<p>DD’s birthday is approaching, and a Pandora bracelet is one of the few suggestions she has given me. It is turning out to be more difficult to make a decision than I expected. Since I don’t know her exact wrist size, I’m using a hairband that she used to keep on her wrist as a guide. If you add length to accommodate the beads, I guesstimate the 7.1 inch will work for her small wrist. </p>
<p>Should I not put the beads on the bracelet just in case she needs to exchange? I am wondering if that would make it “used”. Also, there appear to be two kinds of clasps: the lobster claw and a bead type. I have seen some reviews that suggest the bead clasp can be awkward to put on without help.</p>
<p>Looks like there is a sale this weekend where you get the bracelet free with a $100 purchase of beads, but it is only for the kind with the bead clasp. I don’t need to save $65 enough to choose something that’s aggravating to wear.</p>
<p>Any advice from people who are familiar with these bracelets?</p>
<p>Definitely get the bead clasp. It’s more secure and looks nicer. It isn’t that hard to work. If I can do it, anyone can. There is even a little tool that you can get from Pandora to help open it if you are worried about nails. Putting the beads on the bracelet won’t make it “used”. They just slide on. You will want to get the beads that afix firmly to divide the bracelet into sections so that the other beads don’t slide all over and come loose. I forget what they are called. Your daughter might want to pick them out herself. I have several Pandora bracelets and love them. They are really big around here. The beads are reasonably priced, in my opinion, except for anything with gold on them. :)</p>
<p>I also have a Pandora bracelet. It was given to me as a gift with just a bead or two on it. I agree…get the bead clasp.</p>
<p>They will box it up nicely for you. It doesn’t matter if the beads are ON or OFF the bracelet, your daughter will still be able to return them if she chooses to do so. </p>
<p>My SILs gave me a necklace, with just a couple of beads and then a gift certificate for two more beads. We all went to lunch and then to pick out the remaining beads…made for a fun day.</p>
<p>Thanks for that, MOWC. My DD comes from a short line of uncoordinated women. Sigh. But I agree, the bead clasp looks nicer. I’m not planning to spend more than $400 total, so there should be plenty of room for her to get some beads of her own too. I am thinking of getting a couple of the glass beads for color, and a mixture of big and small silver ones.</p>
<p>I am happy that she doesn’t care for gold, ha ha!</p>
<p>My husband bought me a bracelet for our 25th anniversary, but I have a super-small wrist (my ring size is 3 1/4), so even full the 7 inch falls off. Also, it is very, very heavy so I would never wear on my wrist so I got the necklace and couldn’t be happier. I agree with the bead clasp, as well, and I would put the charms on the bracelet for gifting.</p>
<p>Just an FYI…I do have some real Pandora beads on my bracelet…but the ones I actually like the best fit the bracelet and were FAR less expensive.</p>
<p>Oh Thumper, that makes me sad that I can’t do that with DD. She is away at school, and I have been gently advised that she has “plans” on that day. The trip alone would cost more than the bracelet!</p>
<p>For maybe the only time in my life, I was on the front end of a fashion trend with the Pandora bracelets. (I started mine in early 2006.) I got the silver bracelet with a gold bead clasp, and have stayed with gold & silver. Now the all gold beads are really pricey, so I still have a couple spots open … The dividers MOWC is talking about are called clips.</p>
<p>A couple of years ago D & S gave me 2 of the Murano glass beads. Very pretty, but they didn’t go with the gold & silver look I had. What to do? Buy a necklace (silver), of course! I bought 1 bead with the same color as the Murano glass for the center, then put a glass bead on either side. Then I added a plain silver clip on either side. I get more compliments on it, and I wear it all the time.</p>
<p>I have a bracelet also. I like it because I usually can’t wear bracelets because my wrist is so small but I found one that fits me. I had a lobster claw one and it broke and then got the bead clasp. I like the bead clasp much better. </p>
<p>My MIL had trouble with getting hers on and off so I bought her the necklace and she likes that alot. She has lots of beads so it’s a little better for her. </p>
<p>I bought my sister the leather bracelet. She loves it, the only thing with that one is that it is only for a couple of beads. I think they recommend only 4 max. She only has 2 beads and that’s all she wants. My S also got his girlfriend the leather bracelet. His sister thinks the leather is younger looking but who cares what she thinks.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the replies! I took my new found knowledge and bought the bracelet. Went over budget, too, but I think DD will love it. I went with mostly smallish or hollow beads to avoid being too heavy. Got 3 of the glass ones in shades of teal. I think the effect is upscale youthful.</p>
<p>Love my Pandora bracelet, bead clasp. My niece bought it for me and, like someone said, she was able to get on big enough for my large-boned wrist as bracelets can be problematic for me. Most of the beads have special meaning to me–they tell my story and I get compliments each time I wear it. She spent too much money on it, but I love it.</p>
<p>BFF bought some of her beads from this site: [New</a> Dreamz - Charms and Beads](<a href=“http://newdreamz.net/]New”>http://newdreamz.net/). As somebody said, the inexpensive beads can be quite nice. </p>
<p>OP, I’m sure your DD will enjoy wearing her bracelet and I like your description—“upscale youthful”.</p>
<p>junie - my mom started one for my sister for christmas. She got the bracelet, the clasp, a stopper thing, and one bead to start. her’s was a ■■■■■ bracelet rather then a pandora. I think they are a little cheaper.</p>