Crystal Chain Bracelet Worth the HYPE? HRH Collection vs. Etsy Sellers

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to post quick little document as a resource for people interested in Crystal Chain Bracelets. After posting my video on YouTube there has been a lot of debate and opinions on whether or not to buy from these companies as many "fans" of HRH Collection have strong brand loyalty and prefer to buy solely from this company. I personally approach these purchases from a more objective consumer review perspective and would like to outline the pros and cons of each company. I believe that my judgement is a little more of informed as I have purchased from various companies from various sellers ranging from UK to US.

To all the critics, I honestly think that my right as a consumer should not be limited to a certain brand and since this is a free market I think it is silly to get offended by me not sticking to one brand, I'm simply trying to be a savvy shopper. To buy designs that one brand may offer that another didn't and to buy designs that are of equivalent quality but buy from a brand that may offer a better price! I really wanted to investigate the "hype" with these types of jewelry designs and  I also think it is important to share my review so that future customers will not get ripped off and to warn against the cons of certain brands. The Pros and Cons are more subjective but a objective overview will be stated at the end of the Pro/Con list.

I personally have come to the conclusion that the bracelets are seriously NOT worth the hype, all brands don't have pristine quality and since it is fashion jewelry they will ALL eventually tarnish. If I were to tell my post-investigative self what to purchase, I would've told her to purchase from mid-level price brand and to invest in only a few key pieces (one choker, one leather curb bracelet, one crystal bracelet). For some of these brands the prices are WAY TOO HIGH, and I would rather spend that $45 -$90 on something from the  Swarovski or the Swarovski Outlet which usually holds stylish items with superior quality.

I also will link a few variations of brands that are worth investigating.

Well recognized brand due to Alex's YouTube presence and brand marketing via Instagram and famous YouTuber's endorsement. The quality is often seen as superior in crystal and chain by fans and those who have purchased. Some complaints on price point being too hight. Price range from $29, for simple chain ring, to $95, leather bag charm. Bracelet price range $40 to $75. Necklace Price Range between $27 to $90.  A few negative reviews on YouTube about the customer service. Shipping has 10 day policy and not counting weekends, states they are small company so to be considerate of that but usual consensus is that it ships around 5-7 days domestically and over 2 weeks for international.

Personal Opinion 

Con: 
- E-mail communication (now improved with launch of new website) - see old website 
- High shipping prices ( now improved with free US domestic shipping over $150)
- Slower shipping time (took over 7 days)
- Higher price point
- Gold chains lobster claw is silver

Pro: 
- Brand Popularity
- Reasonable Quality
- Plastic Bag Packaging
- Post Card
- New Improved Website
- Surprise Discount Codes (Birthday / Random BUT only can be found by watching her vlogs)
- Paypal verified


Objective View 

Known competitor of HRH Collection, recognized brand via Lorraine YouTube presence. Endorsement from friends on YouTube with comment disabled. Reviews and comparison videos from a few YouTubers : 1, 2.  The quality and brand is often accused for being a "copy cat" of HRH Collection down to the packaging and advertising pictures online. No mention of customer service issues found online. Price range of Bracelets $15 to $60. Necklaces price range from $12 to $42. Shipping time not stated on website, only provides an e-mail for inquiry.

Personal View 

Con: 
- Inconsistent quality
- Poor quality packaging
-  Slow ship time ( took over 2 weeks)
- Shipping time not stated so not guaranteed
- Fragile jump ring (easy to break)
Pro: 
- Lower price point
- Good pictures on website (Paypal order)
- Certain chains are very shiny BUT (inconsistent quality- see con)

Objective View
Not a well known competitor of HRH Collection, it is a well known etsy shop. Created by Kimberly  who does not have videos of herself on YouTube but does have an account. Known for being very friendly and hosting great customer service. Not a huge fan following but more of a shop following. Lack of reviews on YouTube but LOTS of customer satisfaction reviews on etsy  over 750 reviews. The price point is cheaper ranging from $9 to $25 for both bracelets and necklaces. Fast shipping time that was delivered within 1 week.

Con: (NOTE - quality has changed since purchase - she has updated chain)
- Lighter Chain
- Dull Chain
- No independent website, hosted via etsy ( not huge problem)
- Fast tarnishing
- Less product variety
- Jump ring not sturdy

Pro:
- Good communication
- Great customer service
- Fast shipping
- Cute packaging
- Nice crystal quality