Pandora Bracelets anyone?
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Hi, everyone! I am new to these bracelets since Thanksgiving and already have two bracelets and a necklace! A relative sells Trollbeads so I get them at cost so I naturally have mostly Trollbeads. My necklace is Pandora and find the bead clasp annoying, hard to open and unattractive with the "Pandora" bead front and center. I traded it for a lobster clasp... much happier.
Just so everyone knows, Trollbeads has a stopper bead that does exactly the same thing that the clasps do with Pandora AND you can put those anywhere on the Trollbead bracelet....they are not fixed like Pandora. That keeps them where you want them. One thing that Pandora has over Trollbeads is that Trollbeads will slide off your bracelet if unlatched (small end) where the Pandora system keeps this from happening.
I think the big difference is the overall look. Pandora is very upscale look with the big selection of silver with gold beads and stones/gems. Trollbeads is more fanciful with a HUGE Murano bead selection, unparalleled by any other manufacturer. They both are TOP quality despite what the retailers say who only sell one kind.
I tried Chamilia but have been disappointed. My experience is that they are lesser quality and the glass beads are too tiny. I only get one of their beads if Pandora/Trollbeads lack that design (ie. dangle flipflop and palm tree). Otherwise, I don't think they measure up.
But, they are certainly addicting. My new Pandora necklace in the oxidized finish is absolutely striking with my silver and gold beads. I'm a bit worried about the finish., however...hopefully, it doesnt wear off.
Just so everyone knows, Trollbeads has a stopper bead that does exactly the same thing that the clasps do with Pandora AND you can put those anywhere on the Trollbead bracelet....they are not fixed like Pandora. That keeps them where you want them. One thing that Pandora has over Trollbeads is that Trollbeads will slide off your bracelet if unlatched (small end) where the Pandora system keeps this from happening.
I think the big difference is the overall look. Pandora is very upscale look with the big selection of silver with gold beads and stones/gems. Trollbeads is more fanciful with a HUGE Murano bead selection, unparalleled by any other manufacturer. They both are TOP quality despite what the retailers say who only sell one kind.
I tried Chamilia but have been disappointed. My experience is that they are lesser quality and the glass beads are too tiny. I only get one of their beads if Pandora/Trollbeads lack that design (ie. dangle flipflop and palm tree). Otherwise, I don't think they measure up.
But, they are certainly addicting. My new Pandora necklace in the oxidized finish is absolutely striking with my silver and gold beads. I'm a bit worried about the finish., however...hopefully, it doesnt wear off.
Oooh what a cool message thread 
I was googling for Pandora Bracelet ideas when I found this place... so nice to find some other bracelet enthusiasts
I received my bracelet and one murano bead (light pink with polka dots) for my 21st birthday in May and thanks to the kindness of lots of other people have just completed it! The beads have all been presents from relatives and friends... so each has a special meaning. People knew my bracelet was pink but apart from the colour it all came together quite randomly but I really love how it looks! My last five beads I chose for Christmas this year with money given to me from other relatives and it was so much fun choosing how to finish it off
Unfortunately one of my beads (given to me) has a brownish stone when a pink one is available... kinda annoyed about that because it ruins the perfection
Also, I kinda wish I'd got a "pandora bead closure" rather than the lobster claw, which I have to use sellotape with to put on myself Does anyone have any opinions about lobster v bead clip? My bracelet is pretty tight on now (almost too tight) so I'm tossing up whether to just buy a new one.
I was googling for Pandora Bracelet ideas when I found this place... so nice to find some other bracelet enthusiasts I received my bracelet and one murano bead (light pink with polka dots) for my 21st birthday in May and thanks to the kindness of lots of other people have just completed it! The beads have all been presents from relatives and friends... so each has a special meaning. People knew my bracelet was pink but apart from the colour it all came together quite randomly but I really love how it looks! My last five beads I chose for Christmas this year with money given to me from other relatives and it was so much fun choosing how to finish it off
Unfortunately one of my beads (given to me) has a brownish stone when a pink one is available... kinda annoyed about that because it ruins the perfection
Also, I kinda wish I'd got a "pandora bead closure" rather than the lobster claw, which I have to use sellotape with to put on myself Does anyone have any opinions about lobster v bead clip? My bracelet is pretty tight on now (almost too tight) so I'm tossing up whether to just buy a new one.
For bracelets, the bead looks much better. I would break down and buy a new bracelet OR wait for the next Pandora trunk show (May) and get there early to be one of the first to get a free bracelet (usually first 25 in the door).
For necklaces, the lobster claw is the one to get IMHO.
For necklaces, the lobster claw is the one to get IMHO.
Can someone please tell me how the bead clasp works? Thanks. I live in Australia so no trunk shows for me!
Another question - my original bracelet was 19cm (approx 7.5 inches). I've measured my wrist at about 18cm (approx 7 inches). If I did decide to get a new bracelet, what length should I get?
The bead clasp is very hard to open. Pandora realizes this so they are making a tool for February availability to help open it. You must put your thumb nail (which is next to impossible for me cuz I have acrylic nails) in the slot and pop the two halves open. Then the one side pulls out and you can then add beads.
I normally wear a 7.25 and 7.5 bracelet. Because I wanted a looser fit, I went with a 8.3 Trollbead bracelet. My wrist is about 6.5". You want at least one index finger between the underneath of your wrist and the beads. Some of the larger beads drastically reduce the inside diameter of the bracelet and that's why your current bracelet is so tight.
I have about an index finger and half under my wrist, but since I work on computers all day at work, I wanted to be able to slide it up my arm a bit to avoid damaging it on my desktop. Also, I find it harder to latch a lobster claw with a tight bracelet. I think it would be easier with that bead latch.
Personally, I would go with an 8.3" since your wrist is a bit bigger than mine. However, if you only want a bit more room, then go with the 7.9"
Thanks for the advice... I think I will definitely plan on going with the 8.3 one. My favourite shop is only open on weekdays so I'll plan an excursion for Monday. I'm also thinking of changing one of my dangly beads for a similar one of the birthstone beads (hopefully there's a pinky one to match?). I initially thought getting the second identical dangly was a good idea but now I'm not so sure... any ideas? And I've rearranged it since I posted that last pic (love doing that )
Here's the new configuration:
(love doing that )Here's the new configuration:
OK here's my case for Trollbeads...no other company does this for their enthusiasts....my entry in the Trollbook which was published and sent to all entrants for Christmas and has already sold out the first printing of 1500. Then my bracelets (newest is on the way, the 30 year Anniversary edition). There are some really great sellers on eBay and some great deals on unusual items there too (they retire items and collectors go crazy for them) but as always, beware, make sure you ask questions and that the sellers guarantee authenticity! Check out lundtrading.com for more info.....I'll have to get back to you all on the pics...too big to upload 
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Thanks for the advice... I think I will definitely plan on going with the 8.3 one. My favourite shop is only open on weekdays so I'll plan an excursion for Monday. I'm also thinking of changing one of my dangly beads for a similar one of the birthstone beads (hopefully there's a pinky one to match?). I initially thought getting the second identical dangly was a good idea but now I'm not so sure... any ideas? And I've rearranged it since I posted that last pic
Here's the new configuration:
I'm not a big fan of the dangle ones as they seem to always land in the wrong spot on my arm or hand! I seem to be attracted most to bracelets that do duplicate the same bead throughout, however, so repeating is always pleasant to the eye. I have a Trollbead bracelet that is the safari theme and every bead is completely different. Although, I took a lot of time picking them all out, I think I may start using different silver or gold beads, but repeating the same 1-3 glass beads so it looks nicer. You seem to have done that with yours so I would encourage you to continue it.
I think the clips are only necessary if you do not have a complete bracelet. I haven't tried them yet myself, having only Trollbeads bracelets. However, keep in mind that if you buy clips and you don't want to use them as clips, they can act as any other bead and slide across the chain.
OK here's my case for Trollbeads...no other company does this for their enthusiasts....my entry in the Trollbook which was published and sent to all entrants for Christmas and has already sold out the first printing of 1500. Then my bracelets (newest is on the way, the 30 year Anniversary edition). There are some really great sellers on eBay and some great deals on unusual items there too (they retire items and collectors go crazy for them) but as always, beware, make sure you ask questions and that the sellers guarantee authenticity! Check out lundtrading.com for more info.....I'll have to get back to you all on the pics...too big to upload
I'm sorry, but I don't follow you on what Trollbeads did for their customers? You had a design for a bracelet and they featured it in a Christmas book? Was it a contest?
Right now (possibly in the near future) Trollbeads are not increasing but they are going to be retiring a few lines of glass beads. If you are into the one of a kind trollbeads, I know some good, honest resellers. Don't get them from the internet stores (they are too high priced). I also have the names of some people who sell from jewelry stores in Copenhagen (where trollbeads are made) who have a better selection than what there is in the US. I only buy mine from them now because I don't have many mainstream beads and the sellers in the US do major price gauging on anything that is one of a kind or retired. Check eBay too but be ware and ask the seller if they guarantee authentiticy (there are ahndful that sell straight from their jewelry stores and who are great to deal with).
I could not get it to upload but I will retake the pics tomorrow in daylight. LOL I submitted a story and a picture along with one of my bracelets (Circus theme) and they chose it and put it in the book. I just love the company. I fell in love with the beads working at a jewelry store and selling them but once I got to know about the artists and the passion of the company, I just went head over heals and it has become an obsession. I've never purchased anything from any company that lets theit patrons have such an involvement in the whole process. Plus, the beads and making the bracelets is just so damn much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A question for those with "bead clasp" Pandora Bracelets... is it possible/easy to put them on yourself (i.e. with one hand)? Apart from the fact its a bit tight, the one thing that annoys me about my lobster clip is that is extremely difficult to put on without someone helping me... the only solution being to tape one end to my wrist while I try and fiddle with the clasp with my other hand.
PL, there is no doubt, having a bead-style necklace, that the bead clasp is much easier to put on than a lobster clasp. However, there is equally no doubt that the lobster is easier to take off. So it's a wash. For a bracelet, however, the bead-style is much more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, so I will definitely buy a bead-clasp for a bracelet. Pandora does not offer attactive lobster-style clasps like Trollbeads does (I have one with diochroic glass and another with a fish!). For a necklace, the lobster-style is MUCH better, IMHO, since it's behind your neck and you don't have to worry about it being seen.
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