Charms, Beads and “You-Design-It” Bracelets

Living in this part of Germany can often mean less focus on style and accessorizing than in the more cosmopolitan areas of Europe. Yes, I have access to fashion magazines to educate myself on the latest trends, but my magazine choices these days are more likely to be “Shape” or “Women’s Health” publications. 

Until a stateside friend enlightened me, I was unaware of the extreme popularity of the charm bracelets you design yourself………..with the “add-a-bead” concept. Now that I’ve seen them, I love them. The bead possibilities are endless and the best part is that since each individual chooses their own components, no one will ever see another one just like theirs. There are fabulous bead and separator choices to make your bracelet truly unique to you!  I love that. And due to the ease with which you can change the beads you can add a few red beads for Valentine’s Day or Christmas……….or replace them with a couple of green beads for St. Pat’s Day.  Or you might prefer to use all metal (gold and silver) with multi-colored Murano glass beads that work well with everything in your wardrobe.

Since I am probably the only person who was not aware of this new trend, you’re probably wondering why I’m telling others about it. Well, it’s not actually the trend that I want to talk about; it’s the source, cost and availability of them.

As soon as my friend described them, I started doing some online research to get a feel for the cost associated with them. There are a couple of brands whose costs make having more than one bead on your bracelet cost-prohibitive for the average person (especially for those of us living on a military income!).  While they may have started the trend and deserve some recognition for that, excessive costs won’t make them real popular in this economy!

In addition to the one or two well-known designer brands, my research unveiled everything from distributors who sell low quality beads for extremely low costs, mediocre quality for an mid-range price, good quality beads with an “over the top” price tag……………and finally outstanding quality beads that are affordable!! I not only discovered a jewelry manufacturer whose beads and separators are absolutely gorgeous without over-the-top costs, but I found a jeweler in Pennsylvania who carries the brand AND will ship to APO addresses!!!  That’s a really big deal for all of us who live overseas!

You may be familiar with Stuller. They are a manufacturer of fine jewelry that can be found in exquisite shops all over the world. But few of us knew they also manufacture “Kera Beads” and bracelets. You can see some of the charms, beads, separators and bracelets at http://www.prospectorjewelers.com/Our_Jewelry/Kera_Beads.htm .

This jewelry store is not an E-Commerce site with catalogs and a shopping cart, but you can send them an email describing what you want and they will communicate directly with you to work out the best form of payment (including PayPal!) and shipping. Their only requirement for shipping to an APO address is a $50 minimum purchase.

I love these bracelets and just wanted those who read this blog to be aware of options far better than paying the equivalent of your mortgage payment for the same beautiful end result. Check them out! 

And when you stumble upon something you consider “a great find”, remember to share it with other military spouses.

MZspouse