Pandora Charms: Start Yours Today

Pandora charms have quickly become a tradition for many today. The vast variety of Pandora charms available today make it the perfect gift for any woman, and there is something for everyone no matter what their particular tastes in jewelery.

Every woman has a different tradition for collecting Pandora charms. Some buy the bracelet and charms right away, others like to start off with one or two and then add to them over time.  They are also perfect gifts for special occasions such as birthdays, wedding or engagements, the birth of a new baby, graduating from high-school or any other important occasion.

Prices range from $40 to over $1,000.  Within that range there is sure to be something affordable.  Bracelets are available in Sterling Silver, Oxidised Sterling Silver or 14ct Gold. The full range of Pandora Charms includes beads made from sterling silver; Murano glass beads, Sterling silver with gold, Silver beads with gold letters, Sterling silver beads and letters, Sterling silver with gemstones.

There is unlimited variety in the design too, including flowers, crowns, fruit, snowflakes, baby buggies, school hats, hearts, smiling faces to name but a few designs.

Spacers, used to separate the beads, are even affordable for the youngest child to give as a present to an older sibling, mother or grandmother.

There are always new Pandora charms being released while other older beads are retired.  There is also a fairly good trade in retired Pandora Charms, as oftentimes people are looking for beads that can no longer be bought in the regular jewellery shops. Some popular beads that have been retired include the Pandora charms with Chinese letters on them, the cell phone, the Coke can, and some of the animal shapes.

The spring 2009 release of Pandora charms include silver purses, animals and decorative beads. There is also a new release of colorful Murano glass along with four new styles of gold beads.

Every Pandora Charm Bracelet is unique, because you make it that way.  If you want the casual look, use the Sterling Silver Pandora charms.  If you’re looking for a more snazzy look, choose the gold charms. Or mix gold with some precious stone beads. A little imagination and creativity and you’ll have a new look for every occasion.

How to Clean your Pandora Charms

• Use a silver polishing cloth and wipe your bracelet before and after you wear it.
• Don’t use liquid jewellery cleaner, it may damage your bracelet.
• Store jewellery in a plastic bag, or plastic lined case when you’re not wearing it.

How can you tell if your Pandora charms are real:

• Most Pandora Charms are marked with the letters ALE and either 925ss for silver, or 585 for gold items. This is the jeweller’s hallmark.  The mark will usually be on the charm itself, or marked on a small attachment.
• Buying Pandora charms from unauthorised dealers, or off eBay may be risky, as you can’t be sure that you are buying the genuine item.