? about Italian charms

[minniecarousel]

The price on these things varies widely! I've seen charms at the Hallmark stores for $20.00+ and they're on Ebay for 2-5 dollars. They all are supposedly stainless steel. Is there a huge difference in quality? I figure that the Hallmark stores just have a huge mark-up on these things. What's anyones' experience?

 

[chell]

I'm interested in the answer also. A few of the ones I saw on e-bay I wondered if they made them or what.

 

[catsrule]

The more expensive ones are 18k gold. It should say this in the description.

 

[helenabear]

To me there is a HUGE difference in quality. First, the cheap ones are just gold plated instead of solid gold that is then attached to the stainless part of the charm. I've seen enamel wear off pretty quick on these too and a few friends have lost the symbol or whatever was on the charm and basically was stuck with a blank charm after a short time.

However, they are wonderful for kids (IMO) or if you don't like to plunk a lot of money into one piece of jewelry they are fine, but if they break, you can't get them replaced. I did have a fault on one of my $20ish charms and it was replaced, no questions asked. Just my thoughts though... many love the cheaper ones for different reasons.

 

[chell]

Thanks Elaine. That's what I was afraid of. I think I'll just take my time and save up for the ones that will last. But I will buy one of the cheaper ones just because it's the only place I've seen it.

 

[helenabear]

Glad to help Michelle! I had been working on my bracelet for quite some time and about a year after starting it I finally finished it (I wear it loose and have 18 links). I am impressed with the quality of all my charms though. But if there is one I really wanted that was only one of the "cheap" ones I'd buy it too But for the most part I think the others are worth it as I wear mine daily and am "rough" on my jewelry... charms are holding up great!

 

[BethanyF]

I have been wearing my bracelet for about a year. I have $1 charms, $25 charms and everything in between. On the surface you cant really tell the difference, although some of the cheaper ones are tarnished on the underside.
I have had cheap charms fall apart, and I have had $25 charms (Disney ones actually) lose all their paint. I have one charm I paid .99 for and it still looks brand new.
I guess I am just trying to say you will find good and bad in all price ranges. Go for designs you like and stick to $ limits when ebay buying.

 

[helenabear]

Bethany, I hope you returned your Disney charms then. That was my point about the expensive ones, if something happens to one I can return it and will always get my money back or a good replacement. No one will take back the cheaper ones ever no matter what.

SOmeone told me that for some of the enamel you can put clear nailpolish onver it so that protects it better. I did this after about a year of having all mine because I am rough on jewelry... haven't needed it though. Just a thought.

 

[BethanyF]

Originally posted by helenabear
Bethany, I hope you returned your Disney charms then.

Most definitely.
The store they were bought from had closed, but the kiosk in my mall gladly took them back and exchanged them for different Disney charms. I was disappointed that 3 of them all lost the enamel (2 American Mickeys and a Minnie). I replaced them with Simba, Pluto and Bambi.