Today’s post finishes off my Pandora Summer 2015 reviews, with a closer look at the Tropicana openwork design! Available in both gold and silver, this is either one of the summer collection’s most expensive or affordable options, depending on which you go for. 😉
While it may be a more simple design, it is very pretty in person, and perfectly captures that tropical feeling that Pandora were looking to evoke with this collection. I got the silver charm during my recent week’s holiday to the south of France and, while there may not be palm trees in Provence, it does nicely conjure up for me the constant sunshine and beautiful colourful landscapes that we enjoyed there. ^^
The charm
This is a very simple design, with its abstract palm leaf motif, and I’ll admit that I didn’t pay it much attention when the first stock images came out. However this is one of those charms that you need to see in person to appreciate the beauty in its details. Moreover, it’s very affordable to compared to a lot of the collection and it offers a cheaper way to add that summery feel to your bracelet design!
In person, you appreciate the elegance of its detailing – the stock image doesn’t quite capture how very clean-cut and neat it is. Other Pandora travel charms often have bright enamel detailing, or more explicit holiday motifs – dolphins, suitcases, boats, etc – but the Tropicana could easily function as a more subtle reminder of your holiday. Its pretty simplicity and abstract design complement a great variety of other colours and colour schemes.
The gold version is more stunning yet, as the warmer tone does evoke that idea of beautiful beaches even more. It’s way out of my price league, but I did allow myself an admiring look in the store. 😉
Styling
My first design for the Tropicana bead features the gorgeous Shoreline sea glass muranos – I recently bought a second one to go with my existing bead, and it’s funny how different they are. I bought my first Shoreline murano in Antigua back in 2013; it is very pale, and nicely chunky in size. My second murano, which I just bought from a UK store, is much darker and warmer in colour. Moreover, it’s also significantly thinner – this seems to be a trend with the faceted muranos of late, and I’m not sure that I approve. 😉
Gripes aside, I am a little in love with the combination of the Shoreline sea glass, the Orchid and white murano glass! I’ve gone for a travel theme for this design, including some simple Pandora silvers such as the Camera, the Lucky Penny and the airline-exclusive I Love To Travel suitcase. The Tropicana, with its pretty palm leaves, fits in perfectly!
For a more beachy theme, however, I went with a tropical teal colour scheme. A little bit of two-tone adds to the warmth of the design and really helps to conjure up that idea of golden sunshine and warm beaches.
Finally, this is how I will be wearing my Tropicana bead! It was the perfect piece to complement the Sparkling Pineapple and the green Petite Facets charms I already had on my leather; adding the pretty teal enamel butterflies charm finished off the design, and I’m rather pleased with it!
Conclusion
While the Tropicana may not be the most exciting offering from Summer 2015, there is a beauty in its simplicity, and it’s the perfect filler charm if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to de-clutter a bracelet design or to space out some of your other pieces. It’s a refreshingly affordable option, too.
The Pandora Tropicana charm is $35 or £25. If you’re in the UK, you can purchase it alongside the rest of the Pandora Summer collection from authorised retailer John Greed.
Did you get this charm, or is it on your wish list? What have been your favourite summer pieces?
Ten articles before and after
Pandora Autumn/Winter 2015 Press Previews | CHURINGA JEWELRY
Pandora Autumn 2015 Collection Full(er) Preview | CHURINGA JEWELRY
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Pandora Pre-Autumn 2015 Collection Debuts | CHURINGA JEWELRY
Pandora News Round-Up for August 2015 | CHURINGA JEWELRY
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Preview: Pandora Essence Autumn/Winter 2015 Collection | CHURINGA JEWELRY
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Review: Green Leather Bracelet from Pandora Summer 2015 | CHURINGA JEWELRY