Today’s Pandora jewellery blog article offers a preview of the hotly anticipated Pandora fall 2012 collection, officially termed A Day’s Tale
The Pandora fall 2012 collection has begun it’s slow trickle into stores. The early leaked images were quite grainy due to being enlarged. I’ve finally received the majority of the images as high quality stock collection photographs and this article has now been updated. In addition you’ll find ordering details for UK collectors towards the end of the article.
Be warned this is a long post but it contains up to date pictures, information, product codes and prices (where available.) This collection is officially known as “A Day’s Tale”.
Image by Pandora
Since the images first emerged was considerable discussion within the community surrounding them. Initially there was a lot of criticism that the Pandora fall 2012 collection was highly reminiscent of existing Chamilia charms.
I decided to take some time to ponder the collection and browse some of the fall fashion trends.
Pandora Fall 2012 – Colour Themes
We see four main colours in the Pandora fall 2012 collection; red and brown and black and blue. The first two are ideal for the cooler months and reflect the change in colours witnessed in nature. Furthermore the two tones will compliment each other beautifully.
The blue is crisp and cool for the winter months and the black is a traditional colour for the season with a wide appeal.
Pandora Fall 2012 – The Sparkles
Some time ago rumours began to emerge that Pandora’s fall 2012 collection would be a sparkling affair. This has certainly proved to be the case with several sparkling charms headlining the release.
These designs come in the form of bejewelled hearts, spheres and dangle style stars. While Pandora have always flirted with subtle bling courtesy of cubic zirconia, these are much more elaborate examples than we have seen before.
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
It’s easy to see why some collectors have argued these to be too similar to Chamilia’s charms. Chamilia’s relationship with Swarvoski has long been established and crystallised charms are common place in their range. That said, I think it’s important not to associate such a broad theme with one brand. With so many charm and bead brands competing for a share of the market, overlapping themes are bound to occur.
Image Courtesy of Chamilia
Image Courtesy of Chamilia
In the fashion world, trends fade in and out of focus and designers often present their own personal execution of a specific theme. For me, arguing that sparkle charms belong to the realm of Chamilia is a little like stating leopard print boots should only be created by Christian Louboutin. While I’d agree that the gem encrusted charms are undoubtedly Chamilia’s trademark, I enjoying seeing other brands bring their own execution of a trend to the market – in this case for the Pandora fall 2012 collection.
Aside from the comments regarding similarities to Chamilia, some collectors have aired concerns that this range may just be over the top. Obviously personal taste comes into this a great deal but it’s worth remembering that it’s difficult to truly judge a product on stock images alone. They’re always very clinical and truly grasping an items size or styling is hard. For example, in the image below clearly created with Christmas marketing in mind, I don’t think the sparkle from the black star dangle looks at all excessive.
Image by Pandora
Fall and winter fashions often boast a tougher edge to them with leather and animal prints all the rage. Colours become predictably darker, materials heavier and specific cuts or the use of exposed metal work can create such trends as biker inspired or rock edge vibes. These can be balanced via the use of more feminine touches and jewellery is a fantastic way to explore this vision. The above star dangles would add a perfect and, in my opinion, not at all overpowering femininity to some of the tougher autumn trends.
The key with sparkling items is to let them shine and keep the remainder of the outfit more subtle. While I don’t think you’d want to fill a bracelet with these new blingy charms, I do believe they’ll add a reach hint of decadence to a bracelet. All this said, I’m a huge fan of bringing a little sparkle to an outfit.
Please Do Not Reproduce Without Crediting
Pandora Fall 2012 – All I want for Christmas…
With the Pandora fall 2012 line comes the compulsory Christmas products. Many collectors wish for new additions to their bracelets and naturally, the brands want to both celebrate and exploit this. As such, Pandora’s fall 2012 collection is comprised of some obligatory festive themed charms.
While the following charms aren’t solely limited to festive appeal, I do believe they’ll feature on many a wish list.
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Pandora Fall 2012 – A New Twist on Familiar Designs
Part of the Pandora fall 2012 collection sees old familiar designs given a bit of a revamp. Firstly the Twenty One charm has been redesigned from a dangle to a bead style.
Image by Pandora
In addition to the twenty one charm above, the eighteen charm is also redesigned in the same fashion.
Image by Pandora
Earlier in the year, a great deal of drama centred around the limited edition Family Ties charm. In the end Pandora asked for a recall on all the charms, offering a gift voucher as an incentive for existing owners. This recall included remaining stock held by retail stores. This naturally increased the desirability of this already coveted charm and many calls have been made to re-release it. Evidently, the company heard and the new Family Forever charm is highly reminiscent of the original design but with a makeover for the Pandora fall 2012 collection
Image by Pandora
The following two images show the original limited edition Pandora Family Ties in gold and silver by way of comparison.
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
A duo toned apple charm, Apple of My Eye, will also make it’s debut in the Pandora fall 2012 collection. An apple currently exists in the current collection and I’m not sure this really constitutes a redesign. The existing apple (pictured below) features a tiny gold worm emerging from the side of it and I’ll openly admit the charm never held any appeal for me.
Image by Pandora
The newer apple for the Pandora fall 2012 collection, features a more simplistic design but still boasts it’s popular duo-tone materials. I’ve been saying for some time that I’m going to create a fairy tale themed bracelet as an ode to the first literature I encountered as a child and this would be ideal to represent a poisoned apple. With a positive explosion in the number of contemporary remakes on classic tales recently, I can imagine many collectors will have the same idea.
Image by Pandora
On the final topic of redesigns comes the Royal Crown. Aside from the gold crown, a white gold crown has existed in the Pandora collection albeit exclusive to the Australian market. It’s been a long standing request of Pandora collectors that a silver version be produced and made more accessible. As such this is a truly welcome addition to the Pandora fall 2012 collection.
Image by Pandora
The crown doesn’t feature the touch of sparkle proudly displayed by the addition of diamonds on the white gold version. Some will undoubtedly mourn this loss (albeit for the sake of the price tag, zirconia would have sufficed) while others will prefer the more simple design. In honesty, with the launch of the pavé charms for the Pandora fall 2012 collection, I’m not sure more sparkle would have been needed.
Pandora Fall 2012 – Fascinating Faceted Glass
When it comes to glass beads, Trollbeads have always been leagues ahead of the competition though I would argue that Pandora have made huge progress with their recent releases. The Pandora fall 2012 collection brings a new style of glass charm to the collection. The aptly named Fascinating glass charms come in six colour variations and boast the popular faceted cut.
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
These look considerably larger than Troll’s own version (prisms) with a slightly more complex cut. How they’ll stand up to the stiff competition of Troll’s own prisms (which are just stunning for the most part) has yet to be seen.
The product codes for the entire range are as follows:-
- Red Fascinating – 791066
- Blue Fascinating – 791067
- Pink Fascinating – 791068
- Black Fascinating – 791069
- White Fascinating – 791070
- Purple Fascinating – 791071
The price for all naturally remains $45.
Pandora Fall 2012 – The Pandora Cruise
2011 saw Pandora’s first cruise and by all accounts, it was amazingly popular with the ladies that attended. Their stay included various talks and demonstrations in addition to prearranged excursions to Pandora retailers. Each attendee also went home with a goody bag including a unique commemorative charm. Following it’s popularity, there have been many fans asking for a miniature cruise ship to adorn their bracelets. In what seems to be a season for fulfilling collector wishes, the brand obliged and the cruise ship, aptly named All Aboard makes it’s debut with the Pandora fall 2012 collection.
Image by Pandora
Pandora Fall 2012 – Charity Efforts
Trollbeads and Pandora alike both sporadically produce charity charms or beads. Early in 2012, Pandora’s annual support of Denmark’s Indsamling saw the launch of the coveted feather charms. The Pandora fall 2012 collection brings a new murano in support of cancer research.
Image by Pandora
The design of this murano is absolutely unmistakable and will be a very fitting representation for those wishing to show their support of cancer research.
Pandora Fall 2012 – Remaining Duo Tones
Duo tone charms are always popular as they allow people to indulge in a splash of decadent gold without needing to spend the insane amounts of money that gold now commands. Referring back to my mention that Pandora seem to be striving to fulfill many of the long asked for charm designs, another appears by way of the Life Saver charm. This is guaranteed to be popular with collectors working within the medical spheres.
Image by Pandora
Another design I’ve heard many requests for was some kind of jewellery box; undoubtedly as a representation of all the small charm boxes many of us have stacked in a corner somewhere. The base of the charm is also engraved as can be seen below.)
Image Courtesy of Pandora
Image by Pandora
I think this charm is going to be enormously popular with collectors and what a highly appropriate charm to give as a gift – an absolute highlight of the Pandora fall 2012 collection.
The next charm will be another huge hit I think and a perfect commemorative charm of an engagement or wedding. For those that appreciate wearing an engagement ring on a necklace and thus closer to the heart, this could be a perfect compromise when used as a pendant. Unfortunately I have neither product code nor price for this item yet.
Image by Pandora
Finally comes the Heart of Hearts charm, a dangle style heart themed design sure to be popular with many collectors and another highlight of the Pandora fall 2012 collection.
Image Courtesy of Pandora
Pandora Fall 2012 – Remaining Silver Charms
A Pandora collection wouldn’t be complete without at least one token cute animal charm. The Pandora Fall 2012 collection sees the debut of a new cat. Collectors have been practically begging Pandora for a new cat design for some time and this will undoubtedly delight many.
Image by Pandora
The next dangle style charm from the Pandora fall 2012 collection will make a perfect gift for all the fashionistas out there and an absolute must for many bracelets.
Image by Pandora
One particular charm created a lot of confusion when the images were first leaked; primarily because no one could identify it. It ultimately emerged as a Lotus Flower.
Image by Pandora
A contemporary feeling charm comes by way of Climbing Ivy which appears to be a large, focal charm.
Image by Pandora
A similar feeling charm is Hidden Romance, featuring Rhodolite detailing.
Image by Pandora
It’s difficult to ascertain the size of this charm though due to the price tag, I’d guess it’s a larger, more focal piece.
Showered with Love is sure to be a popular new charm from the Pandora fall 2012 collection, as the love themed products always seem an enormous hit.
Image by Pandora
Beaded Beauty is simple in it’s design but really plays on the effect of texture. This charm will be incredibly eye catching and add a tough edge to any combination. This little charm is one of my “must haves” from the Pandora fall 2012 collection.
Image by Pandora
Pandora’s open works designs have proven incredibly successful and popular among collectors so there’s no surprise to see a two new charms built on this concept; Forever Entwined and Wanderlust.
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
In addition to the above charms a silver Koala is set to join the Pandora fall 2012 collection. This has been another frequently requested charm and comes by way of a dangle style design.
Image by Pandora
Pandora Fall 2012 – Remaining Dangles
Some of the sparkly new charms fall into this category and were pictured at the start. There are, however, a couple of other dangle style charms expected in the Pandora fall 2012 collection. The Mi Amor dangle charm pictured below will undoubtedly look beautiful on black themed bracelets.
Image by Pandora
For gemstone lovers, the following dangle should suit though unfortunately, I have no product code for these at this stage. These two charms are in keeping with the colour scheme mentioned initially.
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
A beautiful complimentary ring is launching for the above dangle charm with the with the Pandora fall 2012 collection and will look sublime in the chillier winter months.
Image by Pandora
Pandora Fall 2012 – Gold Charms
Pandora have retired an enormous number of gold charms at the end of July and yet so far, the number of gold debuting for fall seems very limited. For reference, you can read the full details of the upcoming Pandora retirement 2012 by following the link.
As mentioned above, the new charm Wanderlust is also appearing in a gold version, pictured below.
Image by Pandora
Lucky in Love also makes it’s gold debut for the Pandora fall 2012 collection.
Image by Pandora
The Royal Victorian with beautiful black enamel detailing boasts an open work style that will look stunning on silver or oxidised chains. A complimentary ring to this charm is also set to launch, pictured below.
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Finally comes a gold version of the lovely star themed dangles seen initially in silver. Unfortunately I have no product code or price point for this as of yet.
Image by Pandora
Pandora Fall 2012 – Muranos and Enamels
The highlight of the glass is undoubtedly the Fascinating mini collection. That said there are at least two vintage inspired looking enamel charms with beautiful colouring for the cooler months. These are more of my “must haves” from the Pandora fall 2012 collection. With Baroque inspired fashion set to be a key trend for the autumn months, these opulent charms are perfect for making a subtle nod to this theme.
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
For those that like to compliment their bracelets with other accessories, coordinating rings will also be launching in the Pandora fall 2012 collection.
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
In addition, it’s worth noting that the Looking Glass charms from Floral Nostalgia finally seem set to arrive in all markets with the Pandora fall 2012 release. (They never saw a European release.)
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Equally it’s worth noting that the coveted Kiss Me I’m Irish will finally see it’s European debut. This distinctly Irish feeling charm called outrage among collectors when it failed to receive a UK release (particularly as it launched very close to St Patrick’s Day.) I suppose it’s some comfort that at least collectors will have it for the holiday in 2013.
Image by Pandora
Pandora Fall 2012 – Bracelets
Two new leather bracelets are debuting with the Pandora fall 2012 collection, this time in a triple wrap style for the ladies liking something a touch more substantial. These are available in seasonal appropriate grey and black.
Image by Pandora
Image by Pandora
Pandora Fall 2012 – Ordering Information
At the time of writing, the Pandora fall 2012 collection has arrived, in part, in UK stores. As per Floral Nostalgia, the release is being staggered both in terms of it’s arrival dates and the actual stock.
My recommended retailer for UK collectors is the the wonderful John Greed.
For European collectors, Perlen are expecting their stock at the end of August or the beginning of September. As soon as they receive their delivery, I will update the blog so be sure to subscribe.
Pandora Fall 2012 – Conclusion
I don’t think the Pandora fall 2012 collection is as contemporary feeling in terms of it’s design as Nostalgic Rock was, rather it’s a little more eclectic. That said, I seem to be one of few willing to state that I adore the sparkling pavé charms and absolutely can’t wait for their launch. Autumn fashion is looking to take a predominantly tough edge with all the rock and biker inspired cuts and materials coming back. The femininity these sparkling charms can offer will be a beautiful contrast to the edgier clothing.
Aside from the pavé charms, the absolute highlight for me are the Floral Vintage Enamel charms and rings. Their colours (purple, grey and gold) are perfect for the winter months and their vintage styling is a subtle nod to this year’s Baroque fashion revival. Priced at just £20, adding a few of these to your bracelet will utterly transform it into a vogue accessory for the new season.
Image by Pandora
What happened to the star spacer? I was looking forward to that one
It’s due. Only a small portion of the collection has launched and that is one of the missing charms at the moment
Victoria
Hi Victoria, I was looking at the new collection on the Pandora website and saw a charm in the Lookbook I hadn’t noticed before called Hidden Romance… it doesn’t appear to be available in the UK though
do you know anything about this? Why wouldn’t we receive that particular one? Thanks!
Hi,
Sorry for the delay in replying.
Is it this charm:- http://www.elisailana.com/content/product.cfm?sessionid=464124312092154838&site_id=1&item_id=29523 ?
Kind Regards
Victoria
If it is, I’m pretty sure the UK will be getting it. The problem is Pandora seem to be having issues with stock again. Most retailers didn’t receive everything they expected to and even then in very small quantities. Perlen sold out of their delivery in a few hours and I know John Greed are waiting on more stock also.
John Greed did receive both the ring and earrings in the Hidden Romance range so I’m quite sure the charm must be expected. It’s probably the same place the pave charms are
I do wish Pandora would get some control over their releases. In my opinion is better they release later but have sufficient stock available in ALL markets as opposed to releasing some places weeks in advance and then watching their retailers sell out
That said, they’re a huge company so I guess the logistics of such a release are crazy.
I went to the Pandora store here in the United States and got most of the new charms I liked. But, the polar bear was not available and the sales girl didn’t know if they were getting it or not. Would you have any information??? Love your page, thanks, Linda
Hi Linda,
As far as I’m aware it’s a globally available charm but I suspect it will arrive closer to Christmas along with all the sparkle charms. Pandora seem to have split the release into two and I think you’ll see the polar bear in the second half of the release. I’ve heard nothing to suggest it’s limited to any specific country so don’t panic
Which charms did you get? I’m very jealous!
Kind Regards
Victoria
Hi, thank you for your answer. I had birthday money given to me early by my hubby; early since from the 13th to the 16th you can get a free silver bracelet at the Pandora store. I got the following charms: dress on hanger,Jewlery box, crown, double decker English bus, Big Ben, ice skate and three pink looking glass beads. My daughter is giving me the angel wings on my birthday. I have the Eiffel tower and Statue of Libery already. I told my daughter the Pandora Panda was on my Christmas list….. just hoping! I love your page and appreciated the sneak preview of the charms. Linda