topic Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :) in Jewelry

REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

LuckyPeach — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 03:06:18 GMT

Our yearly visitor, a beautifully vociferous Mockingbird, has been singing non-stop in search of his mate from all four corners of our yard here in SoCal. Sometimes he even stands on top of the street light pole in our parkway, leaps up and shows his impressive wingspan to attract attention, as if his singing isn't enough to do the job. He even sings through the night, lulling us to sleep with his unique brand of music. Yes, Springtime is indeed here!

The idea of this thread is simple: REVIEW AFTER REVIEW AFTER REVIEW. And if you already have your own single thread discussing a single JR design, please feel free to copy your single review post. Part two is that everything Judith Ripka counts, not just JRQ items. So if you find a JR creation at JudithRipka dot com, her boutiques, Sawgrass outlet (everything can be done easily online with friendly SAs who will email photos and prices), in elite department stores or their websites, please add those reviews, too. Also online sites including Sweepstreet, RuLaLa, Gilt, Last Call, Bluefly, or even SamsClub dot com. Plus independent stores and their online sites who carry JR. And, of course, possibly the most popular "Over There" (major auction site) and Ripkanista-to-Ripkanista trading.

If it is by JR, please review it and if you find something that goes great with JR, don't hesitate to add that, too. We are always looking for new ideas...

For JRQ items, please add the JRQ J-number. Now that Judith's inventory has peaked the 1,300 inventory number mark, it is nearly impossible to be sure which item you are reviewing without the J-number. This also allows Ripkanistas to open a second window with the JRQ product page for more info. Regarding the Q, all JR pieces are welcome: TSV, Lunchtime Specials (lots of those lately), OTOs, Insider, Limited Quantity, new designs, older classics, clearance, While Supplies Last, "As Is," and Last Clicks. Photos are welcome!

Let's make April a full month of reviews (talking to myself about this, too!)... Take care and thanks in advance for your participation~Peach

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

ennui1 — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 09:50:40 GMT

Seriously? It wasn't even April when you started this thread. Are you trying to win a contest?

Take a breath. Give it a rest, already.

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

LuckyPeach — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 23:46:40 GMT

On 4/1/2014 ennui1 said:
Seriously? It wasn't even April when you started this thread. Are you trying to win a contest?

Take a breath. Give it a rest, already.

Ennui1~Ooops, it was 10PM Eastern Standard Time, two hours early... Have a nice day~Peach

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

MickD — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 23:50:34 GMT

Peachie ~ I didn't buy anything....just wanted to say ""Hi!"" DH has his court hearing some time this month....he doesn't know anything yet! I hope you are healthy happy and well!

~ Mick

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

LuckyPeach — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 23:55:20 GMT

Now, let's get back to the business of reviews...

Ripkanistas~ Anyone have a review to contribute? I'll be back shortly with a couple today.

Thank-you~Peach

PS~Anyone notice the big news about Judith? She sold her company to Xcel Brands (they also own the Isaac Mizrahi brand and have interest in Liz Claiborne New York--two big sellers on the Q) for $22.5 million and some stock shares. Judith is staying on as Master Designer. Looks like it was just announced this morning and posted online about an hour ago. WOW!

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

LuckyPeach — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 00:05:29 GMT

On 4/4/2014 MickD said:
Peachie ~ I didn't buy anything....just wanted to say "Hi!" DH has his court hearing some time this month....he doesn't know anything yet! I hope you are healthy happy and well!

~ Mick

MickD, you know, you can review whatever you wish within your collection or "stuff" that goes with JR! Doesn't have to be new---am ridiculously behind myself. Am still ill with a lung bug and have the docs testing exactly what bug I have, plus a pulmonary test next week. There's a new test out there which will tell in an hour which of 17 different usual bacteria is causing the problem...but noooo, my docs say they have to wait and grow something in a petri dish. Sounds like grade school science class, right? Meanwhile, I have a cough so bad, being in public for any length of time is difficult.

I'll be sending good karma your and your DH's way for the hearing. Am still waiting myself to hear from our new city council if they are going to pay off on our case. Best wishes to you and thanks for posting! Take care~Peach

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

LuckyPeach — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 02:52:05 GMT

Finally, some actual reviews...

J291855 Square faceted Onyx and Diamonique button omegas

Grade: A-

Yea: Elegant, classic, rich design, perfect gems

Boo: a tad on the heavy side

Value (1=low; 10=high): 9

Gorgeous earrings for daytime and night if you can handle the weight

These are serious sparklers; for night they'll catch the light and for day, they'll class up a basic ensemble. No skimping on quality, gram weight and gemstones for these timeless 3/4" by 3/4" by 1/4" deep button omegas.

JR centers pitch black faceted 1/4" by 1/4" Onyx, bordering it with double rows of roping and finally, double rows of DMQ (1.9 ctw.), finishing off the sides with matte-satin slant Berge. Geometrics are further enhanced with strong rope-outlined DMQ prongs stretching from the four corners to the center Onyx directing the eye to the focal point of the earring. The back is finished as well with a squared, cut-out undergallery and strong, thick-enough posts placed in the center of the earring for balance. Still, a plastic clutch might be needed to be placed over the post for most support against falling forward on the lobe.

These earrings also have a matching enhancer (J273747) and ring (look for it in secondary markets). Currently going in and out of stock at the Q, the price is excellent as is the over-all quality (as in fine quality from five years ago). Best time to check is on Sunday morning after all the inventory has been adjusted from the previous week. They also have been popping up Over There (major auction site) so keep checking.

If you are a Ripkanista with a mostly-black wardrobe like myself, these are fantastic!~Peach

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

Haca — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 03:03:16 GMT

Hi Peach, I am not a Ripkanista, however, I own the dewdrop necklace in silver and receive plenty of compliments whenever I wear it. I have had my eye on the country link necklace for a long time. Looks like it would work well with many of my enhancers (CP, Or Paz and Gorali). I also would like to wear it just on its own - without the little heart adornment. What do you think?

I sincerely hope that the quality of the line continues for all of you. Best, Haca

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

LuckyPeach — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 03:39:35 GMT

REVIEW: J274582 1" Diamonique skinny hoops with removable 7mm white button Pearl charms

Grade: B

Yea: Well-done basics for hoop and charm lovers; not too heavy!

Boo: "bumper" on hoops unnecessary

Value (1=low;10=high): 7.5

Always correct Ripkarized DMQ hoops and Pearl charms lend versatility to any earring collection

These are the earrings you pull out on those mornings when you want something that looks great in any situation, with almost anything you're wearing. They're the earrings that are a permanent fixture on the dressing table because no matter what, they always do the job.

Judith gives us a basic earring design and Ripkarizes it: 1" DMQ skinny hoops 1/16" wide, have satin slant Berge sides and her signature split-heart omega backing; 5/8" by 1/2" white button 7mm Pearl charms bordered in DMQ, rest on a 1/8" tall slant Berge platform and are backed with a cut-out Fleur de lis undergallery. JR also finishes the inside of the hoop, leaving openings for each of the DMQ stones (.5 ctw.) to gather light. Posts are the non-bendy type, thank goodness. Only slight nitpicking is that the hoops have bumpers to stop the charms just past a 6 'o clock position. The movement of the charms is, well, one of the charms of having them on hoops and since nothing can fall off the earrings, not needed IMHO.

Versatility comes with wearing these lightweight hoops alone or with the Pearl charms or with other charms in your collection. The hoop is thin enough that it should fit nearly every charm out there with the exception of those charms that come on thin wires with tiny openings. With the charms on the hoops weight of the two together takes you into JR mid-weight category, not heavy, not light. You're aware of them, but that isn't a bad thing.

While I'm not jumping for joy over these hoops and Pearl charms, just like my favorite black skirt or jeans, I am very glad to have them to play with in my JR collection. These would make a solid gift, too. Pierced AND clip. Still available on the Q and occasionally Over There. ~Peach

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

LuckyPeach — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 04:10:38 GMT

On 4/4/2014 Haca said:
Hi Peach, I am not a Ripkanista, however, I own the dewdrop necklace in silver and receive plenty of compliments whenever I wear it. I have had my eye on the country link necklace for a long time. Looks like it would work well with many of my enhancers (CP, Or Paz and Gorali). I also would like to wear it just on its own - without the little heart adornment. What do you think?

I sincerely hope that the quality of the line continues for all of you. Best, Haca

Haca, what a nice post, thank-you!

First, just adding in the J-number of the Dew Drop, J156865 and Country Link, J275386. While most were in love with the Dew Drop, now about $360, the consensus on the Country Link, now $140, wasn't so great. As with the differences in price, there are differences in quality and gram weight. Dew Drop quality is stellar; Country Link is good. The new version of the Country Link is much lighter weight than the old one which surprised a lot of people. I don't think it is that lightweight, not flimsy or anything--just an open link necklace. If you are on board with the carved matte satin rhodium-plated finish and don't expect it to be shiny, it is quite a practical necklace.

Also, I like mixing various enhancers with different finishes than the chain. If you want the enhancer to match the chain's finish, that could be an issue. If not, this chain should be fine. It is also nice that the attached heart enhancer (push open the bale) can be removed, or given away if that's not your style. I thought at some point JR was selling the little heart separately but I cannot find it online. I have noticed that some have been selling it Over There (major auction site). The heart quality is good. The Country Link will also be especially nice in warmer weather with the 1/4" open links.

I totally love the Dew Drop and in contrast think the Country Link is fine as a mix-and-match piece. Hope this helps your thinking and you might want to plow through the reviews on the product page as well because someone may come up with a thought that speaks to you in your decision-making.

Thanks again for your supportive post. JR is such a part of my daily life that I must admit, I am, at least, a little worried about the changes. Take care~Peach

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

Haca — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 18:36:31 GMT

Hi PEACH, thank you for your very thoughtful response. You gave me a lot to ponder regarding the country link necklace chain. I do have a pretty chain necklace from CP but it is a bit too fragile to hang some of my substantial enhancers on. I also own the "native beads" but sometimes you don't want to go the Southwest route. In addition to leather cords, the country link would be a nice option. Plus, as I said, I would probably like it on its own with t-shirts. I agree it will be nice during the warm weather, which finally is on its way here in Virginia.

Thanks again and I do hope everything works out for the best for you and the other Judith Ripka fans and collectors. It is good to have variety and quality in jewelry lines.

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

donnaluby — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 18:49:51 GMT

Hi LuckyPeach - your new onyx earrings and dmq w/pearl drop earrings sound lovely. Hope you enjoy your new pieces in good health. Was also very surprised to hear about JR being sold but hope we continue to enjoy seeing her on on the Q.

Here are review of items that I purchased.

J284720 - Sterling Amazonite & Dmq Earrings. These have to be one of my new favorites. The amazonite is a bezel set cabochon stone and the gorgeous color is somewhere between turquoise and aqua. The earrings measure 1-1/2" in length and 3/4" wide and they have a lot of movement. There's a large oval with JRs berge texture and dmq stones all around. The smaller inside oval is surrounded by little dmq stones. These earrings are made beautifully and they sparkle like crazy. I wear it a 36" long amazonite bead necklace that I made. Goes nice with blue-green turq. as well.

My next purchase was from JR's website under the "outlet" site when they had a 60% off sale. I got a pair of square cabochon green sapphire earrings. They have her berge texturing around the setting with 4 tiny hearts with white sapphires. These are also a perfect size for me -- 1/4" and the color is a deep green. They go with a lot of my green Ripka that I have.

J275718 - Sterling Faceted Turquoise Enhancer. I like the enhancer and the beautiful ripkarized design, however, I think this enhancer is too small for my liking. I have a couple of Judith's turq. heart enhancers that have a larger presence so I will be returning this one.

Peach - have a wonderful weekend!

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

oceanviewTL — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 05:31:38 GMT

Hi, Peach -

Monaco watch: I bought the brown version and it is a beauty!

My only concern is the usual for those of us with tiny wrists - it's loose even on the tightest hole and the strap wraps all the way around to the top (not a good look). I was torn, and then saw that the brown version of the last watch (the one with 3 straps) is now available again. I ordered that, since I have and love the black Spinel version and will return the Monaco watch, even though it is gorgeous.

Lesson - I have to have the willpower not to order any watches unless they come in size small and have removable links!

New bracelet with the evil eyes - small and delicate, but beautifully designed, flawless and a keeper.

Braided cuff with amethyst end caps - expensive but worth it. Elegant design, beautiful piece. My only critique is that the stones look better, or more noticeable, from the perspective of the faceted side, and those sides of both stones face each other (not the top of the bracelet). Because of that, the stones do not appear as large as they really are. That is very different from my other JR "upside down" cuffs with stones (malachite, onyx, aquamarine). With my tiny wrists, I generally squeeze the ends closer together for a better fit, which in this case makes the stones even less noticeable. That said, I still love the bracelet, so will probably keep it.

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

LuckyPeach — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 05:47:53 GMT

Haca, thank-you. Did you go with Judith's Country link?

DonnaLuby, I have to tell you, you really have me thinking about those Amazonite earrings!

Have been out for the last week with the same repeated pneumonia but am on a major upswing THANKS TO ME2ME . She suggested something as simple as garlic cloves and that sent me on a great deal of online research. There are issues with much of the new garlic in stores as it comes from China and has been irradiated so the center (the Allicin part which is the miracle worker) is dead and no good to anyone. Garlic was a main line of treatment in WWI for soldiers. Also, many are having great success with it in killing MRSA and Staph infections which no longer respond to antibiotics. Finally, I tracked some down online from Iherb dot com which is fresh, has a lot of the Allicin, called Garlinase Fresh in tablet form. Am not totally out of the woods yet, but the results are impressive going forward. I am thrilled. Thanks again Me2Me! ~Peach

Now, does anyone have a review or three to share? Thank-you~Peach

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

ennui1 — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 00:26:40 GMT

Looks like a Ripka show has been added -- April 20, 1 am EDT, Retiring Styles.

I wouldn't want anyone to miss it.

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

LuckyPeach — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 06:50:41 GMT

On 4/7/2014 oceanviewTL said:
Hi, Peach -

Monaco watch: I bought the brown version and it is a beauty!

My only concern is the usual for those of us with tiny wrists - it's loose even on the tightest hole and the strap wraps all the way around to the top (not a good look). I was torn, and then saw that the brown version of the last watch (the one with 3 straps) is now available again. I ordered that, since I have and love the black Spinel version and will return the Monaco watch, even though it is gorgeous.

Lesson - I have to have the willpower not to order any watches unless they come in size small and have removable links!

New bracelet with the evil eyes - small and delicate, but beautifully designed, flawless and a keeper.

Braided cuff with amethyst end caps - expensive but worth it. Elegant design, beautiful piece. My only critique is that the stones look better, or more noticeable, from the perspective of the faceted side, and those sides of both stones face each other (not the top of the bracelet). Because of that, the stones do not appear as large as they really are. That is very different from my other JR "upside down" cuffs with stones (malachite, onyx, aquamarine). With my tiny wrists, I generally squeeze the ends closer together for a better fit, which in this case makes the stones even less noticeable. That said, I still love the bracelet, so will probably keep it.

Oceanview, nice haul! ...just adding the J-numbers for readers...

J290209 Evil Eye soft bracelet

J290763 Monaco watch

J291794 Braided cuff with Amethyst endcaps

Thanks for sharing your reviews with the Ripkanistas! ~Peach

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

LuckyPeach — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 07:13:03 GMT

REVIEW: J269259/J269258 Monaco bracelet in Cognac Quartz, brown Diamonique

Grade: B+

Yea: Saturated, well-matched gemstones

Boo: light gram weight

Value (1=low; 10=high): 6

Quality gems take center stage in Monaco-styled soft link bracelet

If this lighter weight, gem-intensive bracelet had been at a better price point, it probably would be adorning every Ripkanista's wrist in at least one of the choices of Turquoise, Onyx or Cognac Quartz, perhaps more than one. Either price point or gram weight should have to "give" but not both at the same time!

Still, this 3/8" wide at each of the six oval pineapple-cut Cognac Quartz stations (7 1/2" version) is worth keeping for the heavily-saturated gems and lovely JR Monaco design. Judith puts her signature lotus leaves at the four corners, merging into clear DMQ (forty points ctw) down the sides, then opens up with sides with piercework and leaves the undergallery wide open. Berge texturing and rope borders abound but somehow they are not as weighty as one would expect. The six stations are connected with seventy points of single row brown DMQ in a narrow bridge of five round stones just shy of 1/8" wide to carry on the cognac color story. Cognac Quartz blends smoothly with the brown DMQ. Lobster closure is the larger stone-free version made up of twisted Berge matte-satin roping, for an easy, secure stays-on-the-wrist finish.

For those Ripkanistas who are able to find this Monaco bracelet when the odd one pops into stock here at the Q or Over There or via Ripkanista-to-Ripkansta trading, it is worth seeing in person before a final decision whether or not to keep is made. Very comfortable to wear and JR design plus gem quality are quite arresting to the eye. ~Peach

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

donnaluby — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 16:07:07 GMT

Hi LuckyPeach, first I hope you have recuperated with your bout of pneumonia and are feeling much better.

I love the cognac quartz monaco soft link bracelet. I bought mine in turn when it was first presented on air and I love it. I have it on today with the JR heart/with paraiba tourmaline. I hope you enjoy your new bracelet and wear it in the best of health!

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

fuji — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 16:26:50 GMT

Criss Cross Ring and cuff- J269692/J269694 - these are each on clearance, so the price was . I had been eyeing them for a while, and apparently missed them when they were a OTO. Thanks to one of the ring reviewers who mentioned she felt it ran small, I ordered my usual size 6 as well as a 7 for the ring. The size 6 did not even go over my knuckle, but the 7 fit fine. I was looking for a ring that was all silver and cold be worn with anything-- this ring is it. I really like these pieces. The touch of DMQ at the top "X" is nice, and sparkles like crazy. The finish looks "brushed", but it is a reflection of the tiny, micro etching of the silver. I love the contrast between this and shinier cuffs when stacking. My wrist is just under 6.5, and I got the S cuff, and ever so slightly and gently widened it a bit for a perfect fit that slides below and above my wrist bone.

Re: REVIEWS: Please post Judith Ripka April 2014 REVIEWS here... :)

LuckyPeach — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 07:39:51 GMT

REVIEW: J276934 Smooth oval Onyx bead dangle omegas with Moonstone cabochon

Grade: A

Yea: all the right elements--quality, wear everywhere, strong posts

Boo: my bead cap is just a hair off center

Value (1=low;10=high): 9.5!!!!

Beautiful sleek earrings really go "from blue jeans to black tie"

It is hard not to gush over such classy and classic earrings when all the perfect Judith Ripka design elements merge with strong posts, no Diamonique, rich black Onyx that reflects the light and a marvelous price.

So, I'll just have to gush over these wear-everyday gems, set off with a neutral pale grey Moonstone cabochon endcap encased in twisted satin roping for a touch of elegance. Starting back at the top, JR utilizes her classic slant Berge, bordered in roping bale, 1/4" and narrowing to 1/8" at the bottom attached to a fixed east-west Berge circle. The fun begins with a north-south 1/16" rope circle moving fluidly off the fixed circle. Swinging off the rope circle is a u-capped 9/16" by 1/2" oval Onyx bead which catches every available light source for a rich sheen. Length of this masterpiece is 1 3/4" by 1/2" --the perfect length not to be missed, yet neither to show off.

Omega backing opens to the maximum over sturdy posts we've been missing for the past few years and lobe spacing is just enough for Ripkanistas with medium detached lobes. Silver has substance and earring weight is moderate. Nearly as exciting as the great design and wear-ability is the fact that these earrings are on the Q for under $80 on 4 E/P and available in both pierced and clip. Honestly, does it get any better? I think not. ~Peach