The Pandora white gold collection saw a limited trial release in 2012, and only appeared in Australia and New Zealand. It was a collection of 14kt white gold charm jewellery, offering a diamond-studded version of the classic barrel clasp bracelet and a small selection of accompanying white gold charms.
The collection by all reports was very expensive – all stones used were diamonds. For this reason, despite its rarity, it’s not as highly sought after by Pandora collectors, as the price point puts it out of reach for most. *UPDATE* Prices added – many thanks to Leanne!
This strikes me as Pandora experimenting with directions in which they could take their brand – either moving into greater luxury, or targeting the affordable jewellery market. In the end, the other way won out and this collection was quietly retired and not rolled out further.
Pandora limited edition white gold collection
The regular Pandora charm bracelet got a very luxurious makeover for this collection, with Pandora’s signature crown studded with an extra diamond. This ranged in price from $2,299 AUD to $2,899 AUD, depending on which size you opted for.
I adore this clip, and think it should see a re-release in a silver, two-tone or regular gold finish. This was $499 AUD.
Much like the Rose collection, the designs selected for the white gold line are mostly elegant and decorative. This was $999 AUD.
The Matrix was $499 AUD.
My favourite of this set is this beautiful charm. I love the regular gold version of it (it has pink sapphires in it), but it’s also really lovely in white gold. It was priced at $1,299 AUD.
The Sparkling Heart charm was $599 AUD.
The Constellation was $1,299 AUD.
The Royal Crown is the only vaguely character-based charm – it would make quite the centrepiece for a bracelet! It was $1,099 AUD.
This lovely flower dangle has a diamond nestled at its centre. It looks a lot like the older flower dangle clips, but it’s actually just a regular charm. This was $899 AUD.
Just think how expensive this cross must have been, with those five diamonds! *update* It was $899 AUD.
There were two spacer options, one offering a simpler plain gold design, priced at $199 AUD.
And the other decked out with diamonds, priced at $599 AUD:
Pandora’s original concept for a white gold safety chain was this stunning design. However, it was never released, which is such a shame as it’s so lovely!
In the end, they went with this white gold version of the existing gold safety chain instead, priced at $499 AUD:
I suppose a concern with this collection might be that it looks too similar to the regular silver range, but to me the finish looks quite different from regular silver in person. As you can see in these lovely images from @unnopandora, it’s so much more luminous and ‘white’ in person. I am quite covetous of that diamond charm bracelet!
My Comment
I can understand why Pandora eventually decided that this was the wrong direction for them, but I do love a few of these pieces. The Foliage clip, original safety chain concept and the Freesia diamond charm are just stunning! To all those lucky enough to own some of these beads – enjoy. :)
Oh Ellie, I love the updates on your site. The white gold cross was $899 Aus. I have an old book with the prices. Crazy prices considering they would have to be rhodium plated depending on your skin type. All those pieces would add up. Two of the pieces were $1299 Aus each. The safety chain $499 Aus. The bracelet $2299 -$2899 Aus. I can see why they didn’t continue with it. I love the safety chain they didn’t make. Why is that not in silver. It’s probably the prettiest and most versatile design ever. I would love you to do a rare jewellery review. I have some very old pieces and would love to see if they make the list.
Ooh I’d love to see the catalogue and to see what the original RRPs were. If you ever get the chance to take a couple of pics of it, I’d be fascinating to see if you could send me them (email is mora0pandora@gmail.com). The prices you mention are even higher than I thought! The bracelets in the live photos must be worth an absolute fortune. The safety chain is pretty, isn’t it? I wonder why they never went ahead with it! Perhaps if the white gold collection overall had got the green light they’d have tried it. I do have a couple of article on rare jewellery up in the ‘exclusive charms’ menu and I’m going to be updating it with a more comprehensive list as soon as I get the chance! :D
Dear Leanne,
Do you have the code for all the white gold pieces? Are you willing to share? Thank you!
Hi Ellie,
I had no idea this collection existed! It is stunning! However, well out of my price range, also, the charms are more decorative as you say. Lovely to see, would be fantastic to own one bead but I think the silver and the odd gold charm will do it for me.
Great to learn about this concept.
Cheers!
Lisa K
Hi Lisa! No, this collection never made that much of a splash at the time, but it is lovely. In an ideal world, I’d love the bracelet, the clips, that original safety chain and the freesia diamond bead. We can dream, right, haha! :)
Sorry to but in, but utterley gobsmacked as to the countries that Pandora only trialed this gorgeous collection in. Why only Australia and New Zealand? Are Pandora of the impression we mere mortals in the UK and elsewhere could not possibly afford it!
A bit short sighted of Pandora and I would love to see this White Gold rolled out in my country…any chance you can pursued them please Ellie?
Well they only released for 2012 and not here in the US which is why I missed it! I good thing, I would have bought it! For the love of not cleaning sterling, LOL. But at my age, I am nearing the end of my collecting will only buy a few favorites a year. So I am relieved, and now will just be very particular and pay very close attention to a theme. I so love all my bracelets and my collection is huge. I have always been a 14K person and happy that collection was small. Your posts are so informative Ellie. I really enjoy keeping up in touch. So far, not in love with the Mothers Day collection. But I have changed my mind in the past. Bows! Ugh!
Aha, that’s true, no tarnishing to buff out! Sounds like you have a wonderful collection. I would like to have added some of the 14kt gold pieces to my collection, but unfortunately I don’t have the patience to save up when I could get X number of silver or two-tone beads for the price.Patience is not at all my forte, haha. I do love look at pictures of other people’s beautiful collections, though.
So glad you’re enjoying the posts, and it’s lovely to read all your comments on them!
Well they only released for 2012 and not here in the US which is why I missed it! I good thing, I would have bought it! For the love of not cleaning sterling, LOL. But at my age, I am nearing the end of my collecting will only buy a few favorites a year. So I am relieved, and now will just be very particular and pay very close attention to a theme. I so love all my bracelets and my collection is huge. I have always been a 14K person and happy that collection was small. Your posts are so informative Ellie. I really enjoy keeping up in touch. So far, not in love with the Mothers Day collection. But I have changed my mind in the past. Bows! Ugh!
Ohhh! That white gold is stunning!
Hi Ellie!
I too covet that bracelet! Wouldn’t that be a stunner for our collections…
Thanks for the drool-worthy pictures!
The foliage safety chain is stunning. I could not justify buying these pieces on price but if they ever decide to release that safety chain in silver or better yet TT then definitely a yes for me. Can tell for sure it is white gold rather than silver especially important as I don’t separate any of my jewelry by metals.