Pandora Charms and Bracelets - Myth and Facts
In Greek Mythology, it is said that Pandora was the first woman to ever walk on Earth. When Prometheus stole the secret of fire from Mt. Olympus, the gods became angry that they decided to punish mankind. Zeus, the god of gods, ordered Hephaestus to create a woman out of Earth. This woman was given by all the gods of Olympus, gifts that were supposed to bring misery to mankind. She was given beauty, charms, deceit, cunning, boldness and more. After she was given all these gifts, she was named Pandora, which means "All Gifted".
She was then taken by Hermes to Epimetheus, Prometheus' brother. Despite Prometheus's warning not to accept any gifts from the gods, his brother was captivated by the beauty and charms of Pandora that Epimetheus received her willingly. That, according to Greek mythology was the beginning of man's misery.
Other versions speak of a vessel or a jar (not a box) that Pandora opened. When she opened the vessel, the contents of it scattered and since that time, the lands and the seas were filled with evil. Other texts say that the jar contained blessings but as Pandora opened the container, all the blessings were cast away and were irretrievable.
But whatever the version, one thing is common there was one thing left in the vessel and that is 'Hope'.
Recently, about 25 years ago, a goldsmith named P. Enevoldsen and his wife established a Jeweller's shop in Copenhagen Denmark. They designed, manufactured and sold jewlry and accessories that contained various charms and beads. Usually, these charms are made of sterling silver, gold, precious or semi-precious stones and an item unique to Italy, Murano Glass.
The design of the charms were exquisite and when combined together creates a truly marvelous piece of jewelry. The company sold jewelry parts and customized designs. These charms and beads could be bought separately from bracelet and necklace chains and could be assembled by the consumer themselves if they wanted to. The consumers could also purchase the cutomized jewelry that has already been assembled with the parts they fancied if they wanted to.
The demand for the items increased significantly to the point that the owners decided to wholesale their product to different countries. when they started exporting them, and their designs were openly accepted by a lot of patrons. Their products are known as Pandora Charms / Pandora Jewelry.
Why their wares were named after a Character that brought misery to mankind is something that's difficult to comprehend. Perhaps the reason is the characteristics of each charm used to create one bracelet; each charm design is unique and has its own identity. And when they are all combined to create one piece of jewelry, that piece of jewelry exudes elegance and class.
In this aspect you could say that every piece of Pandora Charm Bracelets / Pandora Jewelry are "All Gifted".
Pandora Charms or Pandora Jewelry also contradicts another description of the mythological character. Contrary to being the cause of evil and misery to mankind, Pandora Jewelry actually contributes to society. It supports the S.G. Komens foundation and Hurricane Katrina Victims by donating a portion of their sales of certain charms to their foundations. Under this context, we could say that perhaps, Pandora Jewlery possess or provides the last blessing left in the vessel: 'Hope'.
Pandora charms and Pandora Jewelry are excellent items. These are classic jewelry that could fit and match any outfit. Whether you are in your casual clothing or formal attire, Pandora Charm Bracelets are sure to match it. In its distinct and creative way, these items have changed the meaning of their brand from being something vengeful to something beautiful and elegant.
