World Style: Pandora Bracelet

Pandora A/S (stylized as PANDORA) is a global jewelry company founded in Denmark. It sells customizable charm bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces in more than 50 countries. In 1982, Per and Winnie Enevoldsen opened a shop in the Nørrebrogade area of Copenhagen. When the demand for their products increased, the couple shifted their focus to the wholesale business. In 1984, the couple opened a production facility in Thailand, Pandora Productions, and hired designer Lone Frandsen to help create a jewelry line. In 1996, Pandora — strictly a wholesale dealer by then — hired its second designer, goldsmith Lisbeth Enø Larsen, who worked with Frandsen to create Pandora’s signature style and customizable charm bracelet. In 2006, Pandora launched its first store in Hamburg, Germany, followed by locations in Australia, Denmark, Switzerland, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States. Pandora employs more than 2,500 people. The company was sold through an IPO on October 5, 2010. Pandora is perhaps known best for its twist on the classic charm bracelet, introduced in 2000. Pandora bracelets have a patented threading system that allows charms to be placed, added and rearranged. Pandora has created more than 800 handcrafted charms, available in sterling silver, 14k gold and murano glass, sometimes with semi-precious stones or precious gems.

Other accessories for the bracelets include spacers and clips, which secure the loose beads in place and prevent them from falling off the bracelet when it is opened. It also helps with the distribution of weight allowing for minimal stretching. One must screw each bead onto a small section at the beginning of the bracelet and across two small fixed threads along the bracelet. This allows for the separation of beads, creation of patterns and prevents the beads from falling off. A safety chain can also be used to prevent charms falling off and allow for extra security and makes it easier to apply the bracelet onto a person's wrist. Pandora also donates a portion of proceeds from some charms to nonprofit partners, including Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Institute for OneWorld Health. In 2008, Pandora introduced “LovePods,” jewelry made of 18k gold and gemstones such as diamonds, amethyst, peridot, citrine, spinel and topaz. LovePods rings are designed to be combined. Designed by goldsmiths Mads Trolle and Lee Antony Gray, the line includes station-style necklaces, pendants, bracelets and earrings.Pandora in 2010 released a line of Swiss watches. There are 10 different types of watches, all have a black diamond in the crown, sapphire glass to prevent scratching (except double oblong) and are Swiss made. The trademark ability to interchange your jewellery is done in the watch collection by the ability to change the bezels and straps on watches.