Ring bombs — bath bombs that dissolve to reveal hidden jewelry — are popping up all over Facebook and Instagram in promoted posts and video ads. Which ones are worth your money? Find out by following along as I try out and review ring bombs from all over the Internet! Find all Ring Bomb Bonanza posts here.
The Company: Charmed Aroma
Charmed Aroma is a Toronto-based company that’s been in the game for about four years. They keep their offerings pretty simple — candles and bath bombs — although they offer several different types of jewelry options (bracelets, earrings and necklaces in addition to the usual rings). Their standard ring bombs cost $16.99 (currently there are a couple on sale for $13.99), and they also offer a line of limited edition bombs and gifts sets starting at $16.99.
Unlike some of the other ring bomb companies out there, Charmed Aroma doesn’t offer a direct sales program, a monthly subscription service, or a massive line of a million different products. I didn’t have to click through a series of special offers to shop the website, and I was never confused about what I was getting, so even though I didn’t manage to snag a discount on my purchase, it was by far the easiest shopping experience I’ve had on any ring bomb website.
I selected a Charcoal bath bomb ($16.99; I couldn’t resist the promise of a black gold ring) and the bananas-cute limited edition Donut bath bomb ($17.99). My order was submitted on June 29 and it arrived July 9.
The Bomb
The Donut bomb. You guys, it was so extra. Sprinkles. Sparkles. A layer of pink shea butter “glaze.” Even though I was afraid it would smell like baked goods, which is not my jam at all, ultimately I couldn’t resist this adorable, twinkly bath bomb.
Upon unwrapping it, I was pleased to find that the Donut bomb was not, as I had feared, super vanilla-forward. In fact, I’m happy to report it wasn’t overly sweet or cloying at all. The soft floral strawberry fragrance reminded me of the sadly discontinued Strawberries & Champagne lotion from Victoria’s Secret. (Who else loved that? I loved it so much.) The oversized bomb was fizzy although not particularly foamy, with an average dissolve time. (And yes, before you ask: The sprinkles dissolved in the tub.)
Above all, the Donut bomb was incredibly, mind-blowingly moisturizing. I got out of the tub feeling like I had applied lotion to my skin.
Donut was a hard act to follow, but happily, I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest when I used the Charcoal bomb the following evening. The fragrance was pleasant but not overpowering — a little floral, a little herbal, a little sweet. The bomb was frothy, buoyant and long-lasting, and it left my skin feeling soft and moisturized.
The Rings
When picking out bath bombs on the Charmed Aroma website, I selected the Charcoal bomb not because I was particularly interested in the bomb itself (although I ended up very happy with the bomb), but because it promised a sterling silver ring plated with black gold. I’ll admit to being a bit bewitched by the photos of shiny, delicate black rings studded with pink gems.
My Charcoal ring didn’t end up having a pink gemstone (can’t win ’em all), but I did get a nice surprise — a twofer. The ring is actually rings, plural, as I got a two-piece stacker. I don’t know that I was previously familiar with “black gold” (which can mean a few different things, apparently), but the ring is very pretty — shiny and delicate with nice clear crystals. I’ve worn it a few times already, although I haven’t yet tried mixing up the stacking piece to see if it’s versatile enough to be worn with other rings.
I’m still trying to decide how I feel about the ring that came out of my Donut bomb. Don’t get me wrong — it’s very pretty, delicate sterling silver with clear crystals. I’m just not sure the pointy look is quite my style. Still, it’s very different from anything else I own, and it may grow on me. (Or it may stab me in the finger. Either way, a conversation piece.)
Both rings seem to be of very good quality — no foggy gemstones or loose settings — and they’re definitely unique among my other rings.
The Gimmick
Like the rest of the ring bomb companies, Charmed Aroma dangles a chance at a ring of high value (in this case, up to $5,000). At this point, after redeeming countless bath bomb ring codes, I’m used to seeing the minimum value pop up. So imagine my surprise when I popped over to the jewelry appraisal page, entered my code, and learned that my pointy silver Charmed Aroma ring is valued at $80! Not that the value makes much difference — I definitely wouldn’t have spent $80 on this ring personally, but after all, I didn’t; I spent eighteen bucks. Still, it was an interesting change of pace to see something outside the $15-$25 range.
I was more surprised still when I entered the code for the black gold Charcoal ring and was given an appraised value of $150. Again, personally, would I have spent $150 on this ring? No. Do I think I could sell it for $150? Doubtful. Do I think $150 seems a little generous for a small piece of costume jewelry? Uh, yes. The most expensive black gold-plated 925 sterling silver ring I spotted during a brief Amazon search cost $65. But again, the value of the ring isn’t really the point. The appraisal is just a fun game. If you’re buying bath bombs to find fine jewelry, you’re doing it wrong.
The Bottom Line
I really only have good things to say about Charmed Aroma. The bath bombs were delightful, and the rings are creative and appear to be of great quality, even if the appraisals do seem a bit inflated. I’d like to try some of Charmed Aroma’s candles and maybe some items with other kinds of jewelry inside. (And I just signed up to be notified when this rainbow gift set is back in stock.)
Want to try Charmed Aroma? Here’s a referral code for 20% off your first order of $20 or more!
