Today saw the release of the limited edition Pandora Club charm in several territories, including the UK. Other markets are waiting until the previously-stated release date of the 13th of March, so some ladies will have to wait until then. I myself was lucky enough to be able to purchase the Club charm this morning from my local concept store, who assured me that the numbers of this charm were really quite limited. As some ladies are unable to see the charm yet for themselves, I have decided to put this review up sooner rather than later, so that they can share in the fun too! ;)
Background
The Pandora Club charm is especially for Club members, and requires a special voucher to purchase it. It is a limited edition piece, and is reportedly pretty limited in numbers. For further details on purchasing the charm, see my post here.
The Pandora Club charm is a miniature charm box and, like the recently-released Gift from the Heart charm, it has an articulating lid, which actually opens. Inside lies a tiny heart charm, studded with a diamond.
The Review
The charm came with a cute sleeve, which stated the charm’s limited edition status. I have to say that I’m a sucker for all kinds of fancy packaging, so, although it wasn’t a special box, I liked that little touch.
The bottom of the charm is plain, aside from the ‘S925’ hallmark stamp. As you can see, the burnished silver surface is very smooth and prone to scratching. I’ve not even owned it a day and it is covered with little marks; this is going to be inevitable if you wear the charm on your bracelet.
Getting the charm open poses something of a difficulty; there is no indent in the lid for you to insert your nail, so it is somewhat tricky. You have to really prise it open, which I feel slightly loathe to do as I’m very conscious of how scratchable this charm is!
However, having said that, the inside of the charm is beautiful. A miniature of the classic Pandora heart charm is nestled inside, but with a slight upgrade; the stone at its centre is not a cubic zirconia, but a 0.01 carat diamond!
The lid is engraved with ‘PANDORA CLUB 2014’. This I really love; it heightens the charm’s collectability and makes it feel that much more special. The inclusion of the date also suggests the possibility that the Club charm might become an annual event.
In fact, the inside of the charm is so lovely that I am reluctant to close the charm, as I think it undoubtedly looks prettier open. However, the lid opens and shuts far too freely if not clicked close, and it’s impossible to wear comfortably. I think, practically, it has to be worn closed, which is a bit of a shame as it hides the diamond!
Pricing
The prices are set as £60 for the UK, $75 for the US, $99 AUD for Australia, 69 euros for Europe and 89 CHF for Switzerland.
Conclusions
I love this charm; the inclusion of the diamond makes it extra special as well for Club members. My only reservation is that it’s such a shame that you can’t see how beautiful a design it is when it is shut.
However, I do think that the Club charm’s release in the end has been a tad shambolic; the vouchers have been released online for some territories, but this does not mean that the charm is necessarily being sold yet. Some more solid information would have helped the situation a lot, as would have a more uniform release.
Furthermore, the fact that several UK online retailers are selling it without any need for a voucher somewhat defeats the special nature of the charm; you don’t even need to be a Club member to buy it! This undermines the whole point of the Club charm’s exclusivity, and I’m slightly baffled as to why Pandora have allowed that.
Are you sold on the Pandora Club charm? Are you going to buy it? Let me know!
Hi. I think it is a really cute charm however I am not going to buy it. My boyfriend Gave me the gift from the heart charm for Valentines Day and it is the same idea. It opens and it has a ring inside. I thing is beautiful and it’s a cute idea but yes it is such a nuisance to get it open! I don’t even try to open it anymore because this one is also smooth silver and I do not want to risk scratching it. It’s really a shame that my charm and the new pandora Club charm are so pretty on the inside but no one will really ever see it.
I can see why you wouldn’t want to have both the club charm and the Gift from the Heart as they’re so similar in design… The Love Note is also articulated and is pretty easy to open, so maybe that’s a more successful version of the idea?
I have tried wearing the charm a bit more with the lid open, but the lid flapping around is still annoying me :/ I don’t mind too much, though, as I know that it’s a special piece and I’m pretty thrilled to have it in my collection ;)
Ellie
I purchased it today from a Pandora store on my lunch hour. I did have to use my. voucher and felt like a VIP doing so. I love it and even though the diamond is not visible I think it is neat. The lid protects it and keeps it safe. I put it on my love and family bracelet (1 of my 4 bracelets) and it looks good. I love hearts so it only made sense. The diamond is absolutely gorgeous and has an awesome color. Glad a bought it!
I’m glad you had such a good experience buying it. :) I’m also in love with the charm itself – the diamond is beautiful, and I love the concept alone! I have been experimenting with wearing the charm open, and it’s become less annoying as I’ve got used to it… so, if it doesn’t bother you, you could wear it for people to see it. :)
Ellie
I’m still debating if I should buy or not. I know Pandora will start making more club members only charms. I would have to buy them all. I thought maybe the new Limited edition bangle with pave clasp for $75 would be neat to put only club members charms on. I do think only club members should be able to buy them with their voucher.
I love your bracelet idea! The new bangle is gorgeous, too; it would be nice to use it for something special.
I agree; I think they should have stuck to their guns and made it a Club exclusive. It would make it feel more special, and Pandora wouldn’t lose out too much, as I don’t think anyone who isn’t a Club member would want it anyway! :/
Ellie
I just started collecting the pandora charms this year and got already this 2014 special members club edition and loved it so much, can’t wait now for the 2015 special edition.
I got the 2014 club charm today, beautiful in person.
Awesome! I love the originality of its design :)
Yay! I really loved the 2014 charm, too – the 2015 charm is very pretty, but the 2014 version is much more original in design I think. I will probably end up with them both though haha.