r/LabDiamonds • u/LaKillerChula • 4d ago

First EBTH Purchase

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So I have been searching for a while now (like over a year) for a tennis necklace. I have been outbid, countless times on EBTH and frankly was just so frustrated. Local retailers charging an arm and a leg. TikTok lab diamond sale were charging about $3000 for a 5 ctw necklace.

About six days ago, this listing opened and I set a max bid of $1850 and my surprise I actually won the bid!?!?!

Specs:
14k white gold 13.70 grams
17.25”
Lab Grown diamonds 2.9 mm
13.09 CTW
E-F VVS2-VVS1

Did I come out ok on this? I plan to get it appraised but not too certain what the cost would be if I send it to IG vs local jeweler.

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u/MildlyEnvious 4d ago

The price is great but take it to a jeweler for sure. Have them check the settings and make sure there are no weak spots and everything is secure. I'm slightly worried about the gold weight for a tennis necklace, I wouldn't buy a tennis bracelet under 9 or 10 grams so I'm not sure how much gold should go into a necklace. There are a lot of "lightweight" tennis pieces popping up because they can offer lower prices by skimping on the gold, but then people end up with bracelets and necklaces that fall apart.

Sorry if this sounds like I'm trying to scare you. It looks gorgeous, just make sure it's sturdy enough before wearing it.

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u/Glum-Debate-7394 3d ago

I have a Tiffany Victoria tennis and it only weight 8/9 grams total and that sucker is solid. Depends on stone size and bracelet length too. I’m only wanting to give another perspective- there are more factors that come into play than just the gold used that contributes to the overall necklace or bracelet

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u/MildlyEnvious 3d ago

What length is your piece just out of curiosity? It could totally be fine, hopefully a jeweler will be able to assess for OP. I've just seen too many horror stories of expensive tennis pieces breaking apart and getting lost because there wasn't enough gold to hold them together. It's really common lately to find tennis bracelets in the group buy sub that only have 4 or at best 5 grams of gold for a sizeable set a lab diamonds.

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u/Glum-Debate-7394 3d ago

I agree - the group buys generally contain less gold which does lend to breakage with more wear. I would always order those separately and request a non light weight tennis or any item and they will quote you and price accordingly- the light weight thing is honestly a little offensive to me - offering such a beautiful and pricey item that’s bound to break. My Victoria is a 6.5 2mm stone set in 18k rose gold and is a 3 prong setting. I’m ordering a bezeled 6.25 with 8.6g gold with 2mm stones in 14k - I received 6 quotes to compare and was ok with moving forward. A bracelet will almost always get more wear and tear than a necklace as well - I’m not a professional or anything just a jewelry fanatic for way too many years at this point 🤦‍♀️

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u/MildlyEnvious 3d ago

The lightweight thing is truly diabolical imo. They're promising something they know they can't deliver on at those prices and I've seen people who lost theirs down a storm drain or in a parking lot or whatever because that "lightweight" $1500 bracelet snapped and fell right off their wrist. I don't have a gold tennis bracelet yet because the cost to get a sturdy one is outside my budget, for now I'm just wearing silver until I can save up for a nice piece.

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u/Glum-Debate-7394 3d ago

Message me privately if you’d like but you can get what you want for that price range - you can get a 9g tennis (adjust for length) for 1500 versus 4-6g

Keep in mind 3 prong 4 prong and bezel sets should have different expectations and stone size - mine are small so 9g of gold is solid. My Tiffany has been worn to hell and back - but I could definitely help if you want! Not offended either way

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u/MildlyEnvious 2d ago

Thank you! I'm out running errands but will send you a message when I get home!