Thomas Sabo has not really been on my radar as one of the charm lines that I wanted to pursue, first because of their high price points and secondly because of their traditional charm bracelet aesthetic. Recently however, they introduced their Karma Beads Collection and I was instantly intrigued. I have no Thomas Sabo store anywhere near me so I couldnt wait until online retailers got them in stock. How I wish I could see the designs in person, but that hasnt stopped me from ordering number of the beads already. These shots are from Thomas Sabo and show off their decadent display.
I started with the bracelet and one bead to try out the concept the first Karma Beads I choose was the Floral Meadow, unsurprisingly since Im always drawn to floral motifs. There are actually tiny CZ in the flower centers, which you cant see from the stock photo. The beads are all spherical (except for the Skulls and Dragon) and theyre comparable in size to Pandora clips. The charms are hollow and slide around on the chain unhindered, so I highly recommend stoppers or safety chains which are quite affordable.
The bracelet is lightweight has square interlocking links which makes it very flexible. There are no threads on the chain, and actually small core Muranos could fit on the bracelet and wouldnt look out of place. My vorite detail of this piece is the clasp which is delightfully detailed with the Karma Beads wheel of life logo and can be mistaken as a charm. It is available with silver or oxidized finish in sizes 16 cm 24 cm; although I dont think there is a huge difference between the two colors.
Many similarities have been drawn to the newly debuted Pandora Essence Collection and I believe both have their advantages. I do love the Karma Beads designs and selections there is an edginess and glam featuring an Asian flare that doesnt aspire to portray characteristics without explanation. On the other hand, this concept is all about style, not so much capturing memories. This is a great line though, and I do think its well worth checking out. I plan on offering a more in-depth comparison between the two concepts in the near future after Ive had my Karma bracelet for a while.
The prices range from 16.95 ($24.50USD) to 125 ($179USD), although most beads can be found around 29.95 ($37.50USD) and the bracelets are 55 ($76USD) each for oxidized and silver. The lovely folks at Joshua James Jewellery are offering readers a 10% discount for the next two weeks with the code: ADDICTSKARMA, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to indulge in something shiny ;). The discount cannot be applied to Pandora products, but otherwise can be used with all other brands that they carry including Trollbeads, Chamilia, and Story by Kranz &ts definitely on my wish list but Ive got to work through some other designs first ;).
Hi Leann, The Thomas Sabo bracelet is not for me. Maybe if I saw the collection in person. Pandora is still my 1 bracelet.
Does anyone know a website that sells the Thomss Sabo Karma beads thst accepts paypal bill me later?
Is the clasp on the thomas sabo karma beads bracelet flatter than the pandora bracelet? Does this bracelet feel lighhter than the pandora bracelet when wearing it?
Its about the same, but where the design (Karma wheel) is, is slightly flatter. Both bracelets are very light :).
Im with you on this @charmsaddict:disqus. I have never liked the Thomas Sabo charm bracelets until the karma beads release. I too have just treated myself to the Karma bracelet and one bead, and I am looking forward to adding a couple more beads over the next month or 2. I also love the ct that they have a couple of Rose Gold coloured beads amongst their collection, something that I wish Pandora would have. 🙂
Yes! I just got my second order of beads (went a little overboard) ;). I love these designs, theyre awesome!
I just got back from Las Vegas and was able to see all the charms and beads in person. I love love love the whole line! I bought two more karma beads but I also fell in love with their traditional line!! So I brought home another bracelet and ten charms. I am in love with it and felt the whole line was first class. Pricey, and I wish they had some incentives but I will buy more
Of the traditional I chose: a little red purse that actually opens, a cz 4 leaf clover with the pearl dangle, a rose gold cz flower, a slot machine (only available in vegas) a bird with a heart dangling from his beak, a diamond ring with a rose gold heart, mickey mouse, a beautiful cz butterfly, a red enameled heart, and a cz star. I got a charm free with the bracelet and that was a heart with one cz that says love.
For the karma bead I got the cz sun and it is gorgeous. The other one is 0012 and has cz swirls on it. What a great retail high!!!!!
Those sounds great! I dont have any retailers near me so its hard to see this brand for me. Sounds like its better for my checkbook though ;).
I ordered the light blue karma bead from the thomas sabo internet site. It looks like a grey and white bead. I am not sure if I like these beads as much as the essence beads.
Well, theyre natural stones so theres going to be some variation. Id recommend trying a different bead? 🙁
Hello Leann, I realy like your blog. Now I will also buy my first bead bracelet 🙂 But I cant decide between Karma Beads and pandora essence. Both bracelets are so beautiful.
Could you please tell, how is the quality of the Karma bead in comparison with the pandora?
Thank you! Heres my comparison on Essence vs. Karma: I just saw your post and thank you very much for all the information! Just would like to ask a question; do Thomas sabo charms fit onto the karma bracelet? Thank you very much!
Full-time professional and beadaholic. Passionately collecting and writing about Pandora, Trollbeads, redbalifrog, Ohm Beads, and more since 2011. She lives in Seattle, with her husband, fur baby Beau, and son Alex. Read more about Leann.
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