How to incorporate 2-hole DiamonDuo beads into jewelry design

When you get a new bead like the DiamonDuo you might wonder how I can incorporate this into my beading designs. A good place to start is with a design that uses a bead with similar properties such as being a two-hole bead. In this case, I started with Beadsmagic.com’s Princess Bracelet. For the instructions to their project, click here. They used the following materials: 11/0 Toho Seed beads, Czech Tile beads, SuperDuo beads and Miyuki Drop beads.

Beadsmagic.com’s Princess Bracelet

Version #1 (bracelets on the left side and in the center of photo)

In the first project, I replaced the SuperDuo beads with DiamonDuo beads. They both are two-hole beads and the holes are along their longer side. The other aspect I chose to modify was not to use drop beads. Additionally, I modified the construction. I created a starter bracket using three tile beads connected using the ladder stitch. (The holes of the bead go East to West just like in the pattern.) I picked up three seed beads for the outside edge of the bottom. Then I continued to work the pattern as shown. I passed through the end Tile beads as if I had added them in accordance with the instructions. Result--the DiamonDuo bracelet has the zig zag pattern of the original design plus an interesting twist. It created a three dimensional effect while working a flat stitch. To me the three dimensional effect gives the bracelet a more substantial look. 

Version # 2 (bracelet on the right)

I know that there might be readers who would want to create a look closer to the original with a flatter design.  I decided to experiment. I replaced the Czech Tile beads with the Czech Block beads (similar to half Tila Bead).  In order to make up for some of the length lost with the first substitution, I replaced the 11/0 seed bead with the 10/0 seed beads. (I am writing this post as I experiment. It will be interesting to see what happens.) Result--the approach did create a flatter bracelet than version one while maintaining the design. If I wanted to achieve an even flatter result, then I would have to make more substantial changes to the design.

Which approach would you take? Would you have stopped after version one, version two or would you have tried a version three.  I would love to know which version you  would try and why.