I tried both as well and I bought the minis. But it all depends on how large your ears are and how comfortable you are wearing earrings/rocking jewelry...
I'm not a big piece (statement piece) girl at all and almost never wear earrings... but really wanted a pair... I found that the minis were more like wearing pearl studs, and the vintage ones were more statements. Maybe just me. I think they are both REALLY classic and versatile and could go day to night easily. The minis are less attention grabbing for sure and more subtle, and I love that about them. They really do sort of represent a "modern pearl stud" - I've heard that in NYC the vintage alhambra is like "the new pearls" and agree!
In any case... if you're torn between the two and money is big part of the equation I'd save the $$ and buy the minis, and use the extra $1000 to put towards the matching $1600 pendant one day!
You'd only be $600 away from a matching set!!!
I'm not a big piece (statement piece) girl at all and almost never wear earrings... but really wanted a pair... I found that the minis were more like wearing pearl studs, and the vintage ones were more statements. Maybe just me. I think they are both REALLY classic and versatile and could go day to night easily. The minis are less attention grabbing for sure and more subtle, and I love that about them. They really do sort of represent a "modern pearl stud" - I've heard that in NYC the vintage alhambra is like "the new pearls" and agree!
In any case... if you're torn between the two and money is big part of the equation I'd save the $$ and buy the minis, and use the extra $1000 to put towards the matching $1600 pendant one day!
You'd only be $600 away from a matching set!!!