The women's site “Beautiful and Successful” knows very well how much modern fashionistas dream of purchasing beautiful Pandora bracelets, so today we will talk about the rules for assembling such accessories.
For many women, the purchase of some kind of jewelry is not planned, but spontaneous, and is made as a result of a spiritual impulse. Ladies usually comment on such moments with the phrase: “I saw him and fell in love.” Pandora bracelets require serious consideration. This decoration cannot be purchased without prior preparation, otherwise it will look not just trivial, but tasteless. In addition, a set bracelet, just like jewelry that you create with your own hands, has a certain magical power. Therefore, its creation is a whole sacrament, which should begin with the choice of a suitable basis.
How the charm bracelet came about
Its history begins in Copenhagen in a small jewelry store opened in 1982. The owners hired a talented designer named Lone Frandsen. And he immediately began to develop new types of jewelry for the company and came up with a bracelet that made TM Pandora famous throughout the world.
A Pandora bracelet is a piece of jewelry that reflects your mood.
Components of a Pandora bracelet
It consists of a base with a lock, pendants, separators and beads - charms.
Before assembling your jewelry, you should decide whether to make it all silver, gold, mixed, or in some color scheme.
You also need to determine for yourself why it is being created: for daily wear or for social occasions. And based on this data, choose a base, stoppers, separators and a separating chain. And choosing charms is a special process.
Base with lock
After determining the intended purpose, choose the basis for the decoration:
- gold or silver chain;
- hard polished bezel made of precious metal or inexpensive alloy with tips;
- bracelet made of intertwined leather straps;
- a product made from a thin strip of genuine leather (some leather options are presented without tips, and they are wrapped several times around the wrist);
- a narrow fabric cord with beautiful tips.
Read: How to distinguish Pandora from a fake: examples with photographs
In this case, the base has a thickness of 2.5 to 3.5 mm or a little more if it was purchased at a company store.
Pandora bracelet base.
Fasteners are also available in several types:
- magnetic latch lock in the original style or a similar mechanical one;
- a screw-on carabiner, which can be unscrewed for stringing beads and finally screwed back;
- a non-unscrewing carabiner, less convenient, since to add and change elements you will have to unbend the ring connecting the lock to the bracelet, and at the end of the work put it on and fasten it.
In addition to these, there are bases without fasteners, but with fastenings designed for the latter. And the owner of the jewelry can install any lock on them.
Stoppers and dividers
In order for the charms to be evenly distributed throughout the bracelet, fixed stoppers are needed that snap tightly onto the thickenings of the base of the classic bracelet. They do not allow the charms to move and spoil the appearance of the decoration with bald spots. Stoppers are made of silicone or metal.
In addition to them, there are also small separator beads that look like rings and set off large charms and pendants. They are either completely metal or decorated with rhinestones or small precious stones.
Pandora bracelet stoppers and dividers.
What are charms?
Few people know what charms are, and those who know do not think about the name. Yes, yes, these are the same fashionable pendants and beads that are collected on one bracelet. Charm pendants are available in the form of beads, pendants, chains, and dividers. Sometimes fashionistas collect them not only on a bracelet, but also wear them around their necks or use them as earrings.
Charms for stacked bracelets (look in the Sunlight catalogue)
Charms and bracelets for them allow you to create a unique piece of jewelry that will remind a person of certain moments or reflect his inner essence. Beads are purchased separately. They can be strung on a bracelet in any quantity and in any order. It all depends on the mood or the right occasion.
This piece of jewelry can symbolize people, events, or important things in the life of the person who wears it. The design of beads can be very different: both laconically simple and elaborate. Charm bracelets are most valued for their originality and uniqueness; no one else will have the same.
The name “charm” comes from the English word “charm”, which translates as charm or magic.
Charms in the form of pendants cling to the bracelet with special fasteners, and European charms are beads with a wide hole so that they can be strung. Products are produced in the form of pendants, figurines, animals, landmarks and other items. Most often they are silver, decorated with semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals or cubic zirconia. However, you can also find charms made of platinum or gold with precious stones on sale.
How to assemble a Pandora bracelet correctly
To create a custom product, it is advisable to know some rules for its assembly. And we need to start from the basics.
Selecting a base
When choosing a base, you need to take into account the intended purpose of the bracelet.
Leather, textile and even rubber products are suitable for everyday wear. And for receptions and parties, it is better to purchase metal chains or headbands to create a solemn and festive style. However, if the beads are packed tightly onto the base and it is not visible underneath, the material from which it is made is unimportant.
Which size is better
What the size will be depends on the preferences of the owner. For those who like rigidly fixed bracelets, it is better to prefer metal the size of the wrist circumference + 1-3 cm, since each strung element reduces the overall length. And for those who prefer loose jewelry, leather and textiles, which stretch over time, are suitable. It is advisable that there is a distance of 2 fingers between the base and the wrist.
Recommended Pandora bracelet sizes.
Charm selection
After solving technical issues, you can begin to select the main elements of the bracelet.
Choosing them is a fascinating creative process, and you should treat it responsibly.
There are several types of charms:
- Universal, made of silver or less expensive alloys. They are laconic, and it is advisable to dilute them with brighter ones so that the product does not seem dull.
- Expensive beads made of Venetian glass. The design of each charm is original, the color is rich and even.
- Pave. These are metal beads: massive, heavy, decorated with rhinestones or gems.
If your imagination doesn’t suggest anything, listen to the following advice:
- take several glass beads of calm colors and 1 bright one that defines the style and color;
- pick up 3-4 more charms for the second color, not as catchy as the main one;
- add beads with rhinestones or enamel if desired, but no more than 2-3 pieces;
- It is permissible to fill the base of the bracelet with pendants on bails - small elements that act as rings.
You also need to remember about stoppers and separators, because together with beads they create original compositions.
Methods for assembling bracelets
Once the Pandora components are complete, you can begin assembly. There are several types of bracelet designs.
Minimalist design
On the base you put 1 pendant in the form of a beautiful figure, and on both sides there are 2 identical charms, contrasting with the main one in color. This bracelet is soft and goes well with others worn on the same hand, or with a beautiful watch.
Zoning
There are 2 stoppers attached to the bracelet, visually dividing it into 3 parts. It is better if they are “twins” or similar in shape and color. Several identical beads are strung on each part so that the pattern is repeated on each section. And in the center you can add a beautiful pendant.
A Few Basics
If there are a lot of charms, but they do not fit on the bracelet, you can buy several bases. After assembly, all jewelry is put on one hand. The lower one is assembled from large elements and looks heavy, and as you rise, the bracelets should become more and more airy. The top one may consist of only pendants.
Assembly by important associations
To make the product remind you of pleasant events, you can assemble it from beads that give rise to associations with important days. The decoration can be related to a hobby (for example, a theater mask), the birth of a child, an anniversary, etc. It is important to observe moderation and not mix elements of different styles on the bracelet.
Pandora bracelet assembly sequence.
History of appearance and meaning of charms
Since time immemorial, women have worn pendants on bracelets, decorated their necks with them, and believed that such items would protect them from evil spirits and become a talisman and talisman. According to some sources, they arose more than 70 thousand years ago. They were made from clay, seashells, animal bones, and then began to be cut and turned from ivory. At that time it bore little resemblance to a modern Pandora-style bracelet, but in design and symbolism it was no different. In the Bronze Age in Babylon, charms made of rock crystal, turquoise and other stones were worn. Such decorations indicated high social status and a special position in society.
Charm bracelets (look in the Sunlight catalog)
In Egypt, charms were worn to ward off evil forces and to protect the souls of loved ones in the afterlife. These beads for bracelets were made from pure gold using special technology. Naturally, only those who knew could afford them.
There are general meanings for charms on a bracelet, but they are very vague, because it is the owner who gives them meaning.
Of the established cultural symbols, some of the most common interpretations can be identified. Charms in the form of a horseshoe or clover are worn for good luck, a key with a lock signifies strength and power, a tree is prosperity, friendly and helpful people choose pendants with dolphins, but the meaning of hearts doesn’t even need to be explained - of course, openness and love. Changes are symbolized by charms with butterflies, and wisdom is bestowed by owls. Some people collect pendants from different countries, some collect them to remember special moments, some collect them in memory of significant people in their lives.
Gold charms for bracelets (look in the Sunlight catalogue)
The charm bracelet can be assembled to your liking. They give a good mood, motivate, help remember good times and forgotten emotions.
Pandora themed bracelets: photos of charms
A large selection of interesting charms will allow you to create jewelry with a close and important theme.
Family values
A thematic figure that personifies family roots can be called a tree - a symbol of family life and the birth of offspring. The peacock is also a sign of family well-being. In addition, you can use beads and pendants depicting a house, a stroller and a stylized married couple.
Charms “Family Values”.
Friendship
Friendly feelings can be quite strong. No wonder there is a saying that friendship is love without wings. Elements symbolizing friendship - a heart with the inscription “Best Friend”, a flower signed as “Friendship”, etc.
Charms dedicated to friendship.
Love
Hearts exist to express love. Because they are in demand, there are many to choose from, and there are even glass beads filled with tiny hearts. Therefore, choosing a symbol of love is not difficult.
The theme of these charms is love.
How to care
In order for the accessory to please you for as long as possible, it needs to be properly cared for. You should not combine jewelry with other products. Friction between metals can cause scratches.
It is better to remove the accessory during household chores. It is important to avoid contact of the product with chemicals. This will lead to problems. It is recommended to clean the metal periodically. However, it is not recommended to get too carried away with such procedures. This will cause color loss.
It is recommended to protect the product from cosmetics, lotions and perfumes. It is recommended to allocate a separate place for storing the accessory. A separate box works well for this purpose. It will protect from the sun, liquids, and mechanical influences.
size table
| Bracelet type | Wrist circumference | Recommended bracelet size | Maximum recommended number of charms |
| 14 cm | 16 cm | A filled bracelet holds on average about 15-20 charms (including pendants, stoppers, dividers or a connecting chain), depending on the size of the bracelet and the size of the charms | |
| 15 cm | 17 cm | ||
| 16 cm | 18 cm | ||
| 17 cm | 19 cm | ||
| 18 cm | 20 cm | ||
| 19 cm | 21 cm | ||
| 20 cm | 23 cm |
Types of charms
All charms, regardless of design, are removable. Thanks to this, you can collect a new decoration every day. Wear laconic bracelets with one bead or decorate your hand with colorful and life-affirming symbols, like an airplane charm or a heart, buy charms made of natural stones or choose pure gold - it’s up to us.
Clip-on charms (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)
Charms with enamel are inexpensive and always look original. They can be with or without carvings, with stones - artificial and natural. The most budget-friendly are silver charms with an openwork mechanism.
Murano charms have returned to fashion. They look very expensive and stylish. The beads are made using a special technology, they are painted and processed by hand. Each charm is a real work of art. They look beautiful and attractive, the meticulous work of the craftsmen is immediately visible - such charms with quartz can have up to 100 facets. Beads like these are made for perfectionists: you can assemble a bracelet in one color or in a strict composition.
To separate or secure simple charms to a bracelet, stopper clips are used. They snap onto the thickened threads of the bracelet, dividing it into sections. This allows the charms to be evenly distributed on the bracelet without allowing other beads to move freely.
Silver charms for bracelets (look in the Sunlight catalogue)
In order not to lose charms made of gold and silver, and then not suffer from lost money, you can buy a charm in the form of a connecting chain. It will connect the ends of the bracelet, and even if it accidentally opens, it will prevent it from falling and the charms from scattering.
If you don’t have a lot of money, memories or impressions - in general, if you buy charms rarely but accurately, the void on the bracelet can be filled with special separators. They are made of gold, silver, can be similar to pearl charms or decorated with artificial stones, but of a smaller size.
Caring for Pandora Products
To make your jewelry last longer, you must follow the rules for wearing and caring for it:
- to prevent it from being scratched, it must be stored separately from others;
- You should not wear the product when going to the sea, to the bathhouse, or to sports training;
- do not leave it on your hand overnight, as the base may become deformed;
- You cannot clean the bracelet so as not to splash caustic detergents on it;
- the decoration should not be exposed to splashes of perfume or particles of cosmetics;
- if the silver has darkened, you need to rub it with suede, flannel or a Pandora branded napkin; Abrasive cleaning agents must not be used.
If these conditions are met, the bracelet will delight the owner for a long time and attract people’s attention.
Examples of assembling bracelets with photographs
The jewelry is assembled according to one scheme: beads are placed on the base, interspersed with stoppers, neutral separators and chains. And the result will always be different depending on your imagination and taste.
Bracelet with elements of flora and fauna. Bracelet with elements of flora and fauna.
Minimalist Pandora bracelet. Minimalist Pandora bracelet.
Pandora bracelet.
Selecting a base
This is the most important point from which the process of creating an original product begins. First of all, you need to determine which material you like best. You can choose either gold or silver bracelet for charms.
Most girls choose the second option . Gold bracelets are not in great demand, as they come at a much higher price.
Silver bases have varieties . The most popular are semi-rigid and rigid charm bracelets.
You can also opt for an unusual option, for example, choose a textile lace or a leather base. In addition to the interesting design, such products have a number of other advantages. They are inexpensive, look impressive with other accessories and are great for the summer .
Having chosen the base option for the charms, you should choose the right size
To do this, you will need to measure the circumference of your wrist using a measuring tape. In this case, it is necessary to take into account how many pendants will be on the base. The more details, the wider the decoration should be. Otherwise, you won’t be able to put all the charms on him.
