Jewelry

[KatKat]

Having been out of town and unable to try on my bracelet I was quite surprised to see an email explaining how to open the clasp. Right away I assumed that there was an issue and looked at the reviews. It appeared that a few people were not pleased with the way the clasp had been designed.

First; I have to provide a caveat: I do not work for Judith or QVC but wanted to provide my view point in hopes that people would think more objectively.

The design is gorgeous, I believe we are all in agreement on that. The clasp was a little challenging at first but once I figured it out I can understand the concerns.

Judith, her daughter in law, and her son have all said that the bracelet is a replica of a piece designed several years ago. And it is obvious in the design of the clasp that is true. The problem is not really the clasp it is how to work the clasp. Most high end jewelers design "hidden" (that is underside clasps) as an added buffer to prevent loss. Let's face it, who wants to drop a few grand on a bracelet and discover that it fell off our wrists?

The difference in purchasing a Judith Ripka piece such as that bracelet from her store and that of QVC (besides the price) is the benefit of having a sales person demonstrating how to properly put the bracelet on and off and to work the clasp. Expensive watches are similiar in design and when you buy it from a jeweler, he/she demonstrates the mechanism for you.

Unfortunately, I do not recall this being done during the presentation (at least during the times I watched) hence the complaints on the mechanism.

The mechanism is not flimsy; the piece "clicks" in place and the latch is meant to click on the inside of the wrist. I can see, however, how a person can not get their fingers to unclasp it on the inside but again, that is where the benefit of a demonstration would have been preferred; it would have alleviated the negativity and returns.

I hope this help!