Today I’m continuing my reviews of the Pandora Autumn 2014 collection with an in-depth look at the King of the Jungle charm! I didn’t notice that charm as much when the initial stock pictures came out, as the beautiful floral motifs captured my initial attention, but it soon became a stand-out for me. With a less cutesy aesthetic and some lovely details, this charm has been one of the most talked-about pieces from the new autumn collection.
The Charm
I just love the detailing on this charm. As I said in my review of the Floral Heart Padlock, one of the things I love about the Autumn 2014 collection is that many of the charms have a more distinctive, edgy look to them. His face has real character, and I love the very regal and noble poise to his expression.
On the other side, we have a luxurious mane. It feels nice and solid to hold – unlike the Floral Heart Padlock, which felt lacking in weight.
His crown is open, and you can see his mane beneath it. This charm would also be good if you’re thinking about doing a Disney theme, or want to create a bracelet using the new Disney charms – he’s perfect for The Lion King, and would contrast nicely with more cutesy fairy-tale pieces!
Underneath, his base is flat – this means that, if you lay your bracelet flat, he will rest the right way up if you place him that way.
Styling
One of my concerns when I first saw this charm in person was that he would look something like a hunting trophy, with his disembodied head. However as soon as you put him in a bracelet design, he looks natural and perfectly at home – not at all like the retired Pandora pig head charm, for example (one which I really don’t like!).
As he is rather regal, my first instinct was to create an elegant two-tone bracelet – the gold is perfect for autumn. This also features a fairy-tale theme, as he definitely fits in with that. I put him in the centre of the bracelet alongside the other animals with crowns – although he’s not two-tone, I think he holds his own!
However, I’m aware that this is quite a romantic design, and that edginess (I can’t think of a better word?) of design should be emphasised, too! Consequently I also styled him on an oxidised bracelet to give a more vintage look. I added the Pandora Rose heart to the centre, as its warm colouring reminds me a little of a lion’s mane.
Speaking of which, I also put together an animal theme to showcase this charm, with it at the centre. This design features a purple colour scheme, traditionally the colour of royalty. ^^ The charm would also look great if you substituted the purple muranos for the animal print ones from the Tame the Wild collection, I think – it would really suit a safari theme!
And if you notice that line going down my Purple Zebra murano – it’s not a reflection. I dropped it and cracked it! :(
My Comment
This charm to me is one that should become a Pandora classic, as it represents a beautiful level of detailing, and character, too. He has a slight fairy-tale-with-an-edge quality to him, one that pleasantly reminds me of some more classic Pandora designs – such as the retired Ugly Duckling charm. I still am slightly wary of the disembodied-head animal charms in general, but in this case I don’t think it looks at all creepy when on the bracelet! ;)
The King of the Jungle is £30 in the UK or $45 in the US.
What do you think of the King of the Jungle? Is it on your wish list?
Good to get also for the symbol of courage .
Oh yes, it would be perfect for that!
This charm is beautifully detailed and regal in appearance. While I have not purchased any horoscope charms, I am a Leo and he does homage to those of us with an August birthday. Love this charm!
I completely agree, he has such a characterful face, it’s lovely! I hadn’t thought of the star sign link – that’s another really great idea! :D
This wasn’t a charm I even thought about getting but after seeing so many pictures of it he’s definitely on my wish list.
Oh good! I was the same – I saw the lovely pictures of it on everyone’s bracelets when the autumn collection first came out and knew that I had to get one haha.
I adore him, I knew that I had to have him as soon as I saw him :) trouble is, he’s homeless at the moment haha, I’m planning an oxi bracelet with him on ;) eep. He’s just so versatile, but I think he looks best on your fairytale bracelet xx
Aha yay, he’d look great on the oxi bracelet! Now you have to get one ;) He is amazingly versatile but I think you’re right – he looks so great with all the fairy tale pieces ^^ xx
I definitely was planning on purchasing the lion. I love the detail and it isn’t delicate.
Is it available to purchase?
Yes, the detail is just lovely on this one! And yep, it’s out now – you can get it from any pandora store or online from an official retailer :)
I bought him as soon as he was available. He is on my everyday bracelet because big cats are my favorite wild animal.
It is an absolutely stunning homage to the big cat. <3
Wow! He is courageous isn’t he? lol. I have been wanting this as it reminds me of the Lion King :D Love all your bracelets design my dear lovely xoxoxo I still cannot get hold of the Clock charm :( Will keep hunting when if time permits LOL! Hugs~ <3 <3 <3 xoxoxo :D
Oh yes it really reminds me of the Lion King – and I like it a lot better than most of the actual Disney charms haha. Aw, that’s such a shame. I’ll have a look too and see if anywhere ships internationally. ^^ xxxxxxx
Apologies for the typo error, cannot understand why there’s a “when” before the “if time permits” LOL!!! Silly me LOL!! :D Perhaps while typing my comments here, I can hear one of the managers here kept asking “When, when, when? I asked you When?” Muahahahhahaha! Pardon my insanity :D
Aha! Just ignore your managers and keep hunting for pandora charms ;)
I know this is an older post, but I have a question about how the king of the jungle charm hold up to general wear! Do you font the spokes button f the crown have bent inwards slightly? I have that problem and not sure how to get the spikes to be straight again. Also his whisker marks on his face have worn off.
Thanks!