J.Crew sent an email this morning showcasing their pearl necklaces. They are also reminding us of that final sale of theirs. ;)I think J.Crew jewelry is one of their most controversial product lines (well for J.Crew that is), in that Aficionadas either really love it (because of the unique designs, color, and size) or they really hate it (because of the quality, the design, or the size). ;)
What are your thoughts on the pearls showcased in this email image? Would you purchase them? :)
I bought the lovely pearl cluster bracelet (one w/fireballs) and it was gorgeous! I went to put it on the little doo-dad that opens & closes the latch broke off. I love their jewelry but that's just one too many pcs that have fallen short on the quality. Sorry, will have to look elseware for my costume jewelry!
ReplyDeleteI love the bracelets but they are too big for my wrists in terms of length.
ReplyDeleteI might be tempted to purchase one of the necklaces but only on a deep discount. I received the ribbon tie pearl necklace as a gift and it is very pretty but not worth the price.
Generally, the jewelry is too large for my taste/comfort. However, I adore the look of many of the JCrew bangle bracelets. I have purchased several of the smaller scale bangles and have thought about purchasing one of the larger statement bangles (the floral bangle from the spring line). I also like several of the longer length chain necklaces from the spring line. I haven't purchased one yet because I can frequently find similar (cheaper) pieces at Target. I also get concerned when I read reviews about the quality.
ReplyDeleteLakeNokomis
I agree with the other aficionadas. Being a jewely lover, I at once fell in the love with the unique pices that Jcrew offered. But time after time after time, I have been disapointed to find that after wearing one of their bracelets or rings in particular, one of the stones is missing or the plating has worn off the jewelry. I am aware that these items are costume jewelry, and I am careful with them. I feel that the prices are too high for such bad quality. I broke down and bought the cuff bracelet and it turned my wrist green. I have had better success with the necklaces and may just buy those.
ReplyDeleteI have several things and really like them. the bracelets are too big like others have said. I have the fireball necklace and it is heavy but I love the look. I have a few bangles and these seem to fit while link styles do not.
ReplyDeleteMy daily jewelry wear consists of diamond studs and a wedding set. The only additionaly jewelry I ever wear are a few items that belonged to my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. So this is a pass for me.
ReplyDeleteI think most of their pieces are very beautiful and look amazing on the models, but when I see them in real life they are gigantic! The bracelets practically fall off my wrist and really weigh me down. That, and the problems with quality, make me think their jewelry is not worth the high costs.
ReplyDeleteI don't really know where else to look though for for unique, not overpriced, costume jewelry like this. Can anyone make any recommendations? Thanks all!
I'm not big on pearls... but I have alot of the other JCrew jewelry. The glass beaded ladybug necklace, a similar necklace with a glass elephant charm, the glass beaded bee necklace and bracelet, and one of the gigantic cuff bracelets... I also have some enamel link necklaces, and a few rings. I have no problems with quality on any of these items and I've worn then quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteThen again, I once saw a wide crystal garden bracelet in store, which was marked down and on 30% off sale so I was very tempted... but when I looked closer, it had several stones missing. So I think I'd stay away from anything like that bracelet that has stones in it that could come out easily, because it seems like they do! And I'd NEVER pay full price for JCrew jewelry. Definitely one of the more overpriced lines they have although I think pretty much everything they sell is overpriced (which is their fault... how can I not think that when I've bought 5 pairs of JC shoes in the last week for $19.99 at TJ Maxx!?)
I am a big fan of J Crew jewelry but I find the price (unless its on sale) to be excessive for what you get. You can buy real jewelry for the same price of the J Crew costume stuff.
ReplyDeleteFirst bracelet I've ever ordered was the Primrose garden bracelet. It looked so beautiful in the catalogs & on the site. I couldn't wait to order... and didn't know which color the natural or capri to purchase.
ReplyDeleteI ordered both the Natural arrived in bad shape(the enamel was severly chipping/peeling off)I never received the Capri in my package.
I feel that for $78 (I paid $65) they shouldn't be peeling. They are delicate & fragile for such a bold piece of jewelry & require lots of care IMO.
Just a funny story about the quality. I went to a B&M store. The SA helping me out was wearing a pretty beaded (J. Crew, of course) necklace. As she was ringing up the order, the necklace broke. She had not touched it or anything. Beads went flying everywhere! She was mortified and kept saying "I can't believe that just broke." The other SA was just trying to not draw attention to the situation, because the store was actually selling that necklace at the time.
ReplyDeleteI did not say anything, but was thinking that this was not great advertising for their jewelry!!
It is pretty to look at, but I have seen really pretty handmade, unique items on etsy and local shops, at much cheaper prices!
I have quite a bit of J. Crew jewelry now, all of it either bought on sale or off ebay. I think their full prices are too high for costume jewelry. I do find all the bracelets too big for my wrist, that's not only true of J. Crew though. I haven't had any issues with quality on any of my J. Crew jewelry. I wear many of my pieces over and over again.
ReplyDeleteEvery so often I pass on J. Crew in favor of something less expensive though, like the Target cluster pearl necklace for $10 instead of the J. Crew version for $125.
Speaking of JC jewelry, has anyone tried the Target knockoff of the bubble necklace? Here's the link, I hope it works but you might have to copy paste it:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.target.com/Merona-Turquoise-Beaded-Cluster-Necklace/dp/B001HDXV4G/sr=1-2/qid=1234800902/ref=sr_1_2/183-7936326-3108606?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Amerona%20necklace&page=1
I might get it because it's so well-priced and it hurts to pay so much for some fake baubles at JC
The jewelry compliments the clothing perfectly: bold, fun, clean lines, and pretty. Like the clothing, J. Crew jewelry is overpriced. I would purchase more if J.Crew sold it less expensive. I think the pearls are the standout pieces of the J.Crew jewelry and look classic yet when clustered, a lovely modern twist!
ReplyDeleteI really like J Crew jewelry. I used to tend to really delicate pieces, especially kind of nature-y stuff, and definitely nothing glitzy, but I agree with Lee that it goes perfectly with the clothing. I am especially loving the two pearl cluster bracelets right now -- I broke down and got both, expecting to return one but I just can't! They're so pretty! The pearl garden bracelet is really quite elegant looking, and while the pearl cluster bracelet is a bit flashier I think it still adds a really nice touch, especially with the muted spring palette. I also got the fireball earrings which are subtle but nice. That said, I also got a pearl cluster necklace from Forever 21 which I think is actually better looking than J. Crew's -- I hate those clear beads, they look so cheap! And I also found several that approximate the pearl and chain necklace, for about a tenth of the price.
ReplyDeleteHi I bought the double cystal bangles in two colors a light pink & light green. They are beautiful & I love them.
ReplyDeleteI also had the same problem with the primrose bracelet it was defective. That's probably why it's now $39 which is a little more reasonable for me just in case something does chip while wearing.
Their jewelry is cute, but way overpriced for the quality...but that pretty much sums up everything about J Crew! I was able to snag the Target pearl cluster necklace for $2.74 on sale. It looks close enough to J Crew for me!
ReplyDeleteDid anyone purchase the Scattered-boucle necklace it's been $45 for a while now? I'm think of buying one... any opinions?
ReplyDeleteSeen here with a yellow sweater:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3E0IIOjAHPs/SXh62x0oglI/AAAAAAAACks/lHwkAAQNe48/s1600-h/Inspires_2.JPG
This advertisement if very nice and enticing. The Opera length pearls are a great deal. For me real pearls are too affordable to spend that kind of money on fake ones. I have yet to purchase any JC jewelry with clasp that I would need to open or close so I can't speak on the quality in that regard.
ReplyDeleteAmy try Ross and TJ Maxx for decent priced quality jewelry. They have loads of good deals real and costume.
ReplyDeleteA couple of years ago JCrew had a sterling silver bracelet and charms to go with as well as a necklace. I also bought the tortise shell earrings and link bracelet. Since then all other JCrew jewelry has been too high priced for poor quality. The butterfly bracelet a few years back did me in...poor quality and very expensive...no thanks, JCrew.
ReplyDeleteThe scattered boule necklace is rather bright irl. It looks great mixed with other layering necklaces.
ReplyDeleteI love JCrew jewelry but I agree with many on here that the bracelets are quite large. I was sad with a few of the pieces that I've come across just because they were too big for me (the jenna bracelet and bubble necklace.)
ReplyDeleteToday I came across a different take on the JCrew bubble necklace at Target.
I took a picture of it and put it on my blog if you want to take a look.
http://sbash123.blogspot.com/
i found a few places online where you can buy the freshwater pearls for DIRT cheap, and have them, or yourself string it. I got a fabulous opera length peral necklace for $45.00 instead of the $495 that J.Crew wants. I'm starting to go this route, b/c it's a. cheaper, and b. I can custom design my own pieces with REAL stones instead of fake, and my way is still cheaper. :)
ReplyDeleteJenn,
ReplyDeletewhat's the website? i'd like to look into it! :) TIA!
While I do like the design of most J. Crew pieces, I can't say I'm a fan of the price point...which is why I'm happy Target does so many knock offs!
ReplyDeleteI love pearls! I got the double strand flower pearl necklace last year and it is amazing. Granted I had to order twice to get it right cos the first necklace's pearls were not fully round. Anyway the size of the pearls were 10-12mm, and the lustre is excellent. It was such a steal for $100. At least I don't have to worry about insurance the way I do my Mikimotos!
ReplyDeleteThe bracelet is a much lower quality pearls, so I returned it. JC doesn't have a grading system for their pearls and quality control can be slipshod but if you look carefully, you can get amazing pieces.
Thanks Anon 12:20 for your info on the scattered boucle necklace. Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI recently ordered three pieces of fresh water pearl jewelry from a friend of 3pennyprincess that were beautiful and reasonably prices. DianaP on Esty.
ReplyDeleteI purchased a custom two strand pearl necklace, clustered pearl bracelet and earrings all for less than $150. She will also restring her peices and make repairs if you need it in the future. Very astute lady and fast delivery.
I receive so many compliments on my necklace. Its very stunning and princess like.
Way overpriced. I bought two double strand jeweled flower bracelets. One is made of pearl and the other one is made of resin. But both were same price when I purchased at sale. I understand that peals are expensive, but resin is plastic! Yes, it is PLASTIC!
ReplyDeleteThe reason why most of all items end up in the sales section is that your customers unwilling to pay full prices. Customers are not stupid. It is a free market and customers won’t pay if they know there is no as much value as they pay. J.Crew’s pricing strategy goes wrong. J.Crew should know better.
Also, J.Crew should change designers. Some of J.Crew new items are outdated (especially shoes).
The only JC jewelry pieces I have are enamel bangles bought for < $10 a piece (most $2-3) depending on the width. The pearls are nice but I'd much prefer to support artists on etsy.com or eBay.
ReplyDeleteEve's Addiction is a good online site for knock-off-ish designs (Tiffany's and other. Most items are sterling with rhodium plating, which is way more than I can say of the quality of JC jewelry. I've been tempted many a time to join their wholesale program (ridic 50% discount sometimes) but haven't found $1k of jewelry that I'd want at a given time. Maybe an illustrious JCA will give us ride-alongs? : )
in case u are interested, I have bought from them and was very happy with the quality. I own many actual tiffanys pieces and the EA ones are very close and don't even tarnish bc the rhodium plating
I don't go for the garish look of most J.Crew jewelry. I can see that it would fit the style of some but thankfully, I'm not even tempted. I actually used to laugh when I saw the items and prices online. "Honestly, who would be such a sucker and pay their price for that?", I thought. Obviously from the comments here, most would not pay that price.
ReplyDeleteI really used to purchase a lot of J.Crew and the vast majority at full price. I'm not so loyal anymore due to the quality and fit issues. I have to order online so I can't go try everything on and thankfully I can read about fit and at other sites from the blogroll so I don't waste my money on shipping something here and back when it doesn't fit.
While a lot of the styles are still very nice, I won't pay the ridiculous prices for such cheap products. I used to buy a couple of Jackie twinsets every year but it sounds like the latest ones are terrible quality. At least they reduced the price point but IMO, it needs to be lower if the item is only good for 1 or 2 washings and then looks like a rag.
Sorry to vent, I feel much better now.
Monica -- I have the Target knockoff bubble necklace in purple and a jade green (not the turquoise). It's a smaller scale than JCrew's, but that's good for me since I'm petite. I loved JCrew's (saw "Addison" wearing it a couple of weeks ago on Private Practice), but it was just too big for me. I love the Target versions and have gotten compliments.
ReplyDelete^ meant to say
ReplyDeleteI can read about fit on this site and at other sites from the blogroll
I like JC's simpler/smaller designs like the dainty layering necklace but most of their pieces are way too large for me. Bracelets especially are unwearable.
ReplyDeleteLike most here, I'm not going to pay $100+ for glass, plastic, and gold colored metals.
Anthro has some pretty costume pieces that are priced and sized right.
When it comes down to it though, I'm happier making my own jewelry because I control the size and quality. I don't get much opportunity to run all over the city looking for nice pieces and I won't buy online because you can't tell scale or quality from online pics. I do have a couple of pretty pieces from etsy but they were much smaller than I expected
Sorry I rambled lol!
Sorry, OT but: If I order a full price item from the red phone, do I get no minimum free shipping? Or does my total have to add up to a certain amount like the online coupons? TIA! :)
ReplyDeleteMany of the comments here are valid...a lot of the jewelry J. Crew does is overpriced at full price. That said, every once in awhile, the full price is justified. I have paid full price for a jewelry item once, fall 2007, for the gorgeous and very unique frog clasp necklace with dark teal beads. This single necklace is a work of art I get to wear. I always receive compliments on it...it also sold out very fast and any time I see it on Ebay it sells for much more than I paid for it.
ReplyDeleteI have a post on my blog which is about the Paris catalog (I took photos of my favorite pages) dated February 8, 2009. The third photo of the amazing Vanessa Lorenzo shows her wearing the necklace.
So while I definitely agree with most of the comments here...I have to say, with respect, that some of their pieces are worth the full price. I am sure other JCAs could think of other ones...
Monica: I also have the Target version of the bubble necklace in that blue color. I've gotten a lot of compliments on it! Like KMSB said, it is smaller, but still adorable. And I got it on clearance for $3.99!
ReplyDeleteI just bought the sun ray necklace in the muted gray/yellow colors and I love it. I've worn it twice already in just a week. Very, very happy with it. Eyeing the palm next.
ReplyDeleteanon 1:13: I hear ya about JC quality, and I agree, but you know what I went shopping this am and I found the quality is declining in alot of places, not just J Crew. The sizing is off, and the fabrics were thin, even BR quality is not as good as it was before. I blame it alot on cost and production being done in Asia/China.
ReplyDeleteWow,everyone,I hope someone at JC in charge of "online buzz" has been reading all these posts, today and for the past few weeks. The volume of comments about decling/poor quality (shoes, cashmere, jewelry etc.), inconsistent sizing, website nightmares, blah Spring line, dumping stock at TJ Maxx, outrageous pricepoints, etc., even among JCAs who are loyal and love you! Sorry, but even Jenna's cache and the Obama connection cannot address the de-valuation of this brand.
ReplyDeleteLike many others, I am not a huge fan of the jewelry. I usually only purchase necklaces and I've only purchased one from JC in the past few years (and it was from a fellow JCA for a lower price). It was the dark fog beaded necklace which I love.
ReplyDeleteI too would prefer to buy from etsy. I love the vintage designs, cheaper prices and uniqueness.
I used www.orientalpearls.net (for the $45.00 necklace) and www.j-genuine.com for beads (i bought a semi-precious stone). The necklace I made cost $25.00 with a sterling clasp, aqua colored anthracite beads(i think) and 30 minutes of my time. for the opera length necklace, I used baroque pearls, and have a very lovely shape. If I knew how to knot, I would make it myself! :)
ReplyDeleteI live in NYC, and I found a whole section of the city that sells unstrung beads for practically wholesale. You can either string yourself, or pay them something like $20 to do it for you. MUCH better deal!!!
the melba toast-
ReplyDeleteIf I pay full price for a red phone order I always get free shipping. To ensure that I get free shipping I make sure to have the SA/ PS place the order for me and ask for free shipping.
HTH
Anon at 12:06
ReplyDeleteI have posted a picture of the scatter boule necklace IRL.
I am not a big fan of costume jewelry, but I also never say never. I was tempted by the fireball collections....I never bought them, but I was tempted. I'm always open to temptation with J Crew's costume jewelry if the price is low. I haven't bought anything yet.
ReplyDeleteI think this type of jewelry appeals to women who like to really change it up every day. While some of JCs stuff is ridiculously overpriced, a lot of it is fair, when you consider the price of fine jewelry and how much it would cost to have that much variety with the real stuff.
For myself, I usually choose the 1 item that is the best I can afford, rather than a bunch of fun items, but my tastes are classic and simple, and I think a lot of this boils down to personality.
My next purchase will be a 16" tin cup Japanese Akoya yellow gold necklace from American Pearl. Their prices are fair, and they have varying quality/price choices. I think that will be my pearl purchase for 09'.
All full price items ordered over the red phone have free shipping, no minimum. I always just say "and that's with free shipping right?" They always confirm or they say it before I can. The only thing is if you order a sale item as well, you will pay shipping on that particular item. ie. if you spend $400 on full price items and buy a $9.99 tee, you will pay the apropriate shipping for the $9.99 tee, not the whole order. I order from the red phone about once a week and never needed a sales associate to help with full price items. They are always very helpful on the red phone. I am lucky to have the collection store 2 blocks from my house, they are all so kind there and the red phone is a priority BLACK phone haha.
ReplyDeleteI have only a couple of pieces of JC jewelry - my absolute favorite is the Elephant bracelet from Fall/Winter 07 (I think) - it has a beautiful distressed brass links and ceramic elephants. I get comments EVERY time I wear it. The thing I don't like more recently is that they seem to make few/no charm type (bauble) bracelets with the chain like this one - now they are all shiny gold which looks really cheap to me. I have the Storybook bracelet, and while it is cute, it is NOTHING like the quality of the Elephant bracelet.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone like bracelets (like me), I recommend the Coach Nailhead bracelets - they are only $68 and beautiful - they feel and look like very good quality and don't scratch at all..Online there are only gold and silver, but Coach stores usually have other colors.
A :)
The ad for all the pearl jewelry is very pretty, but I never buy this type of stuff from them. I'm wary of anything that isn't real when it comes to jewelry, and I certainly don't want to pay these prices no matter what. Also, I only wear silver and platinum, so the yellow gold doesn't do anything for me. I was enticed into the acorn necklace during the heady days of the jingle/hohoho promos for less than thirty bucks, but came to my senses and returned it. It was very cute and fun, but the links were too bendy and it just wasn't me when it came down to it. Later I searched acorn jewelry on etsy and found so much awesome handmade stuff that you'd never run into anyone wearing the same thing.
ReplyDeleteI recently bought one of the dainty necklaces (the one with light aqua beads) and I really like it. I was at the B&M yesterday and saw the one with pearls every few inches and while I liked it too, it was a little dressier/more formal than I like from JCrew jewelry.
ReplyDeleteThe reason I enjoy some of the JCrew jewelery is because it is fun and goes well with their casual stuff which is what I wear mostly.
They had another pearl necklace I think is from fall that was one string of big pearls with a black ribbon for $55. I decided that was crazy for what I think were fake pearls (correct me if I'm wrong). I went to a local department store, got the same "pearls" for $15, got a thing of ribbon / jump rings at the craft store for $4, took off the clasp hardware, added a tiny jump ring to the end (off of the existing one from the clasp) and tied the ribbon through it and around it. It came out looking almost identical to the JCrew version, but I used navy ribbon instead because I don't wear a lot of black.
Judging by the amount of mention etsy gets on here, quite a lot of people are wearing jewelry from there. You get what you pay for. Just because something is handmade doesn't mean it's quality.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your help, Lindsay and emily! I'm going to head to my store to place an order via red phone now. :)
ReplyDeleteanon @ 3:32 - You're right about how just because something is handmade doesn't mean it's quality. I'm a regular at etsy.com, and I've made quite a few jewelry purchases. I tend to stick with a few sellers that have consistently given me beautiful items for a great price, and when trying a new seller, I always check their feedback from customers!
If you're looking for a longer strand of pearls, I highly suggest this Dean Harris for Target shell pearl necklace ($19.99) - also comes in grey:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.target.com/Harris-Target-Shell-Pearl-Necklace/dp/B001BBH9J2/sr=1-9/qid=1234817416/ref=sr_1_9/192-3980170-3681021?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Adean%20harris&page=1
I don't have any J.Crew pearls, but I do have several J.Crew necklaces and bracelets that I purchased on sale and wear all the time.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see J.Crew post measurements on the description page so that customers can get an idea of how big or small the piece will be before ordering it...I know that I have received a couple of pieces that were MUCH larger and heavier than I had anticipated.
I don't love the majority of J. Crew jewelry, but they do have some nice, simple pieces each season among all the gaudy offerings and the items I've actually bought I haven't regretted at all. My favorite is the J. Crew Opera-Length Gold-Ring Necklace, which I bought two summers ago and have gotten a ton of wear out of since. I also really love my Glass Bead Ribbon necklace, my Cloud Necklace and my green Crystal Garden bracelet.
ReplyDeleteI think there are some great long chains being offered now, and I'll probably get one or two of those when they go on sale or the next time there's a discount. That all being said, I think their strings of straight pearls are probably overpriced and I wouldn't buy them, even on sale, you could probably get better quality/better prices elsewhere. However, I do like some of the mixed-pearl pieces -- e.g. the Pearl Cluster necklace, and also this cool ribbon/pearl necklace I've only seen in store w/ pearls of varied sizes strung along a prominent greyish/purplish/brownish (my memory is failing me a little) string.
I have to say- I like J.Crew jewelry. I make jewelry and get inspiration from many places, including J.Crew. However, I use real gemstones and pearls and can still make my peices for less than what J.Crew charges.
ReplyDeleteWhile it all looks so gorgeous in the catalogs, I will forever more be passing on all of J.Crew's bangles. Over the last few months I've purchased the squirrel bracelet (good lord, what were they thinking? it's HUGE!!!), the snowball necklace (huge, and looks cheap IMO), and two of the crystal garden bracelets - which also look cheap + like they would fall apart if they were exposed to a mild breeze. Also....I'm speechless by the new "dainty" line of necklaces - after having seen these in the local B&M I just can't see how they could equate "dainty" with anything about those pieces! "Dainty?!" Good golly, no!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry - I know a lot of folks love their jewelry, so maybe it's just personal taste (I prefer smaller more subtle jewelry over the gigantic statement pieces), but wow, just so not for me.ter
I agree with those who have commented that J.Crew's jewelry is overpriced, but there seem to be a few pieces each season that I fall in love with. I have to say that every time I wear a piece of J.Crew jewelry, I get tons of compliments, so I will probably continue buying one or two items every few months. FYI, the pearl garden bracelet is sold out - I ordered it with the 20% off and got an email this morning that it had been canceled. Sadness.
ReplyDeleteladolcevita - I just returned my palm necklace. You will be happier with the sunray. The palm looks quite cheap IRL. My heart was broken, as I pre-ordered from the Collection lookbook and was so excited to receive the necklace. I was thinking the quality would be similar to that of Sorelli, but it was nowhere close. I wear a lot of J. Crew jewelry, and was really surprised on this one. So sad
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the poster about the frog necklace. I also have the bee necklace from that year. Killer pieces
They do style the items nicely in this email, but I won't be buying any pearls from J.Crew. The only jewelry piece I have purchased is the stone bead ribbon necklace in glazed pecan because of the tiger eye stones. I love these stones, they are mezmerizing. I have the necklace tied and hanging on the bulletin board by my desk. I take it down and play with it when I'm on long, boring teleconferences and it is fun to gaze deeply into the stones. I could never wear it, brown is so not my color, but it's fun to just play with and look at.
ReplyDeleteNever purchased anything else because I don't wear costume jewelry. I'd much rather have fewer quality pieces in timeless designs than a bunch of cheaper costume jewelry. I've saved up for special pieces over the years and have built up quite a few pieces of Tiffany, David Yurman, Euphoria NY, Gucci and Judith Ripka. Not for everyone, but works for me.
Monica - I reviewed that Target necklace in my blog, http://gigisgoneshopping.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.html. I own the black. I had the green color, but decided I didn't need it. Never saw the purple in person.
ReplyDeleteAs far as jewelry is concerned, I look to J Crew for inspiration and then shop elsewhere for better prices and often, better quality. Costume jewelry is for fun and for the prices J Crew charges I would rather buy the real deal in gold and gemstones.
ReplyDeleteThe only 'real' jewelery I wear are my wedding rings. I prefer fashion jewelery because its fun. I like the 'concept' behind so much of JC's stuff, but the execution calls for better quality materials for the price point. If there is one thing I cannot stand it's too shiny, cheapy looking gold. And JC stuff is hit or miss for this. Booooo.
ReplyDeleteOnly two necklaces pass muster IMHO - the frog and the giraffe double strand. I wore my giraffe today and got so many compliments. The quality is just unsurpassed - no cheap gold danglies and plastic beads, thank you.
ReplyDeleteUnless it's truly a one-of-a-kind piece, I find JCrew's costume jewelry a bit expensive at full price.
ReplyDeleteFor you gals who like the pearl cluster necklace, check out the one at Forever 21. I picked up a similar necklace there for $7.80 and I like it even better than Target's version! I couldn't find a pic of the all-pearl one, but this'll give you an idea. I bought it at my local B&M:
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc_necklace&product_id=1057027814&variant_id=031&showBack=OK>
I have a necklace – gold chain evenly spaced with red orbs encircled with a gold band in the middle.
ReplyDeleteI love the look of this, and I am not at all big chested (34a or 32b) and because of the distribution of the orbs, the necklace will get trapped between my breasts, or one will be on the other side of the breast….if you get what I mean.
I am positive it’s because of the size of the orbs. If they are smaller, and weigh less, then they would be more balanced on the chest.
Anon @ 6:33 - I loved and regret to this day not getting the frog double-strand necklace!
ReplyDeleteI'm bummed a few of you had trouble with the primrose garden bracelet. I just got that for valentine's day (although it should be arriving tomorrow). Hopefully it won't chip or peel. Aside from this gift, the only jcrew jewelry that I'll wear are those bangles that I get from the outlet store. But I won't pay more than $5 each.
ReplyDeleteAnon 1:13 - are you kidding? You buy a $55 necklace just to play with while you're on the phone? No wonder you have a bunch of expensive real jewelry. If you can afford a $55 desk toy you can probably afford a lot of other stuff. Must be nice.
ReplyDeleteI think yu can find much better value elsewhere. These are not unique designs, pretty run o the mill, IMO. Go to target,or Banana has much better quality. BUT, do like the primrose necklace, and some other chains w/ stations. Think JCrew jewelry is overpriced for the quality.
ReplyDeleteThe fun thing about life and fashion is you have choices. What is dog food to one could be caviar to another. Same thing applies to JCrew stuff! LOL Enjoy your choices and options ladies.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm a fan of J.Crew's jewelry, I agree with most of you about their price point for the quality they offer. That being said, there are a few pieces, like dinagideon said, that are worth it, in my personal opinion, like the giraffe glass bead necklace.
ReplyDeleteI also have a few other pieces (which I did get on sale) like the yellow glass bead bug necklace, three bubble necklaces (yes, I said three), the starburst cuff, the crystal garden ring and two pairs of earrings.
However, I have grown smart and shopped around for cheaper (WAY cheaper) options, that are very similar, if not the same, in design or concept as the J.Crew pieces.
I have also stayed away from most of the "gold" pieces of J.Crew since I've found that they fade and tarnish quite quickly. :(
And OT, I was thrilled, as was the other JCAs I was with, with the J.Crew sightings in the movie "Confessions of a Shopaholic"! Love it! :)
Hideous, large and heavy and cheap looking is what most of JCrew's jewelry is...the giraffe necklace is so scary in my opinion. I know others like it but I think it is awful. There is a teacher I work with that wears it and I just smile and laugh to myself. Tacky.
ReplyDelete^Hey, she said she just smiles and laughs to herself. It's not like she sneers or makes snide comments. Haven't you ever seen a person wearing something that made you want to laugh, but you just smiled sweetly? That IS class IMO. The other person would never know what you thought and continue merrily along, unharmed.
ReplyDeleteI bought the blue enamel flower earrings, abt 3/4 inch diameter. They were so heavy that they hurt after 45 min, I had to take them back.
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew jewelry is cheap junk. It's also generally gaudy & tacky & much too big.
ReplyDeleteI love jewelry, & expect better of J.Crew's offerings. This is low-quality junk from China.
I love the looks of the jewelry, hate the quality, but still buying it for the look.
ReplyDelete