My dad recently passed away so I'll be inheriting a small inheritance. I'd like to splurge on a tennis bracelet for my 40th birthday in January.... morbid but I imagine it as my last birthday gift from my dad, so anytime I wear it, I'll think of him.

The only real "fine jewelry" that I wear are my diamond engagement ring/wedding band designed by Leon Mege and a pair of diamond solitaire stud earrings from James Allen. Both bought by my husband but I'd like to buy this myself. And I'd like to stick with diamonds vs. lab grown.

I've toyed with the idea of a Cartier Love bracelet but it seems so trendy and there are so many knockoffs that I'm just looking for something more classic that can be a generational piece to pass down to one of my daughters.

My question is:

-best time to buy? (I'm assuming this is the season, but maybe I'm wrong)

-best retailer to work with? i wish i could use Leon again but we're priced out now that we have 2 kids

-I have very small wrists... as in... my 3 year old daughters bracelets fit me... would I still buy a 7 inch standard bracelet? seems like a waste, what happens with the extra length (diamonds)? would a custom made bracelet from a jeweler be made to order?

-which, if any, of the 5Cs would you advise I concern myself when buying a diamond bracelet? just thinking about TCW. maybe 4 carats since i do have a smaller wrist but i want to make sure the diamonds standout... personal pet peeve is diamond jewelry dominated by metal.

- I assume the metal doesn't matter - I know I have platinum on my ring, not sure about earrings. But white gold would be fine for the bracelet?

- any issues or concerns when buying a tennis bracelet? i don't know if this would be an everyday piece for me, might look odd rocking it next to my Fitbit, but certainly date nights, holidays, photoshoots, events.