Origami Owl Review

I went to an Origami Owl party a few months ago, expecting to not find anything I could order.  I was pleasantly surprised.


Pros: 
-All metal content for every piece was available. (thank you from someone with metal allergies!)
-They had pieces in Gold, Sterling Silver AND Stainless Steel
-Good selection of charms to add to the pieces.  Everyone at the party found several they liked.
-Good strong magnet on the charm case (a knockoff I ordered online for my daughter opened up and lost its charms on the first wear)  I have worn my necklace several times and it has never opened up on me.
-Shipped directly to me in this cute little box, with adorable packaging and a fortune cookie type jewelry case to keep my items in, and it got to me in less than a week.

Cons: 
-You must place your order and it gets shipped to you.  You don't leave the party with your piece.
-Buying everything for a complete piece was a bit pricey (My necklace with charms and chain totaled about $75), but because the parts are all ordered separately, one could easily get it a piece at a time at various parties or by ordering directly through the consultant.

Overall, although I would not be likely to obtain more than one complete piece, I was not terribly bothered by the final price simply because I got a unique piece I can actually wear without allergy concerns. 

Pandora Charm Bracelets VS. Connections from Hallmark

For years I wanted a Pandora Charm Bracelet, but they only come in a pricey Sterling Silver, or an exorbitantly priced 14kt gold, and I am allergic to silver.  Obviously, I can't/won't pay the gold prices.  Last year, on my birthday, my family gave me a Connections from Hallmark bracelet, and I have been VERY surprised by it.  I had no idea there was a charm bracelet collection so similar in appearance to Pandora that I could wear safely, and also afford.  I also had absolutely no idea a jewelry line exclusive to Wal-Mart would be of such good quality.
*side note: Pugster is somewhat less expensive than Pandora and sometimes claims to be steel, but I've found that after wearing it for a time, some kind of plating rubs off and I see a core resembling copper that makes me break out in hives.
It's all stainless steel (embellishments like crystals aside) and available in a price range for almost anyone.  
Pandora bracelets are priced from $45-$400, and their charms run from $35-$240.  Connections Starter bracelets are $15 and the charms range from $5-$12 each, and some 3 piece sets for $15.
The best I could do in comparing prices was to compare my bracelet and charms to the most similar (least expensive versions) on Pandora's web site.
                    Connections from Hallmark                                Pandora
Starter Bracelet                    $15                            Sterling lobster clasp bracelet    $45
Boy Charm  (x2)                  $18                            Boy Charm   (x2)                      $ 70
Girl Charm                             $9                            Girl Charm                                 $35
Crystals & Hearts                $15                             Shimmering Blossom                  $65
Elephant                                $9                             Elephant                                     $35
Key/Heart Dangle                 $9                              Filled with love dangle                $65
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Totals                                   $75                                                                            $315

Yes, over 4 times more for a bracelet from Pandora that, at a distance, would likely be impossible to tell from the one I wear.
I have worn my Connections bracelet day and night, only removing for showers (when I remember) for well over a year now, and see no discoloration or loss of enamels or crystals.  It still looks like the day I got it.
Yes, Pandora has a MUCH larger selection of charms to choose from, but Connections from Hallmark does have a nice array, and have added a number of new ones just in the time I have had mine. 
Conclusion:  Yes, I would like to someday have a gold Pandora bracelet; but, I am extremely happy with my Connections from Hallmark bracelet.  I would recommend it to anyone who likes the Pandora look but has metal allergies or doesn't have the budget for precious metals.