Christmas/anniv necklace - should I keep it?

[dotb]

Hubby bought me this necklace, he said especially in anticipation of our anniversary, which is not for a few months, but I guess also as partially a Christmas gift. But he always makes sure things are returnable, in case it''s not what I''d like etc.. So I''m running it past you before the return deadline - what do you think? Would you wear it? How would you wear it? What would you wear it with?

It consists of several tourmalines - a teardrop shaped rose colored one at top, an oval, more smoky-pinky sort of color, and a briolette that looks gray in some light, but has a greenish tinge in other light. The stones are pretty - although I know almost nothing about how to judge them - w/ a loupe you can see sort of scratchy thingys inside - can''t think how to describe - but that may be normal for this stone. Also, above the center stone, the top is yellow gold w/ the pave diamonds, but then above that, the straight bar, is white gold. Do you think that is nice, or a weird feature?

Also, the loop that holds it onto the chain - it is wide & is actually a clasp, so that you can put it on a pearl necklace. Kindof a neat feature. But then I wonder - will the clasp ever come undone unintentionally and fall off? Also, because of the large diameter of that loop, it kinda wants to lean to the side when it''s on a chain. (w/ pearls it would probably stay straighter)

I''ll try to get a picture of it on pearls. Sorry these photos are lousy, but my macro feature on my camera doesn''t work right now. ugh.

Anyway, do give me honest feedback. I think it is pretty, but don''t know how wearable it is, or if I should go for something more versatile like diamond earrings or something?

 

[dotb]

very hard to get good pics w/ my camera goofing up

 

[dotb]

a bit fuzzy but maybe helps show the colors? The YG doesn''t look too yellow in real life, I guess because of the diamonds - it just looks like a more yellow form of white gold to me, whereas the adjoining bar above it is very white.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Tourmalines often have inclusions like you described. I think that type of drop looks good with a deep V-neck top--or dress. As far as the pearl enhancer clasp coming undone, it depends on how well its made.

Do you like it?

I think it's nice, but I'd personally probably never wear it--I'd go for a more practical piece--given the choice. But what's most important is that you like it.

 

[dotb]

another pic which shows how that clasp makes it sort of flop over.

 

[elle_chris]

I think it''s pretty.

That said, i think it would be awesome on a slightly shorter chain with a button down blouse (that has a few buttons undone).

 

[oobiecoo]

It''s very pretty but may not be practical because of how ornate it is... depends on your lifestyle, I guess. Personally I would return it for something with a more simpler design.

 

[dotb]

Date: 12/29/2008 1:21:48 PM
Author: coatimundi
Tourmalines often have inclusions like you described. I think that type of drop looks good with a deep V-neck top--or dress. As far as the pearl enhancer clasp coming undone, it depends on how well its made.


Do you like it?


I think it''s nice, but I''d personally probably never wear it--I''d go for a more practical piece--given the choice. But what''s most important is that you like it.

thanks, coati! your feedback helps. I do think it is very pretty - but then I have reservations about how much I''d wear it, and that flopping clasp. If I had my druthers, I''d have only from the YG pave thing above the largest stone, on down. I''d change the YG to WG. But of course, that is not what the necklace is.

So that''s why I''m torn - do i keep it because it''s pretty & he picked it, or ask him to get me something more practical, that I''d wear a lot. Because why spend the money on expensive necklace if I wouldn''t wear it enough to justify?

 

[Steel]

In my very humble opinion,

It is too busy and too simple at the same time, I could probably cope with it if it was an heirloom or very inexpensive. If it cost 3 digits I would exchange it. The clasp thing would be a nail in the coffin for me.

You did ask for opinions I hope mine doesnt offend.

 

[dotb]

Date: 12/29/2008 1:23:17 PM
Author: elle_chris
I think it''s pretty.


That said, i think it would be awesome on a slightly shorter chain with a button down blouse (that has a few buttons undone).

thanks, elle_chris. It sounds like two of you have mentioned more or less wearing it against skin, and I don''t wear many v-necks etc., so that was another reason I thought I might return it - just not the right kind of necklace for my typical lifestyle & clothes.

 

[MissGotRocks]

It is unique and special because he picked it out for you. If it were me, though, I''d probably go for a diamond pendant and/or earrings. I would just get more wear out of something like that.

What are you feeling that you want to do about it? Would he be extremely hurt if you exchanged it for something else?

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 12/29/2008 1:27:29 PM
Author: dotb

Date: 12/29/2008 1:21:48 PM

Author: coatimundi

Tourmalines often have inclusions like you described. I think that type of drop looks good with a deep V-neck top--or dress. As far as the pearl enhancer clasp coming undone, it depends on how well its made.



Do you like it?



I think it''s nice, but I''d personally probably never wear it--I''d go for a more practical piece--given the choice. But what''s most important is that you like it.

thanks, coati! your feedback helps. I do think it is very pretty - but then I have reservations about how much I''d wear it, and that flopping clasp. If I had my druthers, I''d have only from the YG pave thing above the largest stone, on down. I''d change the YG to WG. But of course, that is not what the necklace is.


So that''s why I''m torn - do i keep it because it''s pretty & he picked it, or ask him to get me something more practical, that I''d wear a lot. Because why spend the money on expensive necklace if I wouldn''t wear it enough to justify?

You''re welcome! I am the same way. I have a certain ring sitting in my jewelry box that I never wear. My goal is to actually wear my jewelry!

It''s sweet that he chose a lovely piece for you--nice hubby! I understand why you''re torn. Is there a piece you''d like better in particular?

 

[dotb]

Date: 12/29/2008 1:30:34 PM
Author: Steel
In my very humble opinion,


It is too busy and too simple at the same time, I could probably cope with it if it was an heirloom or very inexpensive. If it cost 3 digits I would exchange it. The clasp thing would be a nail in the coffin for me.


You did ask for opinions I hope mine doesnt offend.

Thanks, Steel - no offense at all! I did ask for opinions, and I''d way rather hear that today while I can still return it, than keep it & think it myself later on!! And my instincts have been to return it (heck, if no one else buys it we can always buy it back), even though there are parts of it I like very much. I just think, for the money, there are things I could use more. Or just a much simpler version of this if I could find it.

 

[dotb]

Date: 12/29/2008 1:25:51 PM
Author: oobiecoo
It''s very pretty but may not be practical because of how ornate it is... depends on your lifestyle, I guess. Personally I would return it for something with a more simpler design.

Thanks oobiecoo. The more feedback I get, the more I''m inclined to go w/ my first instincts, & return it.

 

[BlackIsland]

I have to say that I was not sure when I saw the first pictures, on the chain, but I changed my mind when I saw it on the pearls. I love it on the pearls. I am a pearl person.

The question is, how often do you want to wear a piece of jewellery? Obviously this pendant on pearls is not your average everyday look. If you are looking for an everyday piece, then this isn''t it. Doesn''t stop me from loving it hanging of the pearls! I really believe that type of clasp is made to wear on pearls, and not by itself.

BI

 

[dotb]

Date: 12/29/2008 1:35:11 PM
Author: MissGotRocks
It is unique and special because he picked it out for you. If it were me, though, I''d probably go for a diamond pendant and/or earrings. I would just get more wear out of something like that.


What are you feeling that you want to do about it? Would he be extremely hurt if you exchanged it for something else?

Thanks MGR! Yes, that is one of the things i like about it, is that it is unique & special because he picked it. But he does always make sure it''s returnable because he knows I am picky, and wouldn''t want me to keep it if I didn''t think I''d wear it. So I don''t think he will be too hurt. (But it does always make me feel kinda bad to reject something he picked.) But like you, I think I''d get a lot more wear out of something like diamond earrings, which I don''t have. Or even a simpler necklace, if I could find a nice one. Like I said, I think if this necklace were just from here down (see pic), w/ WG instead of YG at that top part, I''d get more use out of it.

 

[dotb]

Date: 12/29/2008 1:44:16 PM
Author: BlackIsland
I have to say that I was not sure when I saw the first pictures, on the chain, but I changed my mind when I saw it on the pearls. I love it on the pearls. I am a pearl person.


The question is, how often do you want to wear a piece of jewellery? Obviously this pendant on pearls is not your average everyday look. If you are looking for an everyday piece, then this isn''t it. Doesn''t stop me from loving it hanging of the pearls! I really believe that type of clasp is made to wear on pearls, and not by itself.


BI

Yes, when I put it on the pearls (which are cheap fakes, BTW

), I thought it was much better too. The clasp definitely makes more sense on pearls than on the chain. And again, although I too liked the look on the pearls, I don''t have any real pearls, and very seldom wear the fake ones I have. (again, partly a neckline problem - don''t wear that many tops where pearls would work I guess)
Like you said, not your everyday look. I think this is another reason I''m torn - very pretty but not all that practical!

 

[dotb]

Date: 12/29/2008 1:35:16 PM
Author: coatimundi

Date: 12/29/2008 1:27:29 PM

You''re welcome! I am the same way. I have a certain ring sitting in my jewelry box that I never wear. My goal is to actually wear my jewelry!

It''s sweet that he chose a lovely piece for you--nice hubby! I understand why you''re torn. Is there a piece you''d like better in particular?

I don''t have a piece in mind; he surprised me w/ a piece of jewelry - which as you said was very sweet!, and although I did a quick web search looking for something similar (but more useful) - and came up w/ nothing - I don''t have something in mind just yet. But i have several months before our anniversary to think about it! Suggestions are welcome!

 

[geckodani]

Honestly... if you don''t think you''ll wear it often - I''d take it back and get something you love!

 

[T L]

Date: 12/29/2008 1:04:11 PM
Author:dotb
Hubby bought me this necklace, he said especially in anticipation of our anniversary, which is not for a few months, but I guess also as partially a Christmas gift. But he always makes sure things are returnable, in case it''s not what I''d like etc.. So I''m running it past you before the return deadline - what do you think? Would you wear it? How would you wear it? What would you wear it with?

It consists of several tourmalines - a teardrop shaped rose colored one at top, an oval, more smoky-pinky sort of color, and a briolette that looks gray in some light, but has a greenish tinge in other light. The stones are pretty - although I know almost nothing about how to judge them - w/ a loupe you can see sort of scratchy thingys inside - can''t think how to describe - but that may be normal for this stone. Also, above the center stone, the top is yellow gold w/ the pave diamonds, but then above that, the straight bar, is white gold. Do you think that is nice, or a weird feature?

Also, the loop that holds it onto the chain - it is wide & is actually a clasp, so that you can put it on a pearl necklace. Kindof a neat feature. But then I wonder - will the clasp ever come undone unintentionally and fall off? Also, because of the large diameter of that loop, it kinda wants to lean to the side when it''s on a chain. (w/ pearls it would probably stay straighter)

I''ll try to get a picture of it on pearls. Sorry these photos are lousy, but my macro feature on my camera doesn''t work right now. ugh.

Anyway, do give me honest feedback. I think it is pretty, but don''t know how wearable it is, or if I should go for something more versatile like diamond earrings or something?

If you have to ask people''s opinions on it because you''re unsure, that must tell me you''re not particularly crazy about it. Is that the case? If so, I would return it. JMO. I collect tourmalines, so if you want my honest and true opinion, the tourmalines look very murky in the picture, and not well cut. However, it could look much better in real life than it does from a picture, it''s so hard to tell from a picture sometimes. I like ornate designs, so the design appeals to me, but I''m not so sure if the stones match up to the ornate appeal. I hope that makes sense. I hope it wasn''t too expensive.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 12/29/2008 3:12:08 PM
Author: geckodani
Honestly... if you don''t think you''ll wear it often - I''d take it back and get something you love!

Ditto.

 

[mochi]

Do you want a unique and special thing that your husband picked that stays in a box or would you rather that he picks something else that you can wear and look at during the day that makes you think about your husband? Maybe if you gave him a few pictures of jewelry that appeals to you, he can trade it in for something similar?

 

[Steel]

Date: 12/29/2008 1:46:10 PM
Author: dotb
Thanks MGR! Yes, that is one of the things i like about it, is that it is unique & special because he picked it. But he does always make sure it''s returnable because he knows I am picky, and wouldn''t want me to keep it if I didn''t think I''d wear it. So I don''t think he will be too hurt. (But it does always make me feel kinda bad to reject something he picked.) But like you, I think I''d get a lot more wear out of something like diamond earrings, which I don''t have. Or even a simpler necklace, if I could find a nice one. Like I said, I think if this necklace were just from here down (see pic), w/ WG instead of YG at that top part, I''d get more use out of it.

It is sooo hard to return something that your SO chooses. You want to commend them for being romantic and spontaneous. And you can. But more often than not unless they are spontaneous from a ''pre-selected wish list'' you have to have that awkward "errr yes thank you, no really I love it".....

conversation. If you are like me, then you worry about how much he spent and how that would have bought x, y or z from the wish list. I have convinced DH to stick to the wish list. Well... more or less

.

It is your choice and either way your DH deserves cuddles for trying.

 

[Fly Girl]

It''s really pretty. I agree that it needs to hang from the pearls to work.

I was checking out designer colored stone pieces at the jewelers before Christmas, and very few of the colored stones were as nice as the ones I have been getting from some of the cutters mentioned on this forum. I suspect that this piece is similar. I know that I am becoming spoiled, but I''d rather pick out the tourmalines from a fantastic cutter, and put together a custom piece with great stones.

It needs to work for you, or you won''t wear it. If you don''t have the wardrobe or the occasions to wear this, it is probably better to return it for something that will work for you.

 

[mommy2iz]

what about a compromise? i think i''d likely change it into 3 separate necklaces that are simpler in nature, and better showcase those stones. it''s a bit too busy for me to personally wear as one piece. but that way i''d still have the gift DH got for me. just a thought?

 

[VRBeauty]

Date: 12/29/2008 9:53:24 PM
Author: mommy2iz
what about a compromise? i think i''d likely change it into 3 separate necklaces that are simpler in nature, and better showcase those stones. it''s a bit too busy for me to personally wear as one piece. but that way i''d still have the gift DH got for me. just a thought?

My thoughts exactly.... almost!

I''d break it into two pendants -- I''d move the pearl clasp part to the bottom, more ornate elements, and then have a separate pendant made of the pear-shaped tourmaline with the row of diamonds. For the pearl enhancer part, I''d see whether it could be set up to wear as a pendant with a chain, and with the diamond enhancer over a string or pearls or as a slide. I don''t think all that would cost too much....?

Having said all that, go with your gut. I''m sure your hubby want you to have something you''ll wear and love!

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 12/29/2008 3:16:21 PM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 12/29/2008 3:12:08 PM
Author: geckodani
Honestly... if you don''t think you''ll wear it often - I''d take it back and get something you love!

Ditto.

Double Ditto.

 

[LGK]

I think it is cool, and very unique; that being said, it''s more of cool-in-theory rather than actually wearable... I think the clasp would drive me batty, though. Also, I do think it would look best on bare skin with a v-neck. If you''re more casual in your style, and don''t wear v-necks much, I''d just return it; especially since you mentioned you don''t have diamond studs and would like some. I think it does sound like it isn''t "speaking" to you, unfortunately.

 

[mrscushion]

Date: 12/29/2008 1:35:11 PM
Author: MissGotRocks
It is unique and special because he picked it out for you. If it were me, though, I''d probably go for a diamond pendant and/or earrings. I would just get more wear out of something like that.


What are you feeling that you want to do about it? Would he be extremely hurt if you exchanged it for something else?

Those are my sentiments, too. It depends if he''d be hurt if you returned it. If not -- and you could use a more practical, every day piece-- I''d go for that.

 

[Tuckins1]

I think it''s very pretty... I especially like it on the pearls! I''m not sure that it''s something that I would wear very regularly, it looks like a "special occasion" type of thing. If your hubby''s feelings won''t be hurt, you could maybe swap it out for something that you would get more wear out of.