Can you really base your statement on a sales rep. mistake? I find Pandora has great customer service and have noticed it's one thing they really take pride in.
Pandora vs. Chamilia vs. Troll beads
- Thread starter Nancy in VA
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Can you really base your statement on a sales rep. mistake? I find Pandora has great customer service and have noticed it's one thing they really take pride in.
Your "warrantee" is not void, because there is no warrantee on Pandora bracelets. They fix any problem if it is a manufacturing issue, therefore if you place a charm that is not a Pandora charm on your bracelet and it gets stuck there is nothing they can do for you because it is not of the Pandora range.
The only reason as to behind why your Pandora needs polishing constantly is because there is obviously something on your skin that is speeding up the oxidising process, whether it be scented hand cream or perfume....
I started my charm-bracelet "hobby" the end of March this year, after starting a Pandora bracelet for my birthday. I LOVE collecting the various charms, and have filled one bracelet already, and am now starting a second one (I received an additional free sterling silver bracelet with my initial Pandora charms purchase during their spring promo of $100.00 worth of charms = 1 free bracelet). While choosing charms for my first bracelet, I quickly learned that, for me, it's more fun to branch out and consider charms from more than just 1 company. So, I have 11 Pandora charms and 10 Chamilia on this first one. Each company has its strengths; I do think that Chamilia has a bit more variety, and I especially love their selection of Swarovski crystals. My first bracelet is family-themed: 3 Pandora sterling-silver little boys for each of my little guys, along with the Pandora glass beads from the "Bubbles" collection in red, blue, and purple to represent each of their favorite colors, as well as a "character" bead in sterling silver to further identify each child, based on their individual reading preferences, personality traits, favorite stuffed animals, etc. One son is "Winnie-The-Pooh" from Chamilia, another is the "Froggie" bead from Pandora, and my youngest is Disney's "Thumper" from Chamilia. So, each child has 3 beads. My husband and I are "shown" as the Pandora Lovebirds from their recent collection, along with colored Mosaic Swarovski beads from Chamilia in both a red (passion/love), and greens (newness, forever young, naturalness). I did put a lot of thought into my selections to represent my family; also included in the family theme are the sterling silver "House" bead from Chamilia, with the brown "Coffee Bubbles" bead from Pandora next to it. For my own personal interests, I've got a Pandora jack-o-lantern, and Chamilia sterling silver "Falling Leaves," as well as Swarovski crystal beads from Chamilia in fall shades of amber/brown, green, red/orange, and gold to signify my love of autumn, leaves, Halloween, and nature in general, with the Chamilia sterling silver & gold "Moon & Stars" bead rounding out my choices. I also have a fun Green Bubbles Pandora glass bead on there as well, but will probably need to move it to my 2nd bracelet because of space restrictions. So easy to fill up a bracelet when you're telling a story!
My second bracelet will feature the 4 seasons, some celestial components (moon & stars, etc.), more seasonal fun with jack-o-lanterns,
mittens, etc., a couple of favorite Disney characters/scenes, and representations of nature (forests, sunsets & sunrises, flowers, etc.). All this will realistically take up 2 more, rather than 1 more, bracelet - since there's only so much room available. I envision my bracelet designs in definite scenes and colorful pictures, so each idea/subject has sterling silver components balanced with corresponding colors from Swarovski crystals and Murano glass beads, along with little pops of gold thrown in here and there. Though, the beads with real gold mixed in with the sterling silver sure are expensive; I'm very selective about them to get the most for my money.
I noted while reading some previous posts that some comments included observations about Chamilia Swarovski crystals having a marked tendency to fall out, and/or lose their luster. Has anyone else noted that problem? I have quite a few of those beads; I hope they don't prove to be a problem. I love their beautiful, vivid colors. I'd also be very interested to hear (read) more about other collections of beads/bracelets; it helps to get others' opinions and personal preferences when thinking of new ideas for a bracelet theme.:greengrin:
My second bracelet will feature the 4 seasons, some celestial components (moon & stars, etc.), more seasonal fun with jack-o-lanterns,
mittens, etc., a couple of favorite Disney characters/scenes, and representations of nature (forests, sunsets & sunrises, flowers, etc.). All this will realistically take up 2 more, rather than 1 more, bracelet - since there's only so much room available. I envision my bracelet designs in definite scenes and colorful pictures, so each idea/subject has sterling silver components balanced with corresponding colors from Swarovski crystals and Murano glass beads, along with little pops of gold thrown in here and there. Though, the beads with real gold mixed in with the sterling silver sure are expensive; I'm very selective about them to get the most for my money. I noted while reading some previous posts that some comments included observations about Chamilia Swarovski crystals having a marked tendency to fall out, and/or lose their luster. Has anyone else noted that problem? I have quite a few of those beads; I hope they don't prove to be a problem. I love their beautiful, vivid colors. I'd also be very interested to hear (read) more about other collections of beads/bracelets; it helps to get others' opinions and personal preferences when thinking of new ideas for a bracelet theme.:greengrin:
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I always thought it was strange that only the Pandora tarnished immediately. Wearing the same lotion, my Troll bracelet doesn't react, looks great, and needs polishing only a couple times a year. Someone else recently noticed the same thing on this thread. Guess it's good to know it's not just me. Lol.
Troll beads were around since the 1970's....almost 25 years before Chamilia 10 years before Pandora. Personally, because I have worn Troll (the original bead) since before Chamilia and Pandora copied them - I look at the other two as "knock offs". I also find that you can get Chamilia and Pandora on any corner at the mall - and see them more as a mass produced/marketed item. I think Troll to be a bit more unique in their quality and what they offer (especially in material). Almost all glass and stone Troll beads vary from one to the other (Pandora is a bit more mass produced). Obviously I am biased but I find Troll to be the original and, as others have said about Pandora, a bit classier than Pandora and Chamilia. It is interesting though - I did have a friend that had a Pandora bracelet and we mixed some of the beads onto my bracelet with the Troll beads and there was an outstanding difference. The Troll beads were more unique, heavier and had a different look to them (she is now a Troll bead customer)
At the end of the day.... if you want Earthy, original and artisan (there are a few US artisans that use natural stone (Granite, onyx) to make Troll beads - not sold under the Troll label)...looking for different material (Troll does Amber, tiger eye, onyx, agate etc.) - I say Troll. If you want readily available, like rhinestones and charms....looking for a bracelet to "tell a story" choose Pandora. If you are looking to go the less expensive route (or for a younger person .. although my daughter is 8 and has started her Troll collection) and like the rhinestone, painted bead look - choose Chamilia.
There is definitely a difference but whatever you choose you won't be able to stop buying :0) And.....if you have a boyfriend/husband/parent/child that never knows what to get you - once they know about your bracelet (or necklace :0) they will never go wrong with a gift again!
At the end of the day.... if you want Earthy, original and artisan (there are a few US artisans that use natural stone (Granite, onyx) to make Troll beads - not sold under the Troll label)...looking for different material (Troll does Amber, tiger eye, onyx, agate etc.) - I say Troll. If you want readily available, like rhinestones and charms....looking for a bracelet to "tell a story" choose Pandora. If you are looking to go the less expensive route (or for a younger person .. although my daughter is 8 and has started her Troll collection) and like the rhinestone, painted bead look - choose Chamilia.
There is definitely a difference but whatever you choose you won't be able to stop buying :0) And.....if you have a boyfriend/husband/parent/child that never knows what to get you - once they know about your bracelet (or necklace :0) they will never go wrong with a gift again!
Pandora is my favorite, I love the quality look and detailing of their charms. However, I regularly mix in a lof of Chamilia charms. My only regret is that they retired the disco ball charms! These are literally the charms that made me start collecting in the first place, in 2009. They are my all-time favorite and beautifully compliment whatever color scheme I'm going for. They pack a lot of sparkle in a succint little sphere 
Mine does too. It's so annoying. The SA wears I am doing it and the last time it was polished I left it in the special bag and never took it out and then when I did a month after it was tarnished again!!!! Finally the last time I used tooth paste to clean it and since then the tarnish has slowed down a ton and is actually shiny again. Maybe not the right thing to do but it worked like a charm.
Trollbeads were the first, created in 1976 in Denmark, and continues to be a family-run business. Bracelets are slightly smaller than the others so they are a good basic bracelet that all other beads will fit on. You buy the bracelet, which has no clasp (or "lock'), then you add a lock (which has a dual lobster clasp, one at each end). You don't need to purchase clips or a safety chain but a stopper can be useful. Trollbeads products are manufactured worldwide as they seek the best sources. They have some lovely "Wire wrapped" style silver beads. CLASSIC core beads only fit the Troll bracelets but there are new UNIVERSAL core beads that fir everything.
Pandora copied Trollbeads in 1982 and their products are manufactured in Thialand. Their bracelets have a threaded end and many of their bead styles screw onto the bracelet. (Not all Pandora beads are threaded.) There are also 2 screw "stations" along the bracelet. You would assume that you screw the beads on and they are secured by the screws--- not so. You have to purchase 2 clips so that the beads won't wind their way around the screws and end up repositioning themselves. You will probably want to purchase a safety chain, too, as the clasp may occasionally come undone. (If you're starting a Pandora bracelet as a gift, it's best to include 2 clips in the initial purchase or the results can be frustrating to the recipient.)
Chamilia started in 2002 and is based in Minneapolis, MN. They were the first to initiate the bangle-style bracelet. Like Pandora, the ends are threaded so the beads screw on, but there are no screw stations along the bracelet. You still use clips and/or stoppers to hold the beads in position but, unlike Pandora, you can position the clips anywhere on the bracelet.
I don't think there's any difference in quality between the brands and I have all of the brands. I do stick to Trollbeads for the actual bracelet as they are the only ones that are universal. I love the Trollbeads glass beads and IMO they are superior to the other brands. Pandora excels if you are into sparkly as their line has more of the CZ styles. I like the CZ's but (IMO) their glass beads are much inferior to Trollbeads. I only have a few Chamilia beads as they are not as readily available in my area.
Beware, these bracelets are addictive!
Pandora copied Trollbeads in 1982 and their products are manufactured in Thialand. Their bracelets have a threaded end and many of their bead styles screw onto the bracelet. (Not all Pandora beads are threaded.) There are also 2 screw "stations" along the bracelet. You would assume that you screw the beads on and they are secured by the screws--- not so. You have to purchase 2 clips so that the beads won't wind their way around the screws and end up repositioning themselves. You will probably want to purchase a safety chain, too, as the clasp may occasionally come undone. (If you're starting a Pandora bracelet as a gift, it's best to include 2 clips in the initial purchase or the results can be frustrating to the recipient.)
Chamilia started in 2002 and is based in Minneapolis, MN. They were the first to initiate the bangle-style bracelet. Like Pandora, the ends are threaded so the beads screw on, but there are no screw stations along the bracelet. You still use clips and/or stoppers to hold the beads in position but, unlike Pandora, you can position the clips anywhere on the bracelet.
I don't think there's any difference in quality between the brands and I have all of the brands. I do stick to Trollbeads for the actual bracelet as they are the only ones that are universal. I love the Trollbeads glass beads and IMO they are superior to the other brands. Pandora excels if you are into sparkly as their line has more of the CZ styles. I like the CZ's but (IMO) their glass beads are much inferior to Trollbeads. I only have a few Chamilia beads as they are not as readily available in my area.
Beware, these bracelets are addictive!
Good point. I would say Pandora, as any other company, is not very reluctant to help if issues arise. I would say the company who own the store determine the policy, since we don't have actual Pandora stores in my state.
They are owned by Bed Bridge.
I got my first trollbead bracelet, and waiting for the first bead. I have few Pandora bracelets and love them. I don't like Chamilia.
I started with Pandora in 2010. If we had a trollbeads store in Seattle area, I would of got it earlier. It is hard with beads. If I did not see them in person, I would not consider them. (one of the store had trollbead bracelet in the window for couple months), so I got tempted...
Another point. I kind of get irritated with the points on pandora where you need to put clips. It is not easy to make charms fit. Some charms are so crooked, like a snake charm I used to have, I could not make it work. Yes, it is much less painful to put the beads on Trollbeads bracelet.
I have two Pandora bracelets and absolutely love them. So far I only have one Trollbeads bracelet and the quality is great. Their glass and gemstone beads are gorgeous. Personally, I believe the quality of both brands is equal - it's just a different style. My Pandora bracelet is very girly - pink, fairytale theme, little animals etc - and Trollbeads has a more dark, interesting (even gothic sometimes?) vibe to it.
correct!
I have 2 pandora bracelets, on wich I dont want any colour, just silver, and will add a third bracelet in the future, for only gold and silver beads (a two toned bracelet), no colorful stones or glass on any of them.
But I recently bought a trollbeads bracelet, to be my "colorful bracelet", and i like many of trollbeads glass beads (muranos), not many of their silver beads, so I will add mostly glas beads to it, and wear it whenever I want a bracelet with color on it.
I dont want to have anything from chamilia, as I am a purist when it comes to my collections, and dont like to mix and match brands in charm bracelets. if it is a pandora bracelet, it will have pandora beads on it.
if it is a trollbeads bracelets, it will only have troll beads on it.
I also have a thomas sabo charm watch (for the traditional dangling charms), and 2 charms, and will whenever possible buy a thomas sabo charm bracelet and put the charms on it, leaving the watch without charms, for a more clean look. But will only buy otiginal thomas sabo charms for it.
So, me having things from 3 brands, and wanting to keep the respective bracelets with charms/beads only from those brands, I wouldnt have spare money (or spare wrists) to get a chamilia bracelet and start a new addiction! so i will stick with those 3.
It is a matter of wich brand has charms that you like more or if you dont have any problem to mix and match brands, if you dont have any problem with it, i would go with a trollbeads bracelet, as it fits beads from other brands.
My thomas sabo watch and the 2 charms i have so far:
Cute watch and adorable charms! Do you have any other pieces by Thomas Sabo? I like his jewelry, but they are more more expensive than Pandora.