My tennis bracelet is much smaller in carat weight (only 2ct) but the stones are VS clarity.
 
#12
This is my WhiteFlash 8ct TB (0.20ct x 40 stones, Whiteflash ACA Cut, F/G, VS)
I have taken the photo of the TB next to a pen to show how the diamonds face up and comparative size. Since they are the same size as your stones, I think they are large enough to notice any S2/S3/I1 inclusions. (not the best pic though)

As majority of people are saying here, is to go with quality over quantity. Obviously, if budget is an issue and you love the 8ct sizing, then stick with the one you have but i would much prefer to lower the sized TB but get better quality stones, as it still matters on smaller melees. That's why i previously suggested to either get a refund or go for the 7ct TB. I personally would choose S1 as the lowest clarity i would go for melees, but as jewellery has a lot to do with personal preference, its really what piece you're comfortable wearing and owning at the end
 

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#13
Thank you for all of your advice. I have decided to return the bracelet. As luck would have it, I found another tennis bracelet that is 8.68 CTW with 31 stones(0.28 ct each stone) , F, SI1 for about $800 more. The stones of this new one are bigger and they are set with a 2 prong setting that makes the diamonds show up even more. I am so happy to have found this new one that is larger in carat weight, size of stones, and better quality. I just have to return the first one and wait for the seller to refund my card so I can this new one.
I really appreciate everyone's help.
 
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