In 1982, Per Enevoldsen and his wife Winnie founded Pandora in Copenhagen, Denmark, to start their journey of making beautiful, handmade silver and gold jewelry. Throughout the years, they kept enhancing and developing their style, which is why it is a challenge to identify if the charm is authentic. They always have the maker's mark on their jewelry, but it's not like they have one standard way to represent their mark.
For instance, one charm has the maker's mark on the side, and the same charm has it on the bottom.
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With Pandora charms' surge in popularity, it's essential to be vigilant about the influx of counterfeit versions. These tips will help you identify fake Pandora charms and empower you to take control of your purchases, ensuring you only invest in authentic ones.
1. Uncover the Quality: Genuine Pandora charms are meticulously crafted from premium metals like silver, gold, and rose gold, giving them a substantial weight. Your role in this process is crucial. By being aware of these details, you can spot counterfeit Pandora charms that often cut corners with cheaper materials, resulting in a light and flimsy charm. Sometimes, you can test the charm with a magnet. If the magnet attracts it, it is fake. Of course, the clips have some metal drawn to a magnet, so try not to panic if your clip is attracted to a magnet; that is normal. Finally, attempt to screw it into your bracelet. If the threads are poorly crafted, you will find it difficult to screw them in. If it is authentic, it will screw in smoothly.
2. Check for Pandora Hallmarks: All Pandora silver jewelry is stamped with "925," indicating that it is made of 92.5% pure silver. The "ALE" hallmark stands for Algot Enevoldsen, the father of Pandora founder Per Enevoldsen. After 2011, Pandora changed the stamp to "S925," signifying Sterling Silver.
Additionally, all Pandora gold jewelry has a "585" hallmark, indicating a purity of 58.5% pure gold. After 2011, Pandora changed the stamp to "G585."
This information is essential because Pandora introduced OpenWork charms in 2012. Therefore, if you encounter any OpenWork charms with a "925" stamp, they are likely fake.
3. Examine the Details: Pay attention to the craftsmanship and attention to detail on the charm. Genuine Pandora charms have precise detailing, with smooth edges and clean engravings. Fake charms may have sloppy engravings, rough edges, or missing details.
4. Verify the Packaging: Pandora charms purchased from authorized retailers come in branded packaging, such as a signature Pandora box or pouch. Be wary of charms sold without packaging or packaged in unbranded boxes, as they may be fake.
5. Research and Compare Prices: If the price of a Pandora charm seems too good to be true, it probably is. Research the current retail prices of Pandora charms and be cautious of heavily discounted or substantially cheaper charms, as they may be fake.
By arming yourself with these tips and making your Pandora charm purchases from trusted sources, you can confidently grow your collection, knowing you're avoiding counterfeit products. Remember, genuine Pandora charms are beautifully designed and retain value over time, making them a wise and reassuring investment for any jewelry enthusiast.