Great Energy, Comfortable, but Not Durable
This bracelet has a wonderful energy for me! Obsidian (black onyx), hematite, and tiger eye are three of my favorite stones, so I was pleased to find them in a single bracelet.<br /><br />The handwoven construction feels strong. The stones are tightly lashed together with no give or play between them and do not feel like they'll come loose on their own even with repeat/extended wearings. They may be a little too tight at the ends. The stones lay mostly flat against each other in the middle of the band, but buckle at the ends where you adjust the fit.<br /><br />UPDATE:<br />The bunching up of the stones at the ends (one end in particular) definitely prevents the bracelet from lying flat. This pulls my attention to trying to adjust them constantly. The third row of stones also adds more weight than I'd initially considered an issue. Compared to a similar bracelet with only two rows, the added weight and bulk of the third row makes this bracelet draw more attention to itself than I'd like. It's still comfortable, but I may back off from wearing it daily. Hopefully I can find a way of loosening the bunching at the end pictured so it lays flat.<br /><br />UPDATE 2:<br />After several weeks of regular use, the obsidian stone that was protruding up popped out. This relieved some of the tension and the bracelet laid more flat (though not completely) and was generally more comfortable. I was a little concerned about the overall durability, but the rest of the stones in the bracelet seemed to still be securely fastened together.<br /><br />This week however, a second stone popped out on its own, right next to where the first one had jumped ship. Again, the rest of the stones feel tightly fastened, but I think I'm on borrowed time at this point.<br /><br />I still like the energy of this collection of stones and the overall look and feel of the bracelet. I'm a little disappointed in the craftsmanship.<br /><br />Removing another star for poor durability.
Rating: 3 stars