topic Re: Barbara Bixby in Jewelry

Barbara Bixby

Katcat1 — Fri, 09 May 2014 00:57:18 GMT

I purchased my first piece of BB. It's a ring that has a narrow silver band with a flower on it. I selected the blue topaz for the flower stones. I know I am going to love this ring. I find that the jewelry I purchase from the Q always looks better in person. Hopefully, I can purchase a couple more pieces from BB in the future.

Re: Barbara Bixby

ilovedaisies — Fri, 09 May 2014 00:59:37 GMT

I think her jewelry is stunning. Hope you enjoy your ring. This is the first time, although I've been a customer for years, that I've recorded a BB show. I guess she just wasn't on my radar/

Re: Barbara Bixby

stevieb — Fri, 09 May 2014 01:04:46 GMT

I enjoy her and most or her jewelry, at least the pieces that, for me anyway, aren't a bit too far 'out there'. The designs are intricate and beautiful and the workmanship on the few pieces I have is solid. I was hoping to watch the show, but saw she was paired with Rick, so turned it off and just checked out the offerings on-line. The feather ring, the one presentation I watched, was lovely, but I'm not purchasing anything this time around. Enjoy your new jewelry, OP!

Re: Barbara Bixby

Catstamper — Fri, 09 May 2014 01:49:58 GMT

I like some of her designs, but must say that I just don't get the skulls. I saw the watch that was presented, then they had a closeup and I could see the skull carved into the face of the watch and just thought "ugh!". I was at the Lancaster outlet awhile ago and saw a couple pieces with the skulls and thought that they would have been beautiful pieces of jewelry except for that. Does it mean something?

Re: Barbara Bixby

mustbuyless — Fri, 09 May 2014 02:04:55 GMT

I like almost everything she does. It didn't seem the quality had gone down or that she was reaching after cheap substitutes. No diamonique, thank goodness. And the paisley enhancer and earrings were substantial and just gorgeous. Out of my price range too, but I was tempted, and might start with both if ever I am feeling flush.

Re: Barbara Bixby

stevieb — Fri, 09 May 2014 02:09:51 GMT

I agree. She doesn't seem to 'compromise' nearly as much as some of the others. She's offered a few things in the Q's 'preferred' materials, but it appears most of the time she does things her way... and the difference shows.

Re: Barbara Bixby

Nighthawks — Fri, 09 May 2014 02:11:06 GMT

On 5/8/2014 Catstamper said:
I like some of her designs, but must say that I just don't get the skulls. I saw the watch that was presented, then they had a closeup and I could see the skull carved into the face of the watch and just thought "ugh!". I was at the Lancaster outlet awhile ago and saw a couple pieces with the skulls and thought that they would have been beautiful pieces of jewelry except for that. Does it mean something?

It means you're edgy. The skull has been fashionable for several years. It's on scarves, shoes, t-shirts, etc. so it's a popular motif in fashion. Also, some of Barbara's jewelry was inspired by tattoo art. Skull w/flowers = tattoo art.

Re: Barbara Bixby

Nighthawks — Fri, 09 May 2014 02:18:33 GMT

On 5/8/2014 stevieb said:
I agree. She doesn't seem to 'compromise' nearly as much as some of the others. She's offered a few things in the Q's 'preferred' materials, but it appears most of the time she does things her way... and the difference shows.

Agree. I have her leather bracelet (love it!) and remember her saying that "they" (the QVC buyers) showed her a silver colored leather and she didn't like it because it looked cheap. Thus, no bracelet in silver leather. I've seen that silver leather used by other jewelry designers on QVC. She was right.

Re: Barbara Bixby

ennui1 — Fri, 09 May 2014 02:41:28 GMT

On 5/8/2014 Nighthawks said:
On 5/8/2014 Catstamper said:
I like some of her designs, but must say that I just don't get the skulls. I saw the watch that was presented, then they had a closeup and I could see the skull carved into the face of the watch and just thought "ugh!". I was at the Lancaster outlet awhile ago and saw a couple pieces with the skulls and thought that they would have been beautiful pieces of jewelry except for that. Does it mean something?

It means you're edgy. The skull has been fashionable for several years. It's on scarves, shoes, t-shirts, etc. so it's a popular motif in fashion. Also, some of Barbara's jewelry was inspired by tattoo art. Skull w/flowers = tattoo art.

Skull w/flowers = tattoo art = John Hardy. Very trendy.

Skull symbols have several meanings. You'd have to search and read a bit.

Re: Barbara Bixby

Nighthawks — Fri, 09 May 2014 02:51:55 GMT

On 5/8/2014 ennui1 said:
On 5/8/2014 Nighthawks said:
On 5/8/2014 Catstamper said:
I like some of her designs, but must say that I just don't get the skulls. I saw the watch that was presented, then they had a closeup and I could see the skull carved into the face of the watch and just thought "ugh!". I was at the Lancaster outlet awhile ago and saw a couple pieces with the skulls and thought that they would have been beautiful pieces of jewelry except for that. Does it mean something?

It means you're edgy. The skull has been fashionable for several years. It's on scarves, shoes, t-shirts, etc. so it's a popular motif in fashion. Also, some of Barbara's jewelry was inspired by tattoo art. Skull w/flowers = tattoo art.

Skull w/flowers = tattoo art = John Hardy. Very trendy.

Skull symbols have several meanings. You'd have to search and read a bit.

Ed Hardy.

Re: Barbara Bixby

stevieb — Fri, 09 May 2014 11:33:35 GMT

Regardless of the genesis or whether or not they're in fashion, the skulls and some of the other more esoteric pieces don't really appeal to me, but each to their own. While Bixby has given a slight nod to the Q's mandates, offering the occasional piece in their flavor of the year gemstones like drusy or spinel, I'm glad to see she remains in control of her line... unlike some with all that Diamonique... What a travesty.

Re: Barbara Bixby

sashamatthews — Fri, 09 May 2014 13:25:07 GMT

I gave the citrine skull watch to my niece for Christmas last year; Halloween is her favorite holiday, so she enjoyed it. The quality is superb. I have several BB pieces, so I knew the quality, but this watch surpassed what I have in my collection. I am hoping for the luna moth enhancer and the garden watch for myself this birthday!

Re: Barbara Bixby

shopgirlnortheast — Sat, 10 May 2014 01:42:09 GMT

I love Barbara Bixby's jewelry. A real favorite. I love the skulls. I have her Om cuff and it is beautiful. An investment piece and worth it. On my list is the skull watch in black...someday.

Re: Barbara Bixby

lolakimono — Sat, 10 May 2014 01:44:23 GMT

Does anyone own either of these pieces?

There have been mixed reviews on the abalone and the coloring.

Re: Barbara Bixby

stevieb — Sat, 10 May 2014 02:27:47 GMT

I'll tell you though, after watching just a few minutes of the fake diamond laden Ripka show before I had to turn it off, I really have even more appreciation for what Bixby brings to the table.

Re: Barbara Bixby

skuggles — Sat, 10 May 2014 02:43:18 GMT

On 5/9/2014 lolakimono said:
Does anyone own either of these pieces?

There have been mixed reviews on the abalone and the coloring.

I own several of her lesser priced items, but not these. She does beautiful work the colors of abalone combined with the gems. Like stevieb said but not in reference to the abalone, I think that the use of abalone is a nod to the Q mandates as well as diamonique. In the early days of qvc before the designer lines were brought in, abalone was sold quite a bit, in the cheapest of jewelry offered. Lee Sands also brought a great deal of abalone pieces on the cheap. I came to see it as cheap jewelry, when it contained abalone. Now Bixby has tried to raise it to a new level by complementing it so subtly, and artfully with small gemstones and silver. It certainly works esthetically, but I won't pay the Bixby prices for shell. If you appreciate the beauty, and you have the means, go for it. You can return it if there are issues with the abalone.

Re: Barbara Bixby

ennui1 — Sat, 10 May 2014 03:26:40 GMT

On 5/8/2014 Nighthawks said:
On 5/8/2014 ennui1 said:
On 5/8/2014 Nighthawks said:
On 5/8/2014 Catstamper said:
I like some of her designs, but must say that I just don't get the skulls. I saw the watch that was presented, then they had a closeup and I could see the skull carved into the face of the watch and just thought "ugh!". I was at the Lancaster outlet awhile ago and saw a couple pieces with the skulls and thought that they would have been beautiful pieces of jewelry except for that. Does it mean something?

It means you're edgy. The skull has been fashionable for several years. It's on scarves, shoes, t-shirts, etc. so it's a popular motif in fashion. Also, some of Barbara's jewelry was inspired by tattoo art. Skull w/flowers = tattoo art.

Skull w/flowers = tattoo art = John Hardy. Very trendy.

Skull symbols have several meanings. You'd have to search and read a bit.

Ed Hardy.

Oops.

Re: Barbara Bixby

tdog — Sat, 10 May 2014 03:35:54 GMT

The feather bracelet with London blue topaz was on clearance and I snatched it up. I love many of her designs. They are very unique and special .

Re: Barbara Bixby

sunshine45 — Sat, 10 May 2014 03:59:50 GMT

On 5/9/2014 lolakimono said:
Does anyone own either of these pieces?

There have been mixed reviews on the abalone and the coloring.

my mom owns the paisley enhancer and the paisley earrings. they are simply stunning. she has had them for maybe 6 or 7 months now. no problems with the abalone or the coloring and they were a WOW right out of the box. i am not sure she realizes that there is a ring that matches!

my mom also owns one of the skull watches and she is 73. this was her first skull and it was something so different and unique for her. she was attracted to the overall design rather than the skull itself. she is a hit with her granddaughters. LOL

i have really turned to barbara bixby more. her pieces are true works of art. unique, intricate designs, beautiful stones and accents. i LOVE that she hasnt been forced to use diamonique or fake stones. you can really tell how much time and effort and skill goes into her designs. i am starting a collection and it is difficult to stop. my mom has quite a few pieces and i can always borrow some of hers also.

i am now too scared to watch.....i may just go overboard and i really dont NEED anything right now.

Re: Barbara Bixby

issiestorm — Sat, 10 May 2014 05:06:22 GMT

BB is usually beyond my price range, especially nowadays. I have two pairs of her earrings, the Caravan Vessels and a small pair of crystal earrings. While I treasure both, I will not be buying any more BB pieces in the future, even though I really like and admire some of her designs.