I have been wearing this bracelet recently, it's borrowed from a friend. Like most jewelry, it carries emotional weight, reminding me of her—a globe-trotting free spirit, a sister from another mister. The bracelet is simple and understated, it glimmers in the light without stealing the show. It’s like a good friend who shines while letting you shine, too. As a gemologist and jewelry expert, here’s my honest review of the Messika Gatsby Bar bracelet.
Messika is a French brand. It was founded in 2005 by Valérie Messika, daughter of renowned diamond dealer André Messika. Growing up surrounded by diamonds, Valérie developed a deep passion for the gemstone, which inspired her to create her own luxury jewelry line. Combining her father’s diamond expertise with her own creative vision, she built a collection of elegant, minimalist designs centered around natural diamonds. In this article, I’ll focus on the delicate pavé Gatsby Bar bracelet. It’s not an avant-garde piece but a timeless classic, perfect for layering with other jewelry. It's subtle, as much as diamond bijoux can be.
Price: $$
Like most fine jewelry, Messika comes with a high price tag, though it's not excessive. This elegant bracelet is priced at $2,300. While it features only 0.25 carats of natural diamonds, it's set in 18K gold—a metal whose value continues to rise. For those mindful of their budget, Messika offers pieces under $1,000, including their signature design in 18K gold with natural diamonds on colorful cord bracelets for $730. On the other end of the spectrum, Messika’s high jewelry collection doesn’t list prices online, which naturally signals a much higher cost.
Craftsmanship: Great
While the design of this bracelet is quite simple, its craftsmanship is exceptional. In the years since it was purchased, it has traveled around the world with my friend countless times, yet despite its delicate chain, it has never broken. The fine yet durable chain is a perfect match for the diamond melee (tiny diamond) bar charm. However, because the chain is so fine, it does tend to tangle easily, and those knots can be tricky to undo. Still, a tangled chain is far better than a broken one. Here's to many more trips around the globe with this beautifully made piece from the ateliers in Paris.
Comfort: Great
This bracelet is as light as a feather. It has a barely-there feel, only catching attention when the light hits it just right. The chain features multiple end rings for the clasp, allowing for adjustable sizing. According to Messika’s website, the brand's pieces undergo rigorous quality checks for ergonomics, aesthetics, and durability. After seeing firsthand the resilience of this delicate bracelet, I can confidently say that claim holds true.
Sustainability: Fair
Messika provides limited information regarding its environmental policies. However, to the brand's credit, their pieces are crafted from 18K gold, which is recyclable. Additionally, as a French brand that manufactures in Paris, Messika reduces the need for extensive international shipping during the production process, which helps minimize its carbon footprint.
Resale value: Fair
One the secondary market, Messika jewelry typically sells for about 40-50% off the original retail price. When authenticating a Messika bracelet, look for a rectangular chain tag engraved with the brand's name, accompanied by a small melee diamond. Also, check for a "750" stamp, the universal mark indicating 18K gold purity.
Investment: Good
Messika has collaborated with stars like Rihanna and Beyoncé, giving the brand a certain level of cachet. Messika's lower-priced items still offer a sense of luxury, but remain relatively accessible for those looking to invest in high-end jewelry. For those devoted to natural diamonds, it's not a bad choice.
