By Bren Belmonte, September 29, 2026
Stemming from the curiosity of entering the Downtown Disney Pandora store, noticing a skull and blue ship double-dangle charm truly felt like discovering pirate treasure. From that moment, attaching a small charm to a bracelet became more than a trend; it’s a representation of my own individual interests and personality.
As a shopaholic and advocate of self-expression, Pandora’s charm bracelets are more than aesthetic appeal; it successfully reflects consumers’ memories. Every unique charm collected has its own personal story and destination, reflecting sentimental moments.
Growing up, I accessorized my outfits with brightly colored Rainbow Loom and chunky slap-on bracelets, while my childhood friend group traded and shared the rubber bracelets. Now grown up, we purchase matching Pandora friendship rings and charms in commemoration of our close bonds.
Social media influencers highlighting maximalism and expressiveness have helped attract a worldwide audience to the metal charms. Global travelers are especially entranced by exclusive charms from different countries. For example, Disney theme parks have their own charms. The possibilities are limitless for each customizable bracelet, telling the story of the wearer through charm decoration.
Founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1982 and sold in 100 countries, the public company’s mission is to “offer women across the world a universe of high-quality, hand-finished, modern and genuine jewelry products at affordable prices,” according to Pandora’s website.
Pandora’s bracelet base material options include 925 sterling silver, 14-karat gold and rose gold plating along with platinum, leather and fabric cords. The cost ranges from $40 to $400, not including the cost of adding the charms to the bracelet.
This fall, the trend of ‘personality-maxxing,’ reported from a Sept. 8 Cosmopolitan article, highlights maximalist accessories such as Chanel’s kitchen sink necklace, which is full of pearls, florals, different colored beads and whimsical charms.
Gen Z’s embrace of maximalism goes beyond the runway; Pandora bracelets are a representation of fixations and life events. With locations in malls and outlets, the accessibility of the brand develops young adults’ self-expression at a non-designer price tag.
The jewelers’ charm catalog offers a range of charms from holiday collections, personalized engravings, pop culture, mini charms, stars, moons, hearts and milestone celebrations. Personally, I focus on collecting Disneyland-exclusive charms, heart charms and flower charms.
“I am happy that there is representation of my interests,” computer information systems student Diya Syal said. “It has a lot of emotional value to me. If I lost my bracelet, I would be extremely upset.”
Syal’s Pandora collection began on her 17th birthday, a sterling silver bracelet with a charm gifted by her aunt. Now, nine charms ranging from her interest in “Game of Thrones,” “Star Wars” and world traveling.
Pandora proves that maximalism does not need to contain loudness. A customizable bracelet grants consumers freedom to build their personal archive.
To celebrate earning my editorial position at The Poly Post, I purchased the Heart and Angel Wings Dangle Charm. The heart has a message engraved spelling “spread your wings and fly.” Despite the commonly used statement, it was a symbol of my hard work at Cal Poly Pomona.
Despite Pandora’s branding anchoring consumers’ emotions and memories, the added cost of charms conflicts with the company’s supposed affordable luxury pricing. A collector can spend a cumulative price tag of up to $800 per charm bracelet by embracing maximalism.
In response to the growing prices of sterling silver this year and to maintain affordability, Pandora plans to switch their silver products to platinum plating by 2027, according to The New York Times.
As the quality shifts, it’s important to purchase from the brand with caution and note the company’s free one-year manufacturer warranty and cleaning of authentic jewelry at participating store locations.
If wearing the bracelet daily, I recommend taking it off when washing hands, putting on lotion or applying perfume, as these can harm the plating of the bracelet and charms.
In addition, Pandora lacks resale value, making it easy to purchase from second-hand markets or jewelry sections at thrift stores. Purchasing charms from online reseller markets such as eBay, Depop and Poshmark can be up to 50% off their original price.
Pandora may not be a reselling investment, but collecting charms on a bracelet is another way to scrapbook milestones, travels and fixations. Every time I look at my bracelet, it is a reminder of fond memories. That is the real luxury appeal.
