Pandora v. Trollbeads

[literati]

These bracelets are uber popular in the Delaware small town where I work. I am considering purchasing a few since I like the continual gift idea of beads for a few family members.

How popular are they where you live? Where do you live (Urban, suburban, rural area)?

If you have one, how durable is it (particularly the glass beads)? If you have a preference, why?

[Smilin13]

I have a Pandora Bracelet. I've had mine for over a year now.

I originally got it in a small town in PA. I bought a black bracelet that has a silver clasp. When I got the bracelet I got 3 charms and 2 clips.

Since then I have added a few more charms, including one glass bead.

Originally it was VERY difficult to find people who were selling the beads, but Pandora (and Pandora-like) things are ALL over now. I am currently in NH now.

I haven't had any problem with my Murano glass bead...but I also don't wear the bracelet everyday, but I don't know that they would be really easy to break.

As for preferences, I have not been faithful to Pandora :-) I have a few from Chamilia and I have a moose charm that I don't know who did.

I have also found quite a few sellers on etsy as well.

Hhhmmm. Hope that is helpful.

[udsweetpea]

literati I don't think I knew you lived in DE. I do too. I don't see too many people wearing them, but they're pretty popular with the local beach crowd. There's a jewelry store on Rehoboth Ave. that sells the Trollbeads if you're looking for them. I haven't bought any yet, but they're on my wish list!

[Soulmate]

I live in an Urban area on the West Coast and never heard of them nor have I seen them. In terms of gifting, I would think the receiver would have to know and understand what the concept was or else they would think "ok, a silver chain with a bead on it". The beads are insanely expensive and seem to really be a collectors and heirloom piece. I think they would have to have some understanding of that to really appreciate the gift.

[laura]

I haven't ever heard of these, so I have no idea if they are popular here - I assume not.

FWIW, I have a murano glass bead bracelet I got in Italy and the beads are pretty sturdy - the clasp broke on the bracelet before any of the beads did. Although I got bracelets for a friend and for my mom and theirs (clasp and beads) are still fine and it has been about 4 years or so.

[udsweetpea]

I live in an Urban area on the West Coast and never heard of them nor have I seen them. In terms of gifting, I would think the receiver would have to know and understand what the concept was or else they would think "ok, a silver chain with a bead on it". The beads are insanely expensive and seem to really be a collectors and heirloom piece. I think they would have to have some understanding of that to really appreciate the gift.

You don't get just a bracelet with one bead on it. I think she would be gifting a bead/charm to someone who already has a bracelet.

[Adaya]

I have a pandora bracelet that my mom gave to me the day we closed on our first house. It had a house and Bible charm with a beautiful glass bead. Now, it's halfway filled up. I just bought the cutest turtle the other day. I just love it!

They are very popular up in CT where my mom lives and there are even Pandora bracelet parties. It seems to be gaining some popularity down here in the Atlanta area. I'm finding more and more stores that carry the charms. Quite a few women in my life have them and it's fun buying charms for them.

In terms of durability, I would say that it's holding up well. I sleep in it, take showers and all that jazz and no problems.

[Guinness]

I have a Pandora bracelet and necklace and a troll bracelet. I have a bracelet for each of my boys and a necklace for our 1st house. I wear the bracelets daily and they hold up awesome - never have had a problem. The necklace I just don't love the look. I have Troll beads on my Pandora and vice versa. They are interchangable. I don't have any glass beads so I can't speak to that.

I love mine and think people could find beads easily enough if they want them. If not they can go with what you give them and be fine.

My mom started me on them and she is in CA. I was living in TX and found plenty of stores there. I am now in NC and have found stores here. Each place I know people who have them, but I wouldn't say they are everywhere. I still find they are unique. I like that they are a charm like bracelet without having to be dangly (is that a word ;)).

[ManteoChik]

My MIL and SIL both have Pandora bracelet's that are FULL and gave me one about three years ago. Each year she's given me a new charm - I think I have a fish, christmas tree, and dog (maybe?..lol) - and I bought one glass bead myself.

I really like it, and think they are super cute once you fill them up, because it's a charm bracelet without looking hokey...but I just haven't taken the time (or money) to get more. I figure by not getting my own it gives them something to buy for me for Christmas..hehe.

FWIW, I live in a small beach town in NC and we only have a couple places that I Know of that sell them. My IL's live in a beach town in NJ and I think they are pretty popular up there.

[LeslieR]

I've seen Pandora signs around here (CT), but I don't know anyone who has a bracelet. They remind me (in theory) of those Italian modular charm bracelets that were popular several years ago. I have one of those that is completely full and I never, ever wear it. I can't remember the last time I wore it, honestly.

[Hello Kitty]

They remind me (in theory) of those Italian modular charm bracelets that were popular several years ago.

I had to google it b/c I've never seen either in Chicago. And I thought of the Italian bracelets too and how they became a very in thing.

[malala]

I live in a suburban area of a fairly big city in the Midwest (big city FOR the Midwest, that is) and I've never seen them or heard of them.
But I'm from a foreign country and grew up in a very urban area, so I'm not your typical midwesterner.
Honestly, it doesn't sound like something I'd be interested in.

[diam124]

My MIL is in NJ and she wanted to buy me a Pandora bracelet for my 30th b-day. I declined her offer because I thought the charms (at least the gold and silver ones) were way too expensive for what they were. When you add up all the money you end up spending on the beads to fill the bracelet I figured I'd rather have a different piece of jewelry. She did say that they were popular where she lives.

[tenofcups]

I live in a small urban area and I've never heard of them. Had to google it :o. When I saw what they were, I can't say for sure if I've seen them or not. It looks like they would appear kind of like any other bracelet once the beads were on them so I have no idea if they're big around here or not. They seemed to be ridiculously overpriced for the beads.

[conneals]

Any recs for Etsy sellers? I would love to add a series of glass beads to mine!