I narrowed down momentarily my picks from random online browsing
this necklace:
$67.50- is it worth that? gold plated rings, 36" long, any cheaper options or is this a good deal?
that belt- $73, black belt
That will be about $150... Whether or not the items are "worth" the money, I like supporting smaller designers. I would just like some opinions- shipping is pricey at $9. I think I could "work" both items but I'm just now getting into jewelry/adornment accessories as opposed to shoes and handbags as accessories.
i think you should go for it. who knows about the "worth" of it all but i think your vision is really coming together in terms of jewelry and other stuff besides bags and shoes and this purchase can be a testament to that. plus, you're right, it is important to support smaller designers!
I like both of them, but especially the belt. I don't know if the necklace is worth it though. If you are not opposed to fake gold, you could probably find a much cheaper one at a Claire's or something. Then again, if you can afford it and wear it enough to justify the price or really want real gold, then go for it. But the belt...um, you HAVE to get it.
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Bad taste is like a nice dash of paprika. We all could use more of it. It's no taste I'm against. -Diana Vreeland
The necklace - gold plating is not very long-lasting, and the more you wear it, the more the ugly base metal color will show through underneath the plating. Unless it's vermeil (gold plate over sterling), in which case you'll eventually have a necklace that looks both silver and gold...but not necessarily in a good way, IMO.
I wouldn't pay that much for plated stuff - actually, I don't really buy plated jewelry at all. I like the look of it, but if you are wanting a long-term addition to your wardrobe, I'd go for 14k (which will cost significantly more), or 14k gold fill. Gold fill is a reasonably priced alternative to solid 14k and will last just as long.
HTH
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"Good taste shouldn't have to cost anything extra." - Mickey Drexler
As far as the necklace goes- I have lot's of gold plated pieces that have held up amazingly well. Most are vintage pieces and the gold is just fine! I think the important thing is to store it in an air tight bag and NEVER wear lotion or spray perfumes on it. If that piece was gold- it would be a hell of a lot pricier than that. I say go for it!
i thought of you today. i'm not sure if you're crafty (but i feel like you are, don't know where i got that from). anyway the next time you're in nyc there's this store called jewelry supply store, toho shoji, on 6th (and like 36th/37th near the garment district mj trims and a bunch of bead stores.) anyway they sell chains (not real, but they'll suffice) by the foot, and they had some chains that looked really similar. they also sell lobster claws and other closures. anyway, the point is if you're inclined you could totally make that necklace and i feel like they had some chains that were very similar.
Thanks girls! I love the belt- so that seems clear. Honey- hmm, I'll have to look into that. I could def. make that- we have some good fabric stores around here too. Do you remember around how much a yard of chain is? the necklace is one yard. Also- I'm not entirely opposed to cheapie necklaces for it or similar ones on eBay- does anyone have any more suggestions on the necklace? I have no idea what to search for.
The necklace - gold plating is not very long-lasting, and the more you wear it, the more the ugly base metal color will show through underneath the plating. Unless it's vermeil (gold plate over sterling), in which case you'll eventually have a necklace that looks both silver and gold...but not necessarily in a good way, IMO. I wouldn't pay that much for plated stuff - actually, I don't really buy plated jewelry at all. I like the look of it, but if you are wanting a long-term addition to your wardrobe, I'd go for 14k (which will cost significantly more), or 14k gold fill. Gold fill is a reasonably priced alternative to solid 14k and will last just as long. HTH
I was just going to post the exact same thing. I love the necklace, but the fact that it's plated bothers me. Gold-filled and solid gold are much better. It doesn't take long for plating to wear off. Definitely not worth $67.
I have a pair of gold plated earrings that are very similar in style to that necklace (interlocking rings), but I don't even wear them anymore b/c the plating is already worn off and I've only worn them about 5 times. I store all of my jewelry in plastic bags, but it didn't help this pair of earrings.
It sounds like you know about the belt - it just seems like you!
For the necklace, I'd be surprised if you couldn't find (or make) something very similar for a lot less. I usually only wear really delicate jewelry, but for some reason, I've really liked this style!