I just discovered the Pandora bracelets and charms while on vacation in Hawaii looking through the tourist jewelry stores. I don't get the appeal of these bracelets. They're just little charms that contain about 30 cents of silver, yet as I recall the charms sell for $20+ dollars. That's an insane mark-up. I don't understand why anyone would pay that. What am I missing? Why do so many people like these bracelets?
Pandora bracelets... continued!!!
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Personally, I like them since I can make it sentimental and that they are not dangly like the old type of charm bracelets, since while I LOVE that style I cannot always wear it due to snagging. Also, I am the girl who kind of has everything and the presents I tend to want are very pricey, so my friends and family can buy me a little something and not spend a huge amount. Yes, they may be a little expensive due to the brand name but i just have a lot of fun with it.
All jewelry has an insane markup. It's obviously about personal taste and tons of people like Pandora bracelets, as evidenced by forums such as this one. Many of us prefer to wear bracelets that have some kind of personal meanng rather than mass produced jewelry that is identical to everyone else's.
Here is my attempt at a polite rebuttal (this has been edited to omit the grouch!):
The appeal of Pandora bracelets, IMO, is that the wearer can become the designer of a personal piece of jewelry. This bracelet can be built all at once(and look amazing) or a little at a time (and look just as amazing), depending on the budget of the purchaser. This bracelet can be sentimental, fun, eclectic, or carefully planned to achieve a particular look.
I am drawn to Pandora because I can start with a small investment of $50 (US) and over time, create a bracelet worth much much more (monetarily and sentimentally.) For some, the spending of $25 for a bead may seem silly, but for the cost of a cocktail, a movie ticket, or any other one-time-experience, I get a bead the commemorates a moment, vacation, or smile for me.
Rather than purchase jewelry I won't wear or forget about, I choose to buy Pandora. Instead of subjecting my family to the "horrors" of finding me the perfect gift, I direct them toward beads for my bracelet and my family thanks me for this over and over, as I thank them for their generosity.
We all know that the mark-up on retail jewelry is huge, yet we enjoy it anyway. I have made it my own Pandora Mission to find ways to get my beads at a lower cost, whether I use Ebay, private sellers, or Pandora promotions.
I don't consider Pandora an expensive collection because the purchaser can choose how much to spend at one time and still add to their bracelet to make it new again! If I were to buy an entire bracelet at one time, it would be a huge investment, but a bead here and there, every one in a while, works for me!
I suppose I could have worse vices...alcoholism and tobacco usage come to mind, but I choose to buy an occasional Pandora bead for my bracelet.
Well said givemegold! I guess Miss Understood that its just not your taste, beware though it can become addictive!
All the beads on my bracelet (sadly, only 6 at the moment, but working on it! 
) mean something personal to me and commemorate something in particular...it's an individual look and can be changed to go with an outfit or a certain color scheme using muranos. I love how it's almost like no two bracelets are the same.
) mean something personal to me and commemorate something in particular...it's an individual look and can be changed to go with an outfit or a certain color scheme using muranos. I love how it's almost like no two bracelets are the same.
I was one of those sceptics as well but after going out to buy charms for my Mum's birthday last year, I couldn't believe there were so many to choose from and not just in silver but silver with gold and all gold - so there's something for every budget and taste.
I now have a bracelet myself and I'm so addicted to buying beads for it. I only started it a month ago and there's not much room left. I have chosen beads that I love as well as ones that are meaningful.
Have a look at the other thread "What does your pandora creation look like" and you will see that everyone has different tastes and creations and you should be able to see why we all love them!
It is the same as high end bags....you pay for the design, quality & obviously the name,or designer. If you frequent these boards then Im sure you get it.
As to the most obvious reasons people enjoy Pandora I couldnt have said it better than Givemegold & Dalmunchkin.
The recent comments also brought to mind a little exchange between my husband & I in regards to my recently completed all silver/blue & clear stones bracelet.
He asked me how much I had in it...so I told him.
Needless to say he was like "what??? for silver???"
So I asked him to take off his double chain huge David Yurman ID bracelet & to compare weight, & details (craftmanship). My Pandora was much heavier, more intricate ( plus stones!) & LESS $$$ than his darn bracelet.
THAT shut him up.
Now is probably the time for me to tell him what the gold & silver one cost me...hehehe
He asked me how much I had in it...so I told him.
Needless to say he was like "what??? for silver???"
So I asked him to take off his double chain huge David Yurman ID bracelet & to compare weight, & details (craftmanship). My Pandora was much heavier, more intricate ( plus stones!) & LESS $$$ than his darn bracelet.
THAT shut him up.
Now is probably the time for me to tell him what the gold & silver one cost me...hehehe
Hi everyone,
I've seen references made to the photo forum showing all of your beautiful creations. But I can't seem to find it. Could someone provide a link? Thanks so much!!
I've seen references made to the photo forum showing all of your beautiful creations. But I can't seem to find it. Could someone provide a link? Thanks so much!!
http://forum.purseblog.com/the-jewelry-box/what-does-your-pandora-creation-look-like-458364.html
Here's the link for the pictures of pandora bracelets!
Here's the link for the pictures of pandora bracelets!
Hi,
You know when I first looked at the cost of all the European bead bracelets (Pandora, Chamilia and Trollbeads) I thought the costs per bead were high. I thought that there wasn't that much raw material to justify the cost etc. That said, I have *always* wanted a charm bracelet and decided to start one for my daughter.
What can I say? I got hooked. I found that I love browsing all the beads, seeing how they could be combined and creating my own combinations. I found that I love receiving beads from my family and I love treating myself to a little indulgence. I love looking at the products, chatting to others online and at trunk shows and admiring their creations. Finally, I get a kick out of wearing my bracelets. I've enjoy them when they have a few beads and when they are full.
Are they a "good buy" or "worth the price?" You could probably argue both perspectives. For me, they bring me joy just like many other indulgences do for others. If they don't ring your bell, I get that. I will say that they speak to a lot of people and their popularity is growing quickly.
You know when I first looked at the cost of all the European bead bracelets (Pandora, Chamilia and Trollbeads) I thought the costs per bead were high. I thought that there wasn't that much raw material to justify the cost etc. That said, I have *always* wanted a charm bracelet and decided to start one for my daughter.
What can I say? I got hooked. I found that I love browsing all the beads, seeing how they could be combined and creating my own combinations. I found that I love receiving beads from my family and I love treating myself to a little indulgence. I love looking at the products, chatting to others online and at trunk shows and admiring their creations. Finally, I get a kick out of wearing my bracelets. I've enjoy them when they have a few beads and when they are full.
Are they a "good buy" or "worth the price?" You could probably argue both perspectives. For me, they bring me joy just like many other indulgences do for others. If they don't ring your bell, I get that. I will say that they speak to a lot of people and their popularity is growing quickly.
Not sure if it is only available in Australia but I'm sure the charm and leather bracelet are seperate purchases - you must buy the breast cancer charm to be able to purchase the pink leather is what the sales lady told me. Looks like they only come in two lengths of 17cm or 19 cm.
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