There is a well-known saying that ‘you get what you pay for’ and this is relevant across pretty much every area of consumerism. Electrical goods, clothing, make-up, furniture and cars always tend to be of poorer quality, lower specification or simply cease to be useful in less time if they are cheap.
Indeed, the word ‘cheap’ can be used to mean inexpensive or of poor quality – the two are often synonymous. But does that necessarily mean paying for an item, with a designer name on it, is worth the greater cost?
Quality and Longevity
Taking the example of jewellery – specifically bracelets – we will consider whether the quality and longevity of these items is significantly greater if it is created and made by a designer rather than mass-produced. To give an example, it is possible to buy woven leather friendship bracelets at a popular outlet bookstore for just 99p, whereas friendship bracelets by Links of London cost from £95 to £4,000, with most designs costing in the region of £140.00.
Designer Brands
There are a few reasons why people might choose to buy bracelets from Links of London. Firstly, their brand name carries prestige and status; men in particular like wearing designer brands that are recognisable. Wearing a distinct and unique design by Links of London is an understated way of demonstrating wealth. Other people who are familiar with the brand will recognise its intrinsic value and will immediately adjust their estimate of the wearer’s personal net wealth or disposable income.
A Generous Gift
On the other hand, women tend to buy jewellery for themselves as an indulgence or treat; something that only they can enjoy, since they so often spend their money on other people instead of on themselves. If they are going to treat themselves then they may feel that they deserve something really special and opt for a designer brand.
If they are given a bracelet by a loved one as a present then seeing the designer name on the box will tell them immediately that it is a generous gift and could indicate the depth of commitment from or of feelings held by the giver.
Friendship Bracelets
Furthermore, a woven leather friendship bracelet that is cheaper than a bottle of water is unlikely to last forever. It may have an intricately woven style when first worn but the strands are likely to bunch together as the leather softens over time. Yet, friendship bracelets by Links of London have a unique design made using silver bars that are hand-woven together by coloured threads. The silver bars are durable and prevent the bracelet from becoming misshapen.
Normally, friendship bracelets are only removed when the friendship is over and they have to be cut off, representing a severing of the friendship. The bracelets by Links of London have a toggle that allows the wearer to remove the bracelet without breaking it so that they can take it off and put it on whenever they choose.
Attention to detail, durability, fine quality materials and expert craftsmanship all combine to make designer bracelets a worthy investment, so if you can afford to do so then buy designer.
Claire Chat is a new Londoner, jewellery passionate and animal lover. She blogs about Jewllery, Pets and Travelling in Europe. If you want Claire to write you specific content, you can find email her here or contact her on Twitter (@Claire_Chat).
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