Jewelry

[imamagpie]

J262044 Knotted Rope 36" necklace and J260341 Diamonique Circle Link 36" necklace: I ordered both of these necklaces as I wanted to compare them and see them in person; I've been wanting a non-heart themed Ripka necklace for my collection. Both went back the day after they arrived, but not before I was able to lay them out next to my 36" Diamonique Heart necklace, which is a fine quality piece, IMO. I also weighed each necklace, as the two new chains were so light by comparison with the Heart necklace I had to prove to myself they were as lightweight as they felt. So, here's the scoop: the two newer chains weigh approximately the same, while my Heart necklace is, indeed, much heavier. The newer chains are approximately 25% lighter than the Heart necklace, but cost 30+% more. Silver isn't that much more expensive!! Plus when you look at the workmanship, particularly in the Knotted Rope necklace, the quality is just plain substandard. At least the Circle necklace has better texturing and Diamonique on both sides - the Knotted Rope does not. I laid all three chains side-by-side and took a picture of the sections with the smaller links, if I can figure out how to upload it I will. It's pretty obvious when you compare the thickness of the twisted wire used to make the small links that the trend is to reduce quality and raise prices disproportionate to the cost of making the pieces. I wrote reviews of both necklaces today. This about does it for me as far as buying any more new JR pieces. I've been shopping carefully on the bay and am picking up older, better quality pieces instead. So now I have the coupon for two 5 easy-pays and no interest in spending them (sniffle). Please bring back the good stuff, Ms. Ripka! Especially the good 36"chains - I'll pay for quality!