We continue our Holiday Gift Guide for 2020 with a look at a the Star Wars x Pandora charms. There is still time to order these items direct from Pandora for delivery before Christmas, take the link here for all the details.
Star Wars x Pandora
When Pandora announced, back in the summer, that a range of Star Wars charms would be available from 1st October 2020, there was a lot of excitement. Whilst diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, a Pandora charm bracelet comes very close, and the Jedi News team were curious to see what Pandora would do with the Star Wars brand. We weren’t disappointed!
The complete range consists of eleven charms, two in 18k gold plate and nine in sterling silver; there is also a sterling silver snake bracelet which comes in three sizes, with the Star Wars logo on the clasp, although as always, the charms will fit on any of the Pandora bracelets and bangles, or indeed on a necklace chain.
Gold Plated Charms
The two gold plated charms are the 3D Star Wars logo (priced at £60), featuring hand-applied black enamel to highlight the letters, and with cut out stars on the side, and C-3PO, which has moveable arms and legs, black enamel detail at the waist and engraved grid-like eyes on the oversized head. C-3PO (£70) is one of the charms which lends itself to wearing on a necklace as well as on a charm bracelet.
Sterling Silver Charms
Of the silver charms, three are dangle charms, two of which – the Lightsaber and the Princess Leia – are ‘double dangle’, that is, they have two dangles coming off the bail. All three dangle charms feature a bail with engraved stars set with blue cubic zirconia.
The Lightsaber charm (£55) is inspired by the galaxy of stars seen at the opening of Star Wars films. The front disc has two crossed Lightsabers, one with red stones and one with blue. This openwork disc rests against the solid back disk which is enamelled in sparkly blue, with star detail and the words ‘May the Force be with you’ engraved on the reverse.
The Princess Leia charm (£55) also has an openwork front disc, this one featuring Leia’s head and shoulders in 3D, with four blue crystals on the ring surrounding her. The detail is lovely, with the reverse of this disc featuring the back of Leia’s head. The back disc of this charm has a blue enamelled background with a death star, a planet and some stars. The reverse is engraved with ‘Don’t Mess with this Princess’
The third dangle charm is a beautifully detailed R2-D2 (£60). The likeness is fantastic, with a moving head and arms, machine engraving and detail picked out in red, blue and black enamel.
R2-D2 and C-3PO feature again in their classic friendship pose, on a puck-shaped openwork charm (£35) which features a micro-beaded border, cut out stars and the words ‘In a galaxy far, far away’ engraved around the edge. The reverse of this charm features the 3D Star Wars logo.
The theme of true friendship is also represented by Chewbacca (£45), which features a bandolier enamelled in black and brown and very effective hair patterning.
The gold Star Wars logo charm is also available in sterling silver for £45, with all the same features.
The BB-8 charm (not pictured here and costing £60) is the most colourful of the range, with hand-applied black and orange enamel, engraved detail and a domed head with a 360 degree spin.
For those who are fans of the dark side, the Darth Vader charm (£55) is possibly the most striking of them all, featuring the face mask and helmet, all enamelled in black.
The final charm in the range is The Child (£45), and this is the one which has drawn the most ‘oohs and aahs’ from the team, because for pure cuteness, The Child is hard to beat. The eyes are inky pools of black enamel, and it features the large head with forehead wrinkles, large ears, and the cloak, all of which make The Child instantly recognisable.
The quality and attention to detail are what we have come to expect from Pandora, with thoughtful design which shows they understand the franchise, elegant engraving, and judicious use of enamel, sparkles and stones to provide pops of colour. It all adds up to a luxurious product which gives the wearer an elegant and understated way to zing up their jewellery.
Last orders for standard delivery from Pandora are on Sunday, December 20th, at 9am or for express delivery on Monday, December 21st, at 2pm.
Thanks to Pandora for sending us these items. The opinions expressed in this review are our own.
The Jedi News 2020 Holiday Gift Guide continues soon with Build-A-Bear Workshop.
