Telling Your Story Through Pandora Charms

The History Of The Charm Bracelet



Charm bracelets have been popular as a personalised adornment since 400-600 BC. In years gone by they were used as an amulet to ward off bad luck and some of the first charms were made of shells and clay, then later, rocks, wood and gems.

Queen Victoria wore a charm bracelet and she is credited to the rise of popularity of charm bracelets amongst the European noble classes in the 19th century. We have come on a lot in today's society but the popularity of charm bracelets is still strong today. Modern ladies have decided they prefer bead charms and clip on charms to the soldered charm bracelets of yesteryear. The European style charm bracelets emerged in 2002, a thick silver chain holds a number of beads which are threaded through.  There are many brands of charm bracelets, but one of the most popular today is Pandora.

Pandora 



This bracelet is inspired by emotions 

Pandora was started in Denmark in a small independent jewellers in the early 80's but it wasn't until 2000 that the concept of the Pandora charm bracelet was created, initially for the Danish market. Pandora grew quickly after that, and is now sold in over 70 countries. Consumers love the pretty modern designs and the way of telling their own story through the individual charms.

Pandora's charms are high quality and hand finished. Bracelets range from the traditional thick snake chains, to thinner chains, cord bracelets and even bangles. Each charm screws onto the bracelet and also dividers are available for added detail. Beads are affordable, and sold at a range of prices but what matters most is the way the Pandora beads tell a story that is individual and unique to you. That is what makes Pandora special - You. Your memories, your experiences and your stories, and the beads you choose to weave the rich tapestry of your life. Charms that really mean something to you.



With more than 600 charms to choose from you will be spoilt for choice. 

First love and lasting love can be symbolised with the Together Forever charm, whilst a marriage can be symbolised with many of the Love charms available - the Bride and Groom charm or the First Dance charm for example. If you have just bought a new house, then the Home charm is perfect and if you have a special birthday there are the 21, 30 or 40 charms. There are charms for babies being born, pets and graduations. I love the travel charms such as the suitcase and aeroplane as I'm always off on a new adventure.


A sample of the many Pandora charms - a chef's hat, an owl graduation charm and a piano

Where To Buy Pandora

I like buying jewellery through independent shops as I always feel you get service personal to you. Robert Gatward Jewellers sell a wide range of Pandora to suit your needs through their four Pandora stores (in Abingdon, Thame, Ipswich and Windsor) and they have well trained, personable staff that give you help and advice if needed. Did you know that when buying a Pandora bracelet, you should allow 2-3 cm of extra space for the charms if you plan to fill it up?


My friend Helen's Pandora bracelet - Mummy To The Max.

Each charm means something special - the little boy charm represents her son, the Amour charm was from her husband and the frog reminds her of her gran as she loved wildlife.

On their website is a nifty Pandora enquiry form so they can tell you which of their stores stock the jewellery you require and they also do a free of charge mail order delivery service. I mean how convenient is that! Just give them ring and your Pandora jewellery will be delivered to your door in no time. You don't even have to live close to their stores.

If you want to find out more check out the Pandora range from Robert Gatward Jewellers.

You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter too which is especially good if you want to ask them a question about their jewellery.

Tell me, do you own or would you buy a Pandora bracelet? What charms would you have to signify your story?

* A post in collaboration with Robert Gatward Jewellers. All words and opinions are my own

29 comments

  1. Pandora beads are beautiful. I wish someone would buy me some lol, I keep asking!

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    1. You need to drop some bigger hints Kate. Maybe leave this blog post up on your computer :)

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  2. I used to have a charm bracelet when I was a child, but I gave it to my daughter for her birthday a few years ago, which was lovely. These look great too.

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    1. That is a lovely thing to do. Some people buy a charm a year for their daughter and give the bracelet to them on their 18th birthday.

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  3. I love pandora bracelets (I also like the old fashioend charms), they're such a lovely personalised piece of jewellery.

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    1. I like the way that each bracelet is different and has different charms and different meanings to each person.

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  4. i used to always like this idea but i do find they are rather costly

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    1. The charms do vary in price, from £20 to much more for the gold charms.

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  5. I have a Pandora bracelet, not that it has that many charms on it. I do like that owl charm, I haven't spotted that one before, I think I'll have to send heavy hints to Hubby.

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  6. I have always wanted a Pandora bracelet, there is something about them, they look so elegant, like they have been made for princesses. Their selection of charms is brilliant, I could spend hours deciding which ones I want. Thanks Mellissa, lovely Post x

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    1. What a lovely description Lucy, " made for princesses ". I think Pandora does have a wide selection of charms, suitable for everyone.

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  7. Pandora braclets are really popular. I have a links of London one that hubby bought me for my 40th

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    1. Pandora is a popular brand and Links of London is another great brand too.

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  8. All of my charms on my Pandora bracelet mean something, I have ones from when I passed my driving test and my first year of uni. x

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    1. Buying a charm, is a lovely way to mark special occasions.

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  9. I love Pandora and all their charms, I especially love their festive and celebration charms and always have a look in the Pandora shop when ever I am in town, even if I don't have the funds to purchase one, I always like taking a look! x

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  10. I do not own a pandora and had never really given them much thought up until now.
    After reading your post i can totally understand why they are so popular. Beautiful charms x

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    1. I am glad that my post gave you an insight into how lovely they are.

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  11. I have a pandora as does the teen and we love them. Chloe also has a more traditional braclet that her grandparents bought her from birth.

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  12. I have a Pandora bracelet, Every charm I have means something and def all together tells a story about who I am

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    1. That sounds lovely Penelope. I would love to see your bracelet.

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  13. I love my Pandora bracelet! Always like to imagine what charms I would buy next if I had the money!

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    1. With so many to choose from it can be a difficult task :)

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  14. I'm not a fan of the charm bracelets but i adore the Pandora rings :-)

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  15. I know so many people that have these bracelets, I feel a bit left out that I don't have one! xx

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  16. Mummy loves her Pandora - as do my sisters x

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