Pandora’s Limited Edition Union Jack Dangle Really Was Limited..

By endangeredtrolls on July 24, 2012 in July 2012

I’ll admit that I’m a skeptic when it comes to the term “limited edition”. I’ve heard it tossed around for years now with seemingly no basis for the term aside from garnering additional sales by creating a frenzy among collectors. In an ideal world, “limited editions” would be quantified by the brand. They would be stamped with an individual number and the company would disclose the total quantity produced; much like the Trollbeads limited edition Anniversary Bracelet which featured a numbered prism (though I’ve heard various rumours that the components of this bracelet exceeded the claim of 5000 units.)

What wouldn’t happen is a charm or bead being released as limited for it to join the collection in unlimited amounts at a later date. Nor would it be released in a particular market only for it to make an appearance in another region far later. There would be no remakes and no exceptions. Why? Simply because it leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of the collectors that go to lengths to obtain a “limited edition”.

Earlier in the year Pandora launched their Best of British collection; three UK themed charms. These consisted of a silver double decker bus with a Union Jack proudly displayed on the roof in enamel detailing, a red, white and blue coloured swirl murano (which unfortunately got marketed as the All American for the US) and a dangle style charm, reminiscent of an Olympic medal with the Union Jack on one side and the year 2012 on the reverse. The latter charm, the dangle, was always termed as “limited edition” but again, there was no elaboration on why it was limited. The range launched globally, albeit with typically staggered dates. (For reference, Links of London are the brand producing the official London 2012 themed jewellery so Pandora’s dangle can’t be referred to as an Olympic medal, despite the similarities.)

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Rumours of supply issues began some time ago when online retailer Perlen sold out of the dangle charm. As fans flocked to Facebook to enquire about resupplies, they were informed that it might not happen.

Earlier on Facebook the following statement was made by a Pandora representative:-

Hi ladies – We have no London Olympics medal, but I think you mean our UK inspired charm, the Union Jack dangle charm. It was only intended to be available for a limited period of time and has therefore only been produced in in a certain number. We have no immediate plans to reassume production. Best, Anita

Australian based retailer Gillett’s are claiming that Pandora have gone one step further and are withdrawing the charm entirely (i.e. are recalling remaining stock.)

Hi everybody, This will be one of the extremely rare times I will be bringing you some unfortunate news. Pandora has withdrawn from sale the Pandora hanging olympic medal charm – Pandora Code 791050 effective 23 July.

Pandora representatives on Facebook evidently know nothing about this but it’s possible the decision lies with the Australian distributor and won’t influence any other markets.

With the Olympics just days away, I’d find it very peculiar behaviour if Pandora were to recall remaining stock and think it’s more likely that once the current charms are sold, no more will be reproduced. As this is a wonderful commemorative charm for the 2012 Olympics, it’s probably worth securing sooner rather than later.