Yes/No -- Graduated Bead SS Tiffany-style Necklace $130

[decodelighted]

HI:
Everytime I've seen this necklace/bracelet, I've thought WOW. I know it they are only "beads", but are (nonetheless) chic.

I agree-beads are chic. Gurhan's hammered ball bead necklace drives me wild. Hammered silver beads would be gorgeous too.
Deco-if it is perhaps too traditional, then you could always take it to a jeweler and have them matte it for you. I love the look of matte silver. Also, a longer version could be very cool. Heck, now I'm thinking of a matte non-graduated ball bead silver rope. Don't know if that is available near you, but it's such a fun idea-double it, triple it, wear it long. In any case, if you don't think you'd actually wear the thing, then pass and scratch another jewelry itch.

I do love matte jewelry. I have a funky matte silver multi-strand costume jewelry type bead necklace that has faceted beads? Does that make sense? Maybe I can snap a pix. It's not going to hold up for even a couple of more months because even hairspray eats away whatever silver spray paint they used for that thing ... but I love the look of it! And its lightweight LOL!

Matte finish would add the funk! I've never had the guts to buy a new piece & mess w/it THAT MUCH before though. Hmmmmm.

 

[decodelighted]

Deco, I don't know anything about this necklace, but I say no. I was in the market for a necklace last year, and a lot of the pieces I liked were dressy. I instead bought a pretty piece that's casual or can be dressed up a bit, and I LOVE it. I wear it every day and think I enjoy it more because it works with jeans and flip flops as well as a nice suit. Basically I feel like I am getting my MONEY'S WORTH.

I have a few tif's pieces (teardrop earrings, monogram necklace) that I enjoyed, but moved on from. Now they sit there waiting to be handed down to my daughter years from now. With silver, I tend to move on quickly. But anything that I have that's platinum or white gold...it seems to get worn and not phased out once purchased. My diamond studs have been on my ears for 2 years now. Beaudry ring gets worn in shifts with the Amelia ring, and the engagement ring is on my left, of course. I have not been tempted to buy any more rings because it would lessen the time that each gets to be on my fingers! Now the necklace will stay on my neck for years, most likely. I just keep moving on to different body parts to adorn.

I guess every year, or other year, I save up for the "it" piece. Sadly, now I will have to save 40 years to buy the watch I want, but hey....something to strive for.

Love your necklace! Even w/the butterflies! Its that darn MOP that gets me. And the clean lines. This is one of those necklaces that just would never be appropriate for everyday. And so I'd have to clean it up/polish etc for the three times a year I'd wear it. I hate jewelry homework. The bracelet might actually get worn more -- but I've never been a bracelet gal really. Good news is I am REALLY REALLY digging this rose gold starfish so much I never want to take it off! It has such a thin chain I'm worried about losing it though ... not because its so spendy but because its sentimental. I promise to take pictures of it soon. The cell phone ones are ghastly.

 

[decodelighted]

I have a SS bead bracelet from BlueNile http://www.bluenile.com/sterling-silver-bead-bracelet_2374
and it is lovely and I like it a lot. But, I find it nearly impossible to fasten it around my wrist by myself, so it rarely gets worn. Does anyone else have that problem? The clasp is so stiff, and 7.5" just barely makes it around my wrist, so it is really a struggle to fasten the thing. Mine has gotten pretty tarnished from not being worn. After reading this thread maybe I'll try getting it out again. It really is a nice looking bracelet on.

I have that tight fight thing going on a different bracelet. SO ANNOYING! I'd break out that bracelet again though just to play around with it. The look really fresh again to me ... but, don't believe me ... I'm not hip! (See watch thread for explanation if need be .

 

[decodelighted]

HI:
More difficult than you thought! I agree with many of TG's sentiments--I am surprised at how few jewellery I wear and the same pieces I repeat over and over.

In the final analysis, if this purchase gives you that much pause, then..........................

Oh no! You've turned Sharon!! I hear ya ... THX

 

[decodelighted]

So deco, what did you decide? Or are you still contemplating?

I'm going to head back this weekend probably (for other stuff I need) and check it out again. I'm leaning against it except for the tiny possibility that they'd go well with a dress I'm wearing for an upcoming wedding -- where my starfish wouldn't be *enough* for the neckline. If they seem perfect for that, MAYBE -- if I don't end up wearing them much, maybe I could try the *get them matte finished* idea.

HOWEVER ... mostly I'm leaning against 'em for now. Will try on the bracelet just to see ... but I'm guessing its too short for my wrist anyway & they are not in a position to alter things.

 

[decodelighted]

This is not fair! I had never heard of this necklace before reading the post. Now I think I need it. Do you think that the Bluenile version would do?

For the *one size* bead version, I'd def consider Bluenile. For the *graduated* version -- no, because the graduation happens very quickly on their version -- less gradually than the original ... and the beads are smaller and the necklace much lighter than the original (from my memory of reading reviews 2+ years ago). Sorry to tempt you w/my jewelry musings!!!!!

 

[decodelighted]

Tiff's discontinued that necklace and especially the bracelet for some time because they were so cheaply made, they fell apart. People brought them back again & again, in pieces. I didn't realize they'd started selling them again.

So if it's any consolation, they are not worth the price at Tiffany. Much of their silver jewelry is poorly done, if you look at clasps & soldering, etc. Fine jewelry, it ain't.

I vote no too; think of how you feel when a stone or setting makes your heart stop -- I don't hear that in your writing about this necklace. As we get educated, our tastes change & I think yours are maturing! Your starfish necklace sounds much nicer. Bracelets take a bit more of a beating than necklaces -- hollow silver beads on your wrist, where they can get knocked around more easily, don't tend to hold up well. I bet you wouldn't end up wearing it for long.

--- Laurie

INTERESTING SCOOP!!! Thanks for posting it, Laurie. And thanks for your opinion!

 

[decodelighted]

Here's a surprise bonus for my pals who are still around this thread! Cr*ppy cell pix but the first vision of my beloved anny pressie to appear on PS. Shame on my tardy self.

ETA: And more evidence about my shabby attire! I wore my BEST sweatshirt for you ladies ...

 

[TravelingGal]

That one is really pretty Deco! I'd wear it for a bit longer until you find an every day necklace you can replace it with (still want the tiff diamond one...I forgot its name?). I like that starfish a lot!

 

[katiedid]

Oooh I love that pretty little starfish. Rose gold looks hideous on my skin tone. I think I'm too pale. Anyway, I just got the bead necklace and bracelet and I like the look of them lots. They are both a perfect fit - definitely not too loose at all, I could even get the bracelet on and off by myself. But they are SUPER lightweight. More so than I was expecting. Then again, they are hollow sterling beads so they shouldn't be heavy. For $110 for both of them, that's not bad right? I know I'll wear the necklace a lot and I'm gonna try the bracelet with my Michelle watch. I wish I could feel the weight of the Tiffany one to know if I'm wasting my money on these. I know that one is much more expensive, but the weight of these worry me a little. And of course, I have no idea how they'll hold up. I'll be hanging on to the receipt for sure. Oh well!!

 

[AGBF]

I'd never seen the Tiffany sterling silver beaded necklace, so after reading this thread, I had to go look! Very pretty! I hadn't realized, from this thread, that there was a double strand available, too. (I prefer the single strand.) The beads on the bracelet are quite large! And the bracelet is quite large, too. It comes in 7.25 and 8.25 inches. Either one would fall off my hand!

Did you decide definitely not to get anything from Tiffany's, deco? I quite like the necklace! If you are going to a wedding...maybe you should look into the 20 inch one.

Deb


Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

 

[katiedid]

I agree - the Tiff bracelet would be too big for my wrist. (Wish all of me was that small.) I'll take photos of my necklace and bracelet today and post them to see what you guys think.

 

[katiedid]

Ok, here are photos of the necklace. I've decided I won't wear the bracelet. I thought it would look good with my watch but it's just annoying having it on with that. It's not worth sending just the bracelet back though, so if I keep the necklace, I'll keep them both. Like I said, I like the look but am really concerned about the weight of this necklace. It is just SO light. Makes me worry about the quality. Please let me know your thoughts!

 

[AGBF]

Ok, here are photos of the necklace. I've decided I won't wear the bracelet. I thought it would look good with my watch but it's just annoying having it on with that. It's not worth sending just the bracelet back though, so if I keep the necklace, I'll keep them both. Like I said, I like the look but am really concerned about the weight of this necklace. It is just SO light. Makes me worry about the quality. Please let me know your thoughts!

katiedid- I love the necklace on you! It makes me think deco should get one, too, as long as she has a specific occasion in mind to which she plans to wear it!

After all, this was a long time obsession of hers, not just a whim. Dressy occasions will arise in her life!

PS-I'd wear that necklace with blue jeans, just as I'd wear pearls with blue jeans. It reminds me of a strand of pearls. Pearls (in my opinion) go anywhere.

Deb/AGBF


Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

 

[CharmyPoo]

Here is a photo of me in the graduated beads version. I have owned this set for years and years ... wearing it a few times a week. Never had an issue so I am really to surprised to hear that there are issues. I have many T&CO silver pieces and never had an issue with any of them.

 

[katiedid]

Thank you deb! I really appreciate it. Before my previous one broke, I wore it a lot - with dressy stuff and with casual/blue jeans type stuff. I think it's very versatile. I think that's why I'm so anxious about this one - it cost me over $80, and I'd hate for it to start falling apart after a few months.

charmypoo - I love your necklace too! So pretty! The Tiffany version of mine is 18" and this one is 16". Do you think the 18" one would be too long? I like necklaces to be on the shorter side - to sit closer to my neck (but not so tight as to be a choker). So even I returned this one and got the Tiff version, it would have to be 18", as they don't have the 16". Also, I think theirs is 10mm beads, where this one is 8mm.

decisions, decisions...

 

[AGBF]

Here is a photo of me in the graduated beads version. I have owned this set for years and years ... wearing it a few times a week. Never had an issue so I am really to surprised to hear that there are issues. I have many T&CO silver pieces and never had an issue with any of them.

I love yours, too, CharmyPoo! What a great look!!!

Deb


Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

 

[katiedid]

I just saw a similar necklace to mine at a department store - it was 17" instead of 16, and I'd guess the beads were either 8mm or 10mm. It was also very lightweight. And it was on sale for $119.

I was thinking all along that the graduated one at Tiff was 18" but it's only 16.25" so that is still an option if I decide to send mine back. I love the look of charmypoo's. I wish there was a Tiffany store near me where I could hold one and feel the weight of it!

 

[decodelighted]

Love the pictures, ladies! The necklaces look great on you! No update w/me ... still wavering. Didn't make it to the place this weekend ...

 

[AGBF]

Love the pictures, ladies! The necklaces look great on you! No update w/me ... still wavering. Didn't make it to the place this weekend ...

Gee, deco, this makes 9924 postings for you! You are only 76 away fro 10,000! You go, girl!

Deb


Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

 

[CharmyPoo]

charmypoo - I love your necklace too! So pretty! The Tiffany version of mine is 18" and this one is 16". Do you think the 18" one would be too long? I like necklaces to be on the shorter side - to sit closer to my neck (but not so tight as to be a choker). So even I returned this one and got the Tiff version, it would have to be 18", as they don't have the 16". Also, I think theirs is 10mm beads, where this one is 8mm.

Mine is 16.25" and it is perfect for me. I think the graduated beads only come in one length. The beads also range in sizes but I can't remember the range. From what I have seen, the "fake" versions does not do the graduated sizes as well as T&CO. I personally like the graduated beads for the necklace over the same sized beads (I never wear my version with the same sized beads).

On a side note, I thought I also wanted a graduated bead bracelet but they stopped making them. Luckily, I found it in an antique shop and picked it up! BUT I discovered graduated beads only look good on the neck and not on the hand. My same sized beads bracelet looks great!

 

[katiedid]

Thanks deco! I know all about the wavering...

charmypoo, I think the beads in your necklace go from 6mm to 11mm. And I agree - T&Co does a nicer graduated necklace than anyone else. The bead sizes are just more gradual and there's not a big jump from one size to the next. Love it!

So because the graduated one from T&Co is the shorter length I want, I had decided earlier today to send mine back and order the graduated one from T&Co. I went online and the total with tax came to almost $300. I chickened out.

What does everyone think of the one I have now? Do folks like the graduated one better? Is it more classic? Would you worry about the fact that this one I bought is so lightweight? Do you think it'll just fall apart or not hold up like the Tiff one would? I'm trying to justify spending almost $300 (about $200 more than I spent on the one I have). My issue is that I'd rather spend the $300 than have spent $100 on something I won't be happy with.

 

[decodelighted]

If you have a Sam's Club near you .... I'd urge you to go check out the one I'm considering. It adjusts from 17" to 20" I think ... and you might be able to get it a bit shorter if you removed two beads. The graduation of the beads is very subtle and elegant -- and It was heavier than the lightest weight "inspired by" ones I've felt ... not sure how it compares to the Tiff original, as I've only felt the *one size bead* version that my sister has. I'm not near a Tiffany's or I'd go experiment myself.

As much as I admire the $300 Tiff version, I'm not sure it would be worth THAT much dough to me. As it happens, its not really an option for me anyway (fat neck).

 

[decodelighted]

And hey AGBF! At the rate I post ... I'm still months away from the big ten kaye.

 

[katiedid]

I think we do have a Sam's club - I'll have to check that out! Thanks! (You make me laugh with your "fat neck" comment.)

 

[decodelighted]

** presented w/o comment ***

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Wow, that looks terrific on you, Deco!!! I love the starfish, too! Your neck is going to be well attired!

 

[katiedid]

Yay! You got it! I love it on you. Very beautiful!!!

 

[decodelighted]

Wow, that looks terrific on you, Deco!!! I love the starfish, too! Your neck is going to be well attired!

Thanks DS! It's a bit larger-scale than the Tiffany ... both in length and size of beads ... but, ha, SO AM I. So I was thinking it kinda works for me. That & the fact they only had one in stock kinda pushed me off the fence. Clunk. Ow.

 

[decodelighted]

Yay! You got it! I love it on you. Very beautiful!!!

Thanks Katiedid! Has your Tiff come yet?? I tried on the matching bracelet too but opted against it. The one they had was 11mm beads & was a bit clunky on me. Did fit ... barely though.