#durable gold chains

[wjdexclusives]

Why Solid Rope Chains Are the Superior Choice for Longevity and Investment

https://www.wjdexclusives.com/blog/why-solid-rope-chains-are-the-superior-choice-for-longevity-and-investment/

Why Solid Rope Chains Are the Superior Choice for Longevity and Investment

When it comes to purchasing jewelry, especially rope chains and bracelets, it's crucial to make an informed decision about the type of links you choose. At WJD Exclusives, we offer both hollow and solid rope chains, each with its unique characteristics. However, for those seeking longevity and durability, solid rope chains are the superior choice. Here's why:

The Fragility of Hollow Rope Chains

Hollow rope chains are crafted with super tiny links interconnected into a 4mm rope. While they might appear delicate and intricate, their structure makes them inherently fragile. The gold links are susceptible to damage from regular contact with clothing, leading to wear and tear that often goes unnoticed until it's too late. Additionally, repairs on hollow links are challenging and often leave visible 'scars,' compromising the chain's aesthetic.

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The Durability of Solid Rope Chains

In contrast, solid rope chains are made from continuous, sturdy links that are far more resistant to everyday wear and tear. These chains offer a significant advantage in terms of durability and longevity. When it comes to repairs, solid links can be mended without leaving noticeable marks, maintaining the chain's pristine appearance.

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The Investment Value

Investing in solid rope chains not only ensures a piece of jewelry that will last but also retains its value over time. Solid gold chains are less prone to damage and require fewer repairs, making them a better long-term investment. Whether for daily wear or as a cherished heirloom, solid rope chains stand the test of time.

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Customer Experience

We've encountered numerous situations where customers experienced issues with hollow chains. For instance, one of our valued customers faced repeated problems with their hollow rope chain. Despite multiple repairs, the chain continued to suffer from damage due to its fragile structure. This highlights the importance of choosing solid rope chains for those looking for reliability and longevity in their jewelry.

Read Customer Reviews

At WJD Exclusives, we are committed to providing high-quality jewelry that meets your expectations. We offer a wide range of both hollow and solid rope chains to cater to different preferences and budgets. However, for those prioritizing durability and a lasting investment, solid rope chains are undoubtedly the better choice.

Discover Our Full Range of Rope Chains

By choosing solid rope chains, you're making a wise investment in a piece of jewelry that will remain beautiful and intact for years to come. Visit our store or browse our online collection to find the perfect chain that suits your style and needs.

[fablefan]

What the Heck is the Golden Guard Actually Wearing: A Speculative Guide

So a long while ago, I was talking in a Discord server with a few others about what Hunter's GG uniform might actually be composed of, since apparently a lot of the fandom seems to interpret it as a kind of tunic. With the finale of the show sending us all into tears, I thought I'd take a break from the heartache and explain my theories.

(This might be long, so I'll put pictures in when I can)

So to start with, let's actually begin not with his uniform, but what's underneath it, as seen above.

(So scary, truly)

Now, while some people headcanoned this as a binder (and I'm not one to bash on people's ideas), I think it's actually a kind of brigandine!

(Note the length, the buckles going down the front, and the leather straps going over the shoulders)

This was a kind of armor that knights or soldiers wore, composed of strips of metal fastened between two pieces of heavy cloth or leather to make a vest. It was handy to have because it was fairly durable and lightweight, and offered decent protection without needing all the fancy welding required for full-plate armor.

It was worn on top of a tunic (like he does in the photo), and was usually sleeveless, though it sometimes could come with arm and shoulder protection.

Now, I confess, a brigandine wouldn't normally be worn under armor (too many layers and padding), but that leads us to Hunter's actual uniform!

(Angry cat / big brother energy intensifies)

So while the cloak and pin are common enough that even most civilians in medieval times wore them, this isn't one solid tunic piece -- it's plate mail!

Now, to get the basics out of the way, that little shoulder guard he's wearing is called a pauldron, and was used to keep your opposing, non-dominant side safe when jousting. Knights would normally only wear one, as two would be cumbersome, and holding your lance under one was uncomfortable and impractical.

(It also makes an adequate perch for little bird palismen)

That duller yellow color Hunter wears is the undershirt knights would wear under their armor (for extra padding against chafing and some extra protection). While this historically would be a gamberson (or aketon, depends on who you ask), a thick, quilted fabric shirt, it'd be too bulky for the plate mail he's wearing, amidst other things.

Instead, he might be wearing an arming shirt!

Also referred to as an arming doublet (again, depends on who you ask), these were made later as a thin kind of form-fitting shirt that was more flexible and allowed for ease of motion when wearing armor. Sometimes chain mail was sewn into more vulnerable areas for coverage, like between the legs and the armpits (like you can kinda see in the first pic).

(Also, take notice of the higher sides of the collar, which you can also see under Hunter's cape)

The brighter gold armor he wears is, from what I can tell, not full plate mail, but a kind of cuirass!

These were chest plates that covered both the front and back of a knight without needing all the extras of armor, and could be worn with an arming shirt or chainmail.

They also usually came with hip guards -- those little strips by his pelvis -- and were special attachments called faulds, useful for keeping those areas safe without making things too bulky.

And there you have it! Hope this helps with your art and writing, and thus concluding

✨Weird History With Fable✨

[koolades-world]

Obey me! brothers jewelry headcanons

Lucifer

Definitely a plain kind of man, not much

Since he previous wore the ring of light, he might get a ring or two to replace it and wear under his gloves

He owns some jewelry for special occasions like some nice horn jewelry and necklaces. Several of these pieces were gifts from Diavolo

Has a whole set of horn jewelry for all his brothers but doesn’t let them have it because he’s afraid they’re going to do something to it. It’s a custom made set so if one gets lost it will be hard to replace

If Mc made him any, he wouldn't wear it because he would be afraid of losing it or getting it stolen, so it sits in a special charmed drawer in his desk

Mammon

100% the most dripped out

Lots of rings, lots of bracelets, lots of neckalces. He probably also has anklets, toe rings, and other face piercings too. Most likely to have a nipple piercing lol

Seems like the kind to have a million random bracelets on and pass them off to someone they trust whenever they can’t wear them (ie mc, and my middle school bestie and I) about to get arms dirty? about to throw hands? need to braid hair? hold my bracelets

I like to think he had a little jewelry tree, a divider hang on the back of a door, and a ring holder for all of his things, but even then it’s overfilled (lol I’m projecting again)

Would take jewelry Mc made him everywhere. If he couldn’t wear it, it would be in his pocket or in a bag, secured. Would treat it nicer than his expensive jewelry

Levi

He probably has the same jewelry characters he likes has or is at least inspired by them

Everything is probably tangled together in a giant mess in a little jewelry box Mc gave him and complains every time he wants one specific piece and can’t get it untangled

All his nicer pieces were gifts because if it were up to him, he would have bought something more useful to him

Another one who would take Mc made jewelry literally everywhere since he’s so touched anyone would care enough to give him a handmade gift, probably would never take it off and get super heartbroken if he broke it by accident

Satan

He’s giving rings, lots of rings. He’s also giving chokers because Lucifer once said he hated them

He seems like the type to really like lockets since they’re typically romantic or for familiar bonds so he got one for Mc with a picture of either them together in it or a cat

Would definitely use a bracelet or necklace as a bookmark. You can’t tell me he also doesn’t make his own. Originally they were just to make bookmarks but after Asmo suggested he do more with his talent, he got hooked

The type to always quietly highlight any jewelry given to him by Mc, like wearing shortsleeves to showcase a bracelet or wearing more subtle colors to make it pop more

Asmo

If he doesn’t have a jewelry collection I’m eating my running shoes

He has the most ear piercings, basically the most you can have, with Mammon in close second

He has so much there’s some he’s never worn. They are gifts, they are things he’s picked out, and things he’s not quite sure how he got

His outfits are always coordinated so he has something for everything

If Mc gave him jewelry, he would only wear it if it matched his outfit but would keep it somewhere safe

Beel

He probably has a couple pieces of really nice and durable jewelry but that’s it

He’s probably afraid of breaking or losing it, so he lets Belphie hold onto it

Probably just one set of ear piercings to wear studs

His favorite piece is the gold chain in his human world outfit. I hc Mc said they liked it on him once so he always wear it with his human outfit

Would always wear jewelry made by Mc but would definitely break it and need a replacement

Belphie

Another one that doesn’t wear a lot of jewelry. Maybe has one necklace he likes but never remembers to wear it

I kinda feel like he would have a nose piercing, like a simple stud. Although him with a septum piercing is also tempting…

Prefers gold to silver even though silver goes better with his hair

If Mc gave him jewelry, he would always wear it. Mc would think it's because he was being sweet, but its half that, half he never remembers to take it off. Probably lasts a while since he doesn't do too much

[ruinparadox]

Probably already done before, but Husk buying Reader jewelry as an Overlord versus when he's at the hotel. (Totally not inspired by something I bought off Etsy.)

Overlord Husk obviously has access to a veritable mountain of money, and his choice in jewelry reflects his vast amount of wealth. Sticking to his card theme, his first choice is a lavish gold chain with a huge heart shaped gem. You can't tell if its either Garnet or Ruby, but it hardly matters when it has what feels like a solid gold chain with black gemstones. It sits heavy around your neck, but to have something that Husk picked out for you is more than enough to convince you not to take it off. And of course, he denies any sort of deeper reason for buying it when you ask him about it.

"Just somethin' to keep ya happy." He says. You know there's something deeper there, but you don't tease him about it.

Then several decades later, after he ups and disappears one night, the casino going to ruin and all the workers leaving the building to be occupied by some other rando whose name you don't care to remember, you have to leave and find another place to live, thus landing you at the hotel for its free rent and improbable redemption. Its a huge surprise when he sees you walk through those doors, the first time he's seen you in what feels like half a century. His first thought is if you remember him or not. You obviously do and are shocked to find him still alive and kicking, assuming he'd wound up dead at some point, but you're just happy to be around him again. He wants to apologize for up and disappearing, but he notices the necklace he gave you is now missing. He asks what happened to it and you reluctantly tell him that you had to sell it for food and rent money. You had to sell a lot of things to get by before you finally relented and chose to sign up for the hotel.

He gives you a look of what feels like melancholy but doesn't say anything further on the matter. At least not until a few days later when he shows up at your room door and gives you a small chain with an even smaller red heart bead as the charm. The bead is obviously plastic, or possibly a cheaply made synthetic gemstone, and the metal is durable, but very low quality black metal. Probably tungsten or something like that. Husk apologizes, its all he could afford, but you chuckle and give him a peck on the cheek, earning yourself a small "mrrp" with his fur bushing up. Even if its not the most expensive jewelry, you're happy he bought you something. Even if its not solid gold and surrounded by a gaudy casino, it brings you joy to have a connection to Husk again after all these years. His fur flattens, his body visibly relaxing. He chuckles and gives you a tired old smile. "S'wonderful to see ya again, kid."

And its not long until, later, he finds out that you kept the nipple piercings he bought you that one time. Seeing those shining gemstones shaped after each of the four card suits resting against your perky nubs, he can't help but be turned on and treat you right that night.

[daenysthedreamer101]

Daughter of Steel and Bronze ~ HOTD

Targaryen!OC Headcanons

Princess Daena's personal style during her youth

HOTD masterlist

This will cover Daena's youth and her style while she was still a maiden and before her marriage and pregnancies (110-115 AC)

She grew up in a time of decadence when the Targaryens were at the peak of their power and wealth

Plus she is a Princess of House Targaryen and her uncle is the King, ofc she's spoiled to the core

Lots of jewelry! Earrings, necklaces, rings, headbands covered in pearls and gems, you name it she owns it

Variety of precious stones and gems; amethyst, sapphires, diamonds, moonstones, pearls, opals, jade; but mostly rubies and red garnets.

Silver compliments her fair skin the best but also wears gold

Owns a special necklace of Valyrian steel given to her by her father, Prince Daemon

Owns plenty of chunky, chandelier necklaces with big gems - she mostly wears these in court

When she's hunting or flying she wears dainty earrings or studs so they don't mess with her hair

Has a habit of playing with her earrings when she's nervous

Wears at least 3-4 rings

Now, outfits

Silks, velvet, Myrish lace - nothing but the best for the daughter of the Rogue Prince

the classic Targaryen colors, red and black, are a staple in her closet

Once she claimed Vermithor bronze and copper became another prominent color in her wardrobe

Besides, bronze also represents her Royce side and her mother

Also purple! So much purple!

She fully embraces her Valyrian heritage and doesn't care to adhere to Westerosi standards; something she inherited from her father

Most of her dresses are cut in a way to emulate the styles of Old Valyria and the ancient dragonlords

Long flowy gowns with long, cape-like sleeves that spread like wings when she struts down the halls of the Red Keep

All of them cinch at the waist or have a belt that accentuates her figure

Ofc, she owns gowns that are more in line with Westerosi standards; she mostly wore these when she was young and still lived at Runestone

As she matured and developed her own sense of fashion, she started dressing more in line with her Valyrian side

It was partly because she genuinely wanted to honor her ancestors, and partly to make a political statement; she was a Targaryen and she will always be one and she will proudly show off her heritage

All of them are covered in rich embroidery and fine details

Her dragon riding suits are more angular and structured, with shaper lines

Some are made of leather, and some of harsher materials that are more durable

She has several riding coats in various colors; black, red, dark brown

All of them have belts because when she's flying she needs to secure all the chains of her dragon saddle to it

Next, her hair

She has the classic silvery hair of House Targaryen

It's a silvery blonde with a pearlescent shine to it

Keeps it long; it's past her shoulder blades

She has curly hair thanks to her mother, Lady Rhea

She doesn't straighten her hair like Rhaenyra

When she's flying or hunting, she usually braids her hair into a single plait or pulls it up into a braided bun

When she's at court or in her free time she usually wears it down but always has a couple of braids adorning her head

Owns plenty of headpieces and always has some sort of jewels in her hair

DRAGON HAIR CLIPS!

She takes great care of her hair and applies oils imported from Dorne and Lys to make it extra soft and shiny

Her hair smells like lemons and rose water

[ikievershining]

BABY´S BREATH RELEASE IS OUT!

She Is the new member of the family! Her name Is Baby's Breath (like the flower), she is made of sterling silver, the wig is oxidized. The wings have the new nanoceramic coating on pink, this coating is hypoallergenic and very durable. As always she can be worn as a pendant (chain not included) or kept as a precious doll.

Baby's Breath will include: 1. Sterling silver BJD with jointed fairy wings. 2. Sterling silver wavy wig, magnetic and removable. 3. Gold plated sterling silver flower bail. 4. Jewelry display case. The eye colours available to choose are: purple (amethyst), green (natural emerald) or brown (natural diamond).

Preorder will be open from september 22nd to october 6th or until she is sold out. Her price is 660 USD with layaway, for layaway a deposit of 165 usd is needed to reserve, rest can be paid in monthly installments. With full payment you get 25% off.

She is limited to 5 and the production time is of 1 month The girl from the pictures is available too (Please take in consideration 2 days to get the package ready)

Payment through paypal only Shipping included through DHL

If interested in placing an order please email to iki252@hotmail.com.

If you want to support my work, please like and share! Thanks so much

[inksandpensblog]

My feelings about Red in Lucky Block Staff continue to evade coherence so instead I'm gonna chronicle every in-game block that has been used in the staff to date and how the staff uses them.

The first block we ever saw used in the staff was a command block, specifically an impulse command block (as opposed to a repeat command block or chain command block; Sammy's post explains the difference in mechanics between the three and why the impulse command block is the best choice for the staff). When used, the staff allows the wielder to execute commands via the block instantaneously, without having to properly code or input or activate them. . (The ability to use the command-block staff as a flying broomstick or air scooter or hoverboard or what-have-you is also a command, specifically "data modify entity @/s abilities.flying set value 1b" without the "/" which I had to include so I wouldn't keep accidentally tagging someone, which appears when flight first begins but disappears shortly after despite sustained flight. I don't know what this means but I assume the staff uses the command block to bestow flight capabilities upon either the command block itself, the staff itself, or the stick wielding it, without necessarily needing to aim. Whichever it is, it has some interesting implications regarding the connection between staff and wielder. Sammy has since informed me that this is not, in fact, a real Minecraft command. "Data modify entity" indicates that the command is to modify the NBT data of a mob or item, "@/s" without the "/" indicates that the target of the command is the same person who's running it, "abilities.flying" was made up for the series; however Bedrock edition does have an ability tag called "MayFly." This makes me wonder if the staff considers itself a part of its wielder.) . Jury's out on whether the wielder has to know the commands they want the staff to execute, or whether they just have to project what they want to happen and the staff makes the command block make it happen. .

Next is a block of gold. When used, the staff seems to allow the wielder to destroy nearby blocks by striking them with the gold block, which makes sense as gold is one of the materials that can be used to craft tools. . But the destructive capabilities of the staff when equipped with a gold block are far milder than when it's equipped with some of the other blocks. Which also makes sense, as gold In fact, they're mild enough that the orb apparently doesn't deem it a worthwhile block, as neither the sticks nor the orb ever use a gold-equipped staff during the entirety of the Lucky Block Staff episode. . Armors crafted from gold offer less defense and have lower durability than armors of any other material, apart from leather. Pickaxes and shovels crafted from gold likewise have a lower durability, but also offer a higher mining speed than any other material. . Gold is also used in the crafting of clocks and powered rails, alongside redstone. . Another interesting thing about gold as a material is its enchantability. All in-game weapons, tools, and armors have an enchantability level, which is one of the factors used to determine which enchantments will be available for it through an enchanting table (other factors being the player's experience level and the enchantment levels offered by the table in accordance with how many bookshelves are within range). It is notable that weapons, tools, and armors crafted from gold have a higher enchantability level than weapons, tools, and armors crafted from any other material. Gold armors have a level of 25, with the next highest being leather and netherite armors at 15. Gold tools and weapons have a level of 22, with wood and netherite in second place at a level of 15 again. . If the staff utilizes the enchantability or speed or conductibility of gold as a material at all, then we have yet to see this demonstrated. .

Then we see a block of neterite. When used, the staff seems to allow the wielder to obliterate any block struck by the netherite block, as well as kill survival-mode enemies in one hit or knock creative-mode enemies so far out of range that the boss battle reaches its next phase. Interestingly, any block within a certain radius of the impact point will be obliterated as well, as if by a shockwave; though this effect is not evenly distributed and is more potent in the direction of the strike. The general strength of these effects is also inconsistent, and may depend on momentum. . The netherite block is also shown to be heavier than the command or gold blocks, once equipped to the staff. . (It's also proven that striking with any other part of the staff doesn't produce these effects. Impact must be made by the block itself. Presumably this applies to all the destructive blocks.) . I don't think the orb ever makes a netherite staff, but if one was made it was either destroyed or contained in a chest before the orb got a chance to use it. .

(That is interesting to note, in and of itself: Blue gives several chests the "awakening" potion effect, and any staffs that get glomped by these chests are out of commission for the rest of the fight, regardless of the blocks equipped.) .

That's all I have time for tonight, next time I'll get into King's research.

[pagesfromthevoid]

Glitter & Gold | d.d.

Din Djarin x princess!reader

A Cowboy Like Me drabble

In which Din’s princess prepares for two battles of her own

Word Count: ~660

Warnings: No Din interaction, sorry!

Author’s Note: Yet another drabble before we get into the thick of the angst. Inspo for her gown

Series Masterlist | Talk to Me!

She played her part well the remainder of the week.

She obeyed orders, she nodded and smiled. Promised to behave, went to her dress fittings without complaint. Her mother did not bring up the child again, though she knew that it was still part of the master plan. If Moff Gideon was truly making an appearance, then her mother would bring it up when it worked best for her. But she would be prepared.

The dress that was chosen for her was…fine. Simple, soft –a sad, monotone blue that was more gray than anything. It hugged her in the right places, and hid the scar that was angry and puckered on her arm. There was no slit, however, and she wondered if she could mend it herself to allow for better access to her beskar dagger. Not that she wanted to use it –but she wanted to be able to touch it. Without Din there, it was the closest thing she had to his touch.

The night prior to the engagement party, Isowen slipped into her room without a word. In her hands was a box, delicately tied together with twine. It was simple, and she stood from her vanity with her brow raised.

“I have brought something for you, milady.”

Isowen set the box on her bed, stepping back with her hands folded neatly behind her. She hesitated a moment before she sat on the edge of her bed. Then, she untied the string, pulling it apart. Her fingers traced over the edges before they slipped under the lid and pulled it off.

Inside sat a bodice piece that matched her gown, but instead of a fabric –it was metal. Chains hung from the neck to the chest, meeting at the base of the throat to cover her shoulders. Her fingers traced over the piece, where the same fabric of her gown was attached to the back. 

“I know why you ran,” Isowen whispered, sitting beside her now. “I know why you ran, and I know you plan to run again, milady. Let me help you.”

She looked to Isowen, brow furrowed as she watched the lady in waiting carefully. “What do you have in mind?”

Isowen smiled –a sweet one, but she knew there was danger behind it. “Let me mend your dress for tomorrow; I can add the piece. It is not beskar like your knife, but it is durable and will protect you.”

She nodded once, lifting the piece of the box to examine further. It was beautifully crafted, meticulously pieced together to ensure both beauty and practicality. 

“I am going to replace the sleeves,” Isowen continued, pulling a sheer piece of fabric from the box. It was similar to her dress again, but instead of a solid color, it was see-through. “I will make this dress fit for a warrior and a princess.”

She looked up at Isowen, smiling thankfully at her and took the Twi’lek’s hands. “You are a wonderful woman, Isowen. I owe you all the stars in the galaxy. But I need one more favor.”

Isowen tilted her head to the side, frowning some as she held out her arm. Then the maid shook her head fervently. “No, no. I-I can’t remove that, milady. I-I could kill you.”

“Please,” she begged, looking over the dull red flash beneath her skin. “Isowen, it’s the only way –,”

“Your Mandalorian will have to do it. I-I can’t. I’m sorry.”

Isowen stood, gathering the pieces of the armor then moving to collect her gown from the closet. The lady in waiting offered a sad smile, nodding once, and disappeared out the door. For several minutes, she sat on her bed, hands in her lap, as she stared out the window.

She had spent the last month and half with Din and his child. With that time, she had grown used to the tight space of the ship and the close quarters. The lingering touches and longing stares —on her end, at least. Though she was certain that Din had returned those gazes now. Even on Sorgan, she had grown accustomed to his presence, and their routines. It was domestic, and simple. The opposite life of what she lived in Senex, yet she adored it nonetheless. 

She missed the life they had built, even if it was in such a short amount of time. 

She just…she missed Din. That’s all. 

———

Taglist (CLOSED): @r4iner @sgt-morgan @mingeniee @darling1darling @teriolan-blog @venusfalling @double—take @sunshine96 @demisexuallover @mxtokko @ellesvoid @waddafaknik @c-ms1ut @kokoirne @sl-ut @munsons-queen @intense-sneezing @geekrenaissance @dilf-din @tizylish @ruleroftides @aheadfullofsteverogers

[fictionadventurer]

Top 5 favorite pieces of jewelry?

I rarely wear jewelry, and I wear it less and less often as time goes on, so I don't have great answers for this. What I do have is:

The necklace that hold my religious medals. The medals always tangle in the chain links and/or fall off, so it's not great, but it is the only piece of jewelry that I always wear.

The watch I wear to work. It's a cheap Walmart piece that's getting old and beat up, but all I need is something durable and waterproof, so it gets the job done.

Any of my silver hoop earrings where the posts snap into the ring to make a complete circle. If I'm going to wear earrings, these are my go-tos.

Any of my freshwater pearl earrings. These are the go-tos for any outfit where the silver hoops don't work.

I actually did buy some basic jewelry about a week ago--silver ball earrings, a gold chain, some hoops, etc., but I haven't worn them yet.

[dreadsuitsamus]

Pierce | Kensei Muguruma x Reader |

author's note: this is perhaps the most self-indulgent thing i've ever written, as i have a medusa piercing myself that i longed to get for two whole fucking years, but didn't bc i was stupid and let a man's opinion dictate what i did! don't ever let someone hold power like that over you, my loves <3

pairing: kensei muguruma x fem!reader

warnings: needles, piercing, some typical kensei and mashiro shenanigans, mention of a clit piercing at the end

The shop is tiny, the storefront so small you missed it twice during your quest to find it. And just as you were about to call it quits and find another piercing studio that would accept walk-ins, the faded sign above the door caught your eye and you were soon swinging into a parking space with a heart pumped full of anxiety and a smile on your face.

Two years. You've wanted this piercing for two years, and now that the man you spent countless nights crying and agonizing over is officially out of your life, there's nothing to hold you back now. You've been freed from the chains of his judgment and his approval means absolutely nothing now, and it's finally time to live for yourself.

Stepping into the shop, the bell above the door jingles and you take a look around. It's not the nicest shop, no, but your excitement bypasses any chance of it bothering you. The sound of a tattoo needle buzzes down the short hallway to your left, and as you peek in you get a glimpse of a blond tattooing a large piece on an equally large man's back. Snooping doesn't last long as, from the hallway directly in front of you, out comes a cheerful woman with bright green hair.

“Hellooooooo, welcome to our shop!” She's loud as she bounces behind the counter, tapping the tablet to life and turning to face you. “What can we do for you today?”

“Ah, I called earlier today, about the philtrum?”

The woman gasps, smacking her palms to her cheeks. “Ohhh, that's gonna be so cuuuuute on youuuuu!” She taps a few things on the tablet before digging into the stash of posts and studs, laying out a few options before you. “Lemme see who's available while you look over these!”

The starter options are simple, and you carefully hold the circular cases they're in to examine them. Voices gradually approach, one belonging to the green-haired woman, and the other much deeper and with a twinge of annoyance. “Mashiro, no more walk-ins today. I mean it!”

“Fiiiine! But you gotta do this one! She's gonna look so cute with a medusa!”

“We'll see.” He rolls his eyes and steps into the room, moving behind the counter and standing before you, looking at the options Mashiro has provided you. “Take my advice and just get the titanium. Nickel is cheap and you're just gonna replace it down the road anyway.”

Nodding, you look up at the man, blinking owlishly at the sight of him. He's tall with a few piercings of his own, though the one on his lip is easily the most distracting. It's a thin, gold piece of jewelry that matches the ones on his ear and eyebrow, and your cheeks warm at the idea of this man being the one to pierce you. “Uh… S-sure.”

“Nervous?” He crosses his thick arms, perking his eyebrow. “Better change your mind now, ‘cause if I get started and you wanna stop, you're still paying for my time.”

“Kensei!” Mashiro scolds, kicking his shin. Kensei grimaces at her powerful kick, elbowing her away from him and pointing to the hallway he first came from.

“Go sweep the floor or something!” He rubs his shin, resting his forearm on the glass case. Mashiro sticks her tongue out, giving Kensei a middle finger before sauntering into what you gather is the tattoo studio, leaving you and the piercer alone.

Shaking his head, Kensei looks back at you, his hands resting on the glass, his fingers tapping a bit as he speaks. “Anyway. The titanium is a better option, even though it's more expensive. It's hypoallergenic, shinier than nickel, doesn't get mixed with other metals… It's durable but lightweight, so the healing process is gonna go smoother because it won't be so much of a strain on your lip, which is a huge positive because philtrum piercings generally take around three months to heal, minimum. This is a long haul type of piercing; I need you to understand that.”

You nod along, eager to just get started already. “I trust what you say. You have a lot of piercings, and you do it for a living, so… Whatever you say goes.”

A handsome smirk spreads over his lips. “Good. Pick a stud. Your choices aren't flashy, but it's just the starter. You'll be able to pick the pretty stuff after it's healed.”

Fighting the urge to make a dad joke, even to yourself, you look down at the options. He's right that they aren't the cutest options in the world, but there's certainly still beauty in simplicity. Kensei rests a curled finger against his lips, resting his elbows against the glass display case while you survey the small range of starters. His amber eyes study you, practically tracing the shape of your lips— Mashiro's right. This piercing will look great on you.

Maybe even cute.

When you've settled on the silver ball stud with a clear gem in the center, Kensei steps over to the tablet and punches in a few numbers. “Military?” He glances over, silver brow raised until you shake your head, his warm-colored eyes looking back at the screen to bring your total up without a discount.

Gazing around the room, a picture stands out amongst the rest. It's Kensei, a handful of years younger than he is now, with Mashiro, the blond you saw in the tattoo studio and plenty more, all wearing military uniforms, though the smiles and way they're grouped up suggests this was an off duty sort of photograph taken. Kensei follows your eyes, a soft curve pulling at the ends of his lips at the picture; the memory of that day is fresh in his mind, as if it was just yesterday they decided to leave the service behind.

“When we left the military, we opened up this shop and the restaurant a few doors down. I'd never recommend friends go into business together, but… We all manage well.” He finishes rather softly, and oh how you ache to hear the stories behind those eyes. Kensei's certainly a rough around the edges guy from what you can see of him, though the inkling that he also loves a long walk on the beach has a little smile pull at your lips.

“Thank you all for your service.” You hum genuinely, tapping your credit card to the reader as excitement buzzes once again. “And thank you for agreeing to do this for me.”

Kensei waves his large hand, gathering your purchased jewelry and leading the way into one of the rooms set up for piercings, patting his hand at the end of the already fully-reclined chair. “Mashiro said you could walk-in, so we're gonna honor that every time. If you ever want a tattoo or another piercing though, I’d recommend making an appointment on our website. You can choose who you want that way too, instead of playing around our availability.”

“Noted, though I think I like having you for my piercer.” You miss the way his cheeks blush a gentle pink as you sit on the chair, setting your purse down beside you. “You’re knowledgeable… Do you do tattoos as well?”

“Eh, I stick to the piercings.” Kensei mutters, unscrewing the case your new jewelry is in, dumping it onto a tray and spraying the bar and stud down with disinfectant. He rips open a package with a needle and forceps, setting the opened pack down before thoroughly washing and drying his hands— the way his biceps flex nearly have you in a daze, the muscles big and rippling… I bet he gives the best hugs. “Latex allergy?”

“Nope.” Your gentle shake of the head has Kensei slipping on a black pair of gloves, the material snapping loudly against his skin before he turns to pull the new, sanitized utensils from the plastic package.

“Alright.” Ken turns back around fully, handing you a small cup of mouthwash. “Swish a few times and then we’re about good to go.”

Following his instructions, you feel the freshness of mint once you’ve rinsed. Your leg bounces a bit, the realization that it’s finally happening hitting you like a freight train, your belly a bundle of nerves as Kensei takes a q-tip wet with rubbing alcohol and dabs at your lip. His gaze is intent, focused and handsome as he maps out the spot your piercing will be in.

“Gotta get in a little closer.” He warns, voice quite low as he fills the space between your knees with his much larger body, a little marker in his hand to mark where the needle will pierce you. “You ready? It’ll be over like this,” He snaps his fingers, and somehow a snap alone tells you what sort of leader he must be— strong and decisive, for starters. Knowing him this shallowly and for only around twenty-minutes, you’re still somehow quite certain of this.

Strangely, you ache to know more about him, this complete stranger that’s standing between your legs without a lick of impropriety about him.

“I’ve waited two, agonizingly long years for this.” Your voice drops to a whisper as tears slowly fill your eyes, and you hope Kensei’s gorgeous, amber eyes can’t see them. “I’ve never been more ready, Kensei.”

Understanding, Kensei nods slowly; he’s quite familiar with the ache of waiting, the cruelty that comes with the already unpleasant anxiety that patience brings. Whatever your reasons for waiting are, you’ve finally come to the end of that journey and it’s with great pleasure that he finds the perfect center of your philtrum, dotting your skin with the black marker and picking up the fresh forceps. “It’s gonna pinch, but it’ll be fast. Open up for me.”

Kensei delicately pulls at your parted lip, pinching it between the forceps as he takes the needle in his free hand. Your chest heaves, each breath of air filling your lungs as quickly as your anxiety dispels the air— the needle moves, and your fingers grip Kensei’s black tank top as the flesh breaks and the needle protrudes from your lip. He was right about how fast it was (and he wasn’t lying about it being a pinch, though it’s certainly a more painful pinch than he described) and before you can even blink he’s setting the bar in place and screwing the piercing ball on. The sensation is odd, but you’ll get used to it soon enough. Finally, your wish has been granted to you.

Your piercer smiles a bit, giving you a mirror and resting his fists on either side of your legs as he admires his work— he’ll never say it to her face, but Mashiro was absolutely right about this being a good piercing for you. It’s cute. “Looks good. Take care of it.”

Your eyes fill with happy tears this time, and you throw your arms around Kensei’s neck in a hug that surprises him— to his credit, he doesn’t push you away but instead carefully pats your back. You’re able to gather yourself after a moment, and Kensei cleans up the station afterwards. “Grab some disinfectant and clean that piercing at least twice a day. And get an alcohol-free mouthwash, and use it after every meal, every smoke… Every kiss too.”

Snorting ungracefully, you hop off the chair and hook your purse over your shoulder. “Don’t have to worry about that one— I haven’t had anyone to kiss in years.”

“Oh my god, what a coincidence!” Mashiro’s back, and she’s got a broom in hand that she certainly hasn’t actually swept anything with. “Kensei hasn’t either!”

“Mashiro!” Kensei’s voice booms again, and your heart blooms alongside your laughter.

His blush is cute, and you’re already thinking about what your next piercing will be. Perhaps an industrial… Or even your clit.

[lightleckrereins]

Six the musical roman numeral earrings guide

Everyone knows that one photo that was posted right before the originally planned 2020 Six broadway opening with all the earrings. Since then the roman numeral earrings have slowly been rolled out to all productions globally. But there is a problem. Most details of the earring prototypes shown in that photo have been changed since then. So here is a quick earring guide.

Aragon: the prorotype earring shows light gold big hoops with a bar across the middle representing a roman number one, eight long spikes and rhinestones on the outer edge and middle bar. After reopening this were changed to a smaller, thicker hoop with (I think) six smaller spikes with rounded ends and no rhinestones. I'm pretty sure this earrings are gold platted to match the chains so the color changedn a bit too. This version is the standard across all productions now, but in the 2022 UKT cast change (which introduced the earrings to the UK) a different version appeared. Size is between the prototype and regular versions. It has seven spikes, again smaller and rounded, and brought back the rhinestone edge and number, with rhinestones looking wider than in the original version.

Boleyn: the prototype earrings were small silver hoops with six spikes and two bars with white rhinestones across slightly to the side representing a roman numeral two. The new version is almost identical just with rounder spikes and the bars more to the side.

Seymour: the original photo only shows a small part of the Seymour earring but it shows a big silver hoop with a roman numeral three in the center. Both the outer edge and the numeral have white rhinestones on top. The new version looks almost identical (I think the way they are made changed but that is not something relevant to the look).

Cleves: the Cleves prototype is a tall roman four with no hoop. Instead it has a closed earring hook (not sure if thats the proper term in english tbh) attached to a small loop on the top of the earring. The entire number has dark grey rhinestones. The current version is very simmilar, but became smaller going from a sort of rectangle shape to a square. Its also notable that the actors wear only one numeral earring for Cleves on the left ear complimented with a different silver earring on the right.

Howard: the prototype earring was a big silver hoop (biggest out of all the original ones) with two bars in the middle forming a narrow V. The numeral had pink rhinestones on top. The current one seems to be smaller with a thicker hoop and a wider V.

Parr: The prototype Parr was a big silver hoopwith a roman numeral six in the center. The numeral had dark blue rhinestones. The current one seems to be unchanged from that.

All the changes I am pretty sure came out of a combination of comfort, safety and durability. The original sharper spikes in Aragon and Boleyn are more likely to get tangled in the queen's hair and could end up hurting them if pulled. And in general smaller and thicker earrings are more likely to not bounce around. Also early on it was reported that the original material caused Sam Pauly an allergic reaction as it contained nickel so that had to be changed to make it safe for all queens to wear.

Also fun fact: I made my first models of the earrings (and my prototypes) in very early 2022 following the first photo as back then the earrings were still a broadway exclusive and there werent any closeup photos of the new ones. And can confirm all changes make a lot of sense once you wear them with the hairstyle.

[malanijewelers98]

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[shiftingpath]

To My Exalted Secret Santa

An Outcaste Dragon-Blood, a Lunar, and a Deathknight under the cut:

1- The Glittering Blade, Fire Aspect Adventurer and Hero (he/him) maybe you could say that all exalts are heroes, but there’s no other way to put it; the Glittering Blade is a hero beloved by the people of the Jade Road along the Burning Sands. a brilliant swordsman, passionate storyteller, and stunning romantic in search of the history of his people’s warrior-poet tradition before they were conquered by the Realm in the time of his grandmother’s grandmother, Blade has made a name for himself in ten years wandering the Road from Urim to Ember.

though he’s constantly falling in love with people he meets (and usually, saves), very few get close enough to realize he’s much shrewder than simply a good-hearted wanderer, with a calculating eye for his image and a finger on the scale in favour of his own survival. but even if his internal life is more complicated and grey than most know, he continues to risk life and limb for total strangers on a day-to-day basis.

Exalt type: outcaste Fire Aspect Dragon-Blood Anima banner: a bright blade of flame letting off sharp orange sparks Personality: charming, open, friendly, dashing, a bit of a showoff, very courteous Appearance: brown skin, shiny smooth black hair (he oils his pointy beard and the curls around his ears), glowing orange eyes, draws on kohl eyeshadow and paints his face with gold, gold hoop earrings, exciting coloured silks for town, durable black robes for desert wanderings (reference the Tuareg if looking for inspiration here). Artifacts: long thin starmetal daiklave Timekeeper (hilt bound with red and blue strings), red jade chain shirt Edge of the Oasis (red/orange jade at the base up to nearly yellow at the shoulders), orichalcum Collar of Dawn's Cleansing Light keeping him fresh Prompts: practicing the blade, singing or playing a simple instrument (a wooden pipe or a hand drum), excitedly storytelling, wandering the sands with his beloved horse Haizum (dark bay formerly wild stallion, very short and scrappy and not at all elegant)

Reference: 1 2 3

2- The Ninth Hand, No Moon Octopus Lunar Infiltrator (they/them)

who is the Ninth Hand? good luck finding out. formerly a janitor in the service of a Realm sorcerer, they murdered him and stole his sorcerous power, freeing his mutated servants and turning them into their own Monstrous Guild, for the Hand loves nothing more than those society has declared monstrous, disfigured, dispossessed.

they offer themself up to young Lunars starving for revenge for the Realm's cruel acts; they love playing the mentor. they inevitably fall in love with their sibling under the moon, and shift a little to take on their cares and their ways. to their proteges, they offer themself as a spy, infiltrator, sorcerer and guide, and use their incredible skill at stealth and secrecy to pierce their foes secrets and expose their necks to their younger companion. once vengeance is achieved, the Ninth Hand goes on their way, guided by dark dreams and visions, in search of the next moon-blessed sibling in need of a friend.

Exalt type: No Moon Lunar Spirit Shape: octopus Tell: dots of colour appearing and vanishing along their body, as if trying to camouflage themself involuntarily Anima: twisting silver tentacles obscured by black clouds of ink, grasping glimmering gemstones sparkling with power Personality: cool and inscrutable, cunning and cautious, extremely patient and quick to capitalize on opportunity. extraordinarily generous and kind to young Lunars, slaves, and lower class people working their ass off. Manipulation 5 and able to conjure personality in a flash. Appearance: deep blue-toned black skin, silver eyes, black natural hair shaved close. tall and a little lanky. moonsilver tattoos like twisting scarves coiling around their limbs and across their face. wears soft violet pants and a shirt that's just a swag of cloth around their neck. gold rings around one wrist and one ankle. completely androgynous. never wears shoes. Artifacts: Grasping Claw of the Nemesis, moonsilver staff like a piece of twisted paper with an obsidian three-pronged claw at the top for utilizing arcane links to people. Four hearthstones inset into their body- forehead, base of neck, one on each shoulder (check ref image for details). Prompts: cross-legged on the floor with a bowl of burning herbs to have visions with, posed with an extra set of arms from their hybrid form, welcoming their mirror self out of the mirror like a sister, stealthing around Note: wrangling around their appearance is fine since they maintain no signature shape and i just draw them this way for convenience. they tend to take very dark-skinned forms, dark brown, silver, or purple eyes and hair. hair can be any style, but try to keep to natural ones- shaved sides with loc mohawk, afro, cornrows, etc

References: 1 2 3

3- Serpent-Twined Graveflower, Moonshadow Abyssal Agent (she/her)

Flower is a loyal agent of the Mask of Winters, who raised her from her revolting death in poverty and prostitution and gave her everything she needed to become a woman of elegance, grace, and best of all, power. in his service she murders courts; inserting herself into them as someone's treasured concubine or new mistress, and stirring up so much jealousy over her that kings, nobles, and guild factors turn on each other with blades. this is her favourite time of the entire thing, though she also really likes when someone knows she's a manipulative snake but she's already gotten her target too wrapped around her little finger to believe them. :)

while everyone's over there murdering each other, she drags all the finest things in the place into a pile- a nest of silks and velvets, and lounges there for a couple days enjoying the finest treats and wines her victims had stashed away. after some solid hedonism, she rouses herself to check for survivors, whom she deals with by shedding her flimsy robe and any remaining facade of obedience and murdering them herself by peeling off her tattoo artifact soulsteel whip Goodbye Kiss. once they're all accounted for, she goes on home to her master for a pat on the head and a new assignment. she can't wait for the day she can seduce the Mask himself and then he'll be doing her bidding.

Exalt type: Moonshadow Caste, Socialize Apocalyptic Anima banner: a luxuriously blooming white lily, the scent pouring into the world. hiding amongst its petals are multiple sets of glittering black eyes and the hint of scales. Personality: intensely shallow, hedonistic and self-obsessed. loves people who remind her of herself and has fun making an assassination into a bit of a game. to her targets, whatever she figures will work best, though she has a special knack for the fawning, grateful courtesan role. complete mean girl energy. Appearance: curvy woman with flawless porcelain skin and masses of black hair heaped up on her head and falling in little curls, always with a flower tucked in there, usually a lily or rose. dark garnet eyes, wears a lot of dark eye and lip makeup. loves little baubles and jewellery and people often give them to her. has a large wardrobe that is mostly transparent or translucent robes and lingerie in various jewel tones. winding around her leg and torso is the soulsteel tattoo of a thorned vine with barb-edged leaves and flowers. Artifacts: Goodbye Kiss, the above soulsteel tattoo, which she can peel off her body into the shape of a black thorned whip. she always fights with it naked, on account of she doesn't want to rip her clothes taking the whip off, and also on account of she knows she looks great doing it. Prompts: lounging around in splendor in her hedonism nest, choosing out a fun outfit for her next assignment, pinning up her hair with jewels and flowers, practicing with Goodbye Kiss, getting a gift from Ninth Hand, having a luxurious bubble bath Notes: Ninth Hand is Flower's Lunar Mate and they only recently met trying to wreck the same court. they played a fun little spy game setting up dominoes for each other, never meeting in person but sensing each other's influence. things will get more difficult for them when they have opposing goals, but so far they are having a lot of fun whenever their goals overlap, and Hand is the most likely way Flower would leave the Mask. though they haven't technically met, they have huge butch/pillow princess femme energy so like. who can resist that

References: 1

[cobysbling]

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Endnote:

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[myemuisemo]

In the second part of "The Lauriston Garden Mystery," in Letters from Watson, the animal comparisons with people continue. The prior "simian" description of the victim now appears to be in the land of general Victorian biases about looks indicating character, rather than of specific dog whistles. (It's still an idea I'm glad isn't encouraged today.)

Inspector Lestrade, for instance, is given no description beyond "lean and ferret-like," implying he's a wiry, sneaky guy who's good at catching rats. Holmes, by contrast, is compared to a hound -- a classier and more morally noble catcher of vermin.

What the victim has in his pocketses is fascinating.

A Barraud watch is a high-quality pocket watch from the Barraud family watchmaker firm, which operated in the London area from 1727 to 1880 (so, retiring shortly before the story happens), per the British Museum. Holmes reads a serial number -- 97163 -- that may be made up without regard for Barraud's actual serial numbering (watch afficionados get very into Barraud details). Being five digits likely is meant to imply that the watch is newer rather than older.

Gold Albert chain is the style of chain that has a T-bar that slips into the button hole of a vest pocket and a swivel hook that attaches to the pocket watch. They were, unsurprisingly, popularized by Prince Albert, who died in 1861. I can't easily find a source that's specific about how long these specific chains really stayed fashionable, other than that pocket watches in general faded once men's wristwatches caught on in the early 20th century. Having a heavy gold chain at minimum implies the victim is a prosperous and outwardly respectable gentleman who might lean a titch conservative and practical.

Gold ring with Masonic device -- now this raises the BIG question. Are we talking Masons like "Moose Lodge but classier" or Masons like "conspiracy theories"? Even in the 1880s, it could have gone either way. Being a Mason was a gentlemanly thing to do, assuring business connections and a reliable social network when traveling. We're back in an era when everything respectable required an introduction -- gentlefolk who were moving to a new city took letters of introductions with them! -- and simply being a fellow Mason counted. So our victim has upper-middle-class social connections.

At the same time, Arthur Conan Doyle himself joined the Masons at about this time (possibly a bit after the story was written) as part of his exploration of spiritualism and self-improvement. So our victim's being a Mason isn't not a sign he might have deep secrets. (This interview with John Dickie, who wrote a book on Freemasonry, is particularly lively.)

Gold pin -- bull dog's head, with rubies as eyes. Bulldog stickpins or cravat pins were apparently quite popular! This one puzzles me, as the bulldog is ordinarily a symbol for England, but the victim is supposed to be American. And a gold pin is not a cheap souvenir! My next thought is that it's a Yale bulldog, but I'm reaching.

Russian leather card case -- Russian leather was popular for some years before the story because it was durable and resistant to water- and insect-damage. Our victim is willing to pay for quality and/or is taking his card case places where it has a rough life. If the cards only say "Enoch J. Drebber" and "Cleveland," these are his social cards, left when paying calls. (Paying calls was the Victorian equivalent of sending memes to the group chat. You'd go round dropping off your cards at the homes of friends and acquaintances, and a few might be "at home" to invite you in for tea and cakes. Not paying calls was a good way to fall out of contact with society.)

I keep wondering -- why Cleveland? It's a Doylistic question: the American has to be from somewhere, but why Cleveland? An Englishman in the 1880s would have heard of New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Chicago, surely, but Cleveland?

Well. I had forgotten that President James A. Garfield, elected in 1880 and assassinated in 1881, was from Cleveland. Cleveland was in the news. The city was also an industrial powerhouse from the Civil War into the early 20th century, so if the idea is to convey a large, wealthy American city, where society is perhaps less refined than in New York, but not so rough-and-tumble as in "the West," then Cleveland fits the bill brilliantly. Best yet, it was ethnically diverse, with large German and Hungarian populations.

Pocket edition of Boccaccio's Decameron -- it's an era when a man who traveled would carry a pocket edition of some classic book, to while away train trips and nights in hotels. The choice of book should be an indicator of character.

This is probably the 1872 revision of Charles Balguy's 1741 translation, which kept the more ribald bits in Italian. I'm leaning toward thinking that we're supposed to see the victim as a man who liked a bit of the salacious, as no matter how the Decameron is bowdlerized, everyone knows the spicy bits are there (though why is someone else's name in the book? well, someone likes a spicy read).

Letters from the Guion Steamship Company sent me down a rabbit hole of steamship history. This is not a made-up company. This is the JetBlue of steamship lines. Per my plunge into Wikipedia, White Star was known for comfort, Cunard and Inman were known for speed, and Guion was known for transporting immigrants in steerage.

Right around the time of the story, Guion commissioned new ships to try to compete based on speed. This went badly for them, including stranding a couple ships.

Our victim could be sailing Guion as an indicator that he's pinching some pennies, or that he simply doesn't care about White Star-type comforts. Alternately, this could be Chekov's steamship and someone important will later be on a ship that sinks.

Seven pounds 13 is about $300 in today's money. Without ATMs and credit cards, and without a bank book or other financial instruments for a UK bank, this is the money that has to get the victim to Liverpool on the train (there's no train ticket) and cover any incidentals until he embarks. (Or perhaps there's more wherever he was staying?) Depending what he's got to do before leaving, he's decently prosperous.

Whatever point Holmes expected Lestrade to see as "crucial" in wiring to Cleveland (presumably to the police department), I have no idea what it might be.

Holmes' deductions about the murderer are a mix of explainable and mysterious.

Height and shoes are derived from Holmes' painstaking measurements, and Holmes is an expert at identifying cigar ash. (Trichinopoly is an Indian cigar, popular for its mild flavor.) The details of the taxi are from Holmes' examination of the mud outside. (This is definitely not a Playfair mystery where the reader sees the actual clues.)

"Florid face" likely means the murderer drinks, though he could be outdoorsy or have a choleric temperament. The long fingernails must be deduced from the writing in blood, but why were they long?

Victorian nails were kept very short by modern standards, even for women. So "remarkably long" nails might only be half an inch -- but it's a vulgar and exotic detail. I have driven myself into a frenzy in trying to find a fraternal group, religion, criminal activity, or skilled trade where it was normal, symbolic, or practically useful to have long nails on one hand.

In an era with serialized novels and no Wikipedia, readers must have been frantic with asking their friends about tantalizing details. Making all those required calls was doubtless a lot more fun if everyone had read the latest chapter.

So we have a victim who is prosperous and at least surface-respectable, but not quite "nice" and a murderer who sought revenge, has some odd trade, and is likely upset about whatever's to do with the wedding ring.

And what is to do with it? Is it intended for a future bride, taken from a dead one, or left by a runaway?

I'm on tenterhooks to hear what Constable Rance has to say next week.

[mebobags]

Why is the Chanel bag so expensive?

Chanel is one of the most iconic names in the fashion world, and its handbags are coveted by fashion lovers globally. However, Chanel bags come with a hefty price tag—often ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. This raises the question: why are Chanel bags so expensive?

In this post, we’ll explore the factors that contribute to the high cost of Chanel handbags, from their unparalleled craftsmanship to their status as a luxury symbol.

1. Heritage and Brand Legacy

Chanel, founded by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel in 1910, has become synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and timeless style. The brand’s history plays a significant role in its perceived value. Owning a Chanel bag is more than owning a luxury accessory; it’s owning a piece of fashion history.

The iconic 2.55 handbag, introduced in February 1955, revolutionized the handbag industry by offering women a functional, hands-free option. Decades later, styles like the Boy Bag and Gabrielle Bag continue to honor this legacy while appealing to modern trends.

This rich heritage elevates Chanel bags beyond their functional purpose, turning them into collectibles that carry cultural and historical significance.

2. Exceptional Craftsmanship

Each Chanel bag is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Here’s what goes into making one:

Handmade Excellence

Every Chanel bag is handmade by skilled artisans, many of whom undergo years of training to perfect their craft. From cutting the leather to sewing the signature quilted pattern, each step is carried out with precision.

Materials of the Highest Quality

Chanel uses only the finest materials for its handbags, including:

Lambskin leather for its soft, supple texture.

Caviar leather, known for its durability and pebbled texture.

Luxurious hardware, such as gold-plated or ruthenium finishes, for clasps and chains.

Attention to Detail

The quilted stitching, an iconic feature of Chanel bags, isn’t just decorative—it also reinforces the bag’s structure. Each stitch is carefully aligned to ensure consistency. Even the bag’s interior, often lined with burgundy leather, showcases the brand’s commitment to perfection.

3. Limited Supply and Exclusivity

Chanel controls the supply of its handbags to maintain their exclusivity. Unlike mass-market brands, Chanel produces a limited number of bags each year. This scarcity drives up demand and reinforces the brand's luxury status.

Additionally, certain Chanel designs, such as seasonal or limited-edition bags, are only available for a short time. This exclusivity makes them highly sought after and justifies their high price.

4. Strategic Pricing and Brand Perception

Chanel employs a deliberate pricing strategy to position itself as a luxury brand. Over the years, Chanel has consistently increased its prices, making its bags even more desirable.

For instance, the Chanel Classic Flap Bag has seen significant price hikes—sometimes multiple times in a single year. While this may seem counterintuitive, it aligns with the principle of luxury pricing: the higher the price, the more exclusive and prestigious the product appears.

5. Timeless Design and Investment Value

Chanel bags are known for their timeless appeal. A Chanel Classic Flap Bag purchased decades ago still looks stylish today, making it a staple in any wardrobe.

Resale Value

Many Chanel bags appreciate over time, especially rare or vintage pieces. The Classic Flap Bag and limited-edition designs are particularly known for their strong resale value, often selling for more than their original price on platforms like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective.

6. Marketing and Celebrity Endorsements

Chanel’s marketing campaigns are an art form in themselves. From partnering with A-list celebrities to showcasing its bags on glamorous runways, Chanel ensures its products remain aspirational.

Icons like Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, and today’s stars like Margot Robbie and Jennie Kim have all been associated with Chanel, further solidifying its status as a symbol of luxury and elegance.

7. Global Brand Recognition

Chanel is one of the most recognized and respected luxury brands in the world. Its interlocking double C logo is a symbol of sophistication and exclusivity, making Chanel bags highly desirable for those looking to make a statement.

8. Sustainability and Ethical Practices

In recent years, Chanel has emphasized sustainability and ethical practices in its production process. This includes responsibly sourcing materials and investing in innovative methods to reduce environmental impact.

While these efforts add to production costs, they align with the values of modern luxury consumers who prioritize sustainability.

9. The Experience of Owning Chanel

Buying a Chanel bag isn’t just a transaction—it’s an experience. From the moment you step into a Chanel boutique, you’re immersed in a world of luxury.

Personalized Service

Chanel’s sales associates are trained to provide exceptional service, guiding customers through the selection process and ensuring their purchase feels special.

Luxury Packaging

The iconic black-and-white packaging, complete with a camellia flower and ribbon, is a statement in itself. It adds to the overall allure of owning a Chanel bag.

Conclusion: The True Cost of Luxury

The high price of Chanel bags is the result of a combination of factors: impeccable craftsmanship, premium materials, limited supply, and the brand’s rich heritage. Each Chanel bag is more than just an accessory—it’s a status symbol, an investment, and a piece of art.

While the price may seem exorbitant to some, for many, owning a Chanel bag is a lifelong dream that represents success, sophistication, and timeless elegance.

So, is a Chanel bag worth the price? For those who value luxury, history, and craftsmanship, the answer is often a resounding yes.