STYLE IN THE CITY/Opening Pandora’s Box at B&C

Photo by Susanne Seidman/Local Kicks Lucky for local family owned and operated B&C Jewelers in Bradlee Shopping Center, generations of experience and a good eye for new products led them to invest in the hottest trend in fine jewelry, Pandora. Meet Mark, Vicki and Brook Forness the family behind B&C Jewelers

At a time in when the word luxury almost sounds like a dirty word, local businesses are working harder than ever to make the sale.
 
It takes a little innovation and a great product to get a consumer to part with her money.

Lucky for local family owned and operated B&C Jewelers in Bradlee Shopping Center, generations of experience and a good eye for new products led them to invest in the hottest trend in fine jewelry, Pandora.  

Think the mass market appeal of Webkinz meets the tradition of the charm bracelet and you might get an idea for the cult following behind Pandora.
 
Still, I was skeptical, so I put my style editor sleuth hat on to find out what was behind the little jewel box with a big name.

In Greek mythology, Pandora, the first woman on earth, was created with many gifts. Pandora was given as pay back to Prometheus by Zeus, after he stole his fire.  
 
She carried with her a box she was, of course, forbidden to open. Her curious nature caused her to open the container letting out evil.  As the story goes, at the bottom of her box was one remaining gift, hope.

Trading on the name of the goddess who was “all-gifted” a two man operation founded in Denmark in 1987, grew into the now global company utilizing the skills of 1,000 people to design, produce and market the collectible glass, silver and gold beads.

Photo by Susanne Seidman/Local Kicks Pandora charms can also work lariat style.

Complete with Pandora clubs, online wish lists and virtual design applications, ladies with borderline addictive creativity can’t get enough of a good thing from chosen retailers.

Two of Pandora’s top designers credit the aesthetic of their mass marketed creations to a mix of creative expression and traditional training, along with a good eye. Lisbeth Larson and Lone Frandsen define design in terms of their concept and geographic inspiration.

Lisbeth Larson believes “good design is something that arouses your curiosity, and something you might even fall head over heals for."
 
"We have a proud tradition for design in Denmark, and I find that even though I might not want a particular piece of designer furniture in my own living room, I can still feel excited about and get that ‘wow effect’ from good design!”

Lone Frandsen echoes the same sentiment, “quality and good craftsmanship are some of the most important aspects to me! But if I had to highlight one special aesthetic that I love and that has influenced a lot of good design, it would have to be Scandinavian simplicity – from its realization in classic Danish furniture craftsmanship to the dominating look in contemporary fashion.”

The American woman agrees.

The simple, snap-on charms allow the shopper to enjoy accumulating beads that create a one of a kind bracelet or necklace.  Special charms for holidays and occasions offer family and friends easy gifts.

The branding message “unforgettable moments” says it all.

With the comeback of vintage and heirloom gold jewelry, mothers and grandmothers are passing along charm bracelets that once marked travels, births and milestones.
 

Photo by Susanne Seidman/Local Kicks Trays and trays of Pandora beads for custom creations get addictive to collectors.

One extra creative Alexandria fashionista fastened together 4 charm bracelets creating a dramatic long necklace. Never has antique been so hot.
 
Not everyone is so lucky. Others prefer a modern take, like Pandora’s, on the traditional collectible.

On the preschool auction circuit, jewelry is a big hit. Nestled between enormous class donated baskets of art supplies and water toys, targeting kids’ summer pursuits, items for mom reign in big bids.  
 
I recently put together a Pandora charm bracelet to put the marketing mojo to the test with this targeted demographic.  Faster than you can say “don’t you pick up that pen and steal my item, sister” the bids ratcheted up.  

For B&C, which continues to see a steady stream of customers for wedding and engagement rings, watch batteries and repairs, Pandora is also a big hook.  With budgeting at an all time high, Shoppers may not be in the market for a birthstone sapphire pendant or diamond anniversary ring but the lure of a $40 silver charm is much more appealing and affordable for gift giving. But collectors will be collectors. Once you start it is tricky to stop.
 
A charm here, a charm there. The glass and gold beads are of course, much steeper in price. Cash registering clinking to a retailer’s straining ears.

Photo by Susanne Seidman/Local Kicks B&C Jewelers is building out a full scale Pandora display.

Will the lure of Pandora charm you? If you are being pulled off LocalKicks.com for your child to hop on Webkinz.com the answer may likely be yes.
 
One for you, one for me.
 
In the spirit of “Buy Alexandria” and as a farewell styling event, Local Kicks.com style editor Susanne Seidman will be on hand at B&C Jewelers in Bradlee Center on June 18 from 5:30 until 8 pm.  Readers who purchase Pandora products totaling $150 or more will receive an exclusive set of authentic Pandora wine charms, perfect for summer get togethers for showing off a good tan and great jewelry.  Wine and cheese will be served to shoppers checking out the latest charms let out of Pandora’s ever growing box.