When I was a child, as was the fashion, my aunt and grandmother started traditional charm bracelets (link chains with dangling charms permanently soldered on) for my little sister and me. Each birthday, Christmas, or special event, they would add to our bracelets with a charm that commemorated the time, or just held special meaning for us, individually. This continued until we left for college. Needless to say, our charm bracelets are of tremendous sentimental value, and provide a sweet reminder of our childhood journey, as well as the thoughtfulness of both our aunt and grandma.
Today's world of fashion has returned to the charm bracelet as yet another way to overtly express one's individualism. None has succeeded in this mission more perfectly than Denmark's Pandora, creator of unique, fine jewelry, including the world's most inspired charm bracelets.
According to its Web site (http://www.pandora-jewelry.com), in Greek mythology, "Pandora was a woman who was created by the Greek god Hephaestus. Pandora was sent to earth with a box and when she opened it, all the evils of the world escaped. Only the virtues of hope and opportunity remained. It is hope and opportunity that are the inspirations behind Pandora jewelry design."
As one of the most successful jewelry businesses in northern Europe, Pandora made its debut in North America in 2002, and has been growing exponentially ever since. The European design of the bracelet is ingenious, with each charm, referred to as "beads," possessing intricate detail and character.
The Web site states: "The strength of the Pandora bracelet is the unique patented threaded system. Each bracelet is divided into three sections by small threads. Each bead is equipped with interior threads, which allows you to screw individual beads onto any bracelet segment in the order you desire. The beads move freely and rotate slightly with your wrists' movement, creating an undeniable eye catching and stunning effect. From jeans to formal wear, the Pandora bracelet enhances any attire. Each bracelet is as unique as the woman who wears it."
Best of all is its affordability. "The patented Pandora bracelet ranges in cost from $21 for the basic sterling silver to $750 for a solid 14 karat gold. Small attachments cost $9 and the clips and beads range from $20 to over $500."
I was introduced to Pandora through a friend, with my husband's participation, and the fix was in. I love the way it looks; some beads are absolutely beautiful, while others are simply adorable. Pandora is now my drug of choice. Doland Jewelers in Davenport is my dealer, and the only authorized Pandora distributor in the Quad Cities. William and Crystal Doland, just about the cutest newlyweds this side of Montana, operate the Davenport location, while Mike and Priscilla Doland, William's parents, handle the Dubuque store.
The Dolands have been offering jewelry, both mainstream and original designs of their own, to the region for 21 years, beginning in Bellvue, Iowa, then expanding to Dubuque in 1992 and Davenport in 2003.
Doland offers the full range of fine jewelry, but with a flair for the subtle differences that result in pieces not seen elsewhere. In addition, both Mike and William have art backgrounds that are beautifully reflected in their impressive and uniquely elegant work.
All that glitters is not gold, here. William uses, for example, richly colorful Drusy, a miniature geode that bursts with spectral color of every kind in its artful settings of white, yellow, or two-tone gold. From Australian boulder opals to fossilized pine cone polished to a lustrous sheen, one-of-a-kind pendants, rings, and much more mesmerize onlookers.
Pandora was a natural fit as part of the intriguing, visually appealing inventory available at Doland. And I have to also say, William and Crystal have a rare understanding of customer service, as does Marsha and the rest of the staff at Doland.
Because Doland has a "silver" designation as a vendor for Pandora, they carry a large selection of beads, bracelets, and the bulk of an entire complementary line of necklaces, rings, etc. designed with the same spirit of "innovative integrity and originality" that characterizes the Pandora products.
I tell you all this because this coming weekend, November 10, Dolands is having a trunk sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its Davenport store, located at 1611 West Locust Street. This event provides a perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with Pandora jewelry and create your own unique visual story.
Because it is so affordable, for my part, I have started all my sisters, close friends, and in-laws on Pandora because it makes such lovely, meaningful gifts. You can express so much in such a fun, "charming" way, and the gesture is a lasting one, as well as an ongoing one if you choose.
Arranging and rearranging my beads has provided me with hours of distraction, relaxation, and creative satisfaction. The variety of beads available is endless, and the variations equally limitless, from casual to dressy, whimsical to sophisticated, glittering to earthy; each bead combines to create a one-of-a-kind bracelet. I have had as much fun with the process of choosing and building a bracelet as I have had pleasure in the outcome. It is really a form of collecting, giving me a hobby of sorts that I greatly enjoy, has tremendous meaning, maintains its intrinsic value, allows me to share, and is consistently something I can flaunt. What more does a girl need?
Correction
I stand corrected relative to last week's editorial, which stated that Bill Gluba owned "numerous parcels." I misinterpreted the Scott County Web site that lists land ownership. For clarification, especially since no specific number was given, Mr. Gluba currently owns two parcels of land. My apologies to Mr. Gluba for the error.
As an aside, Mr. Gluba might benefit from some friendly advice: Get thicker skin. If the worst criticism during his campaign was mistaken data about the quantity of parcels he owns, then he should consider himself well ahead of the curve. Threatening his naysayers on Jim Fisher's radio program with the comment that such folks had better "watch out," and "I don't get mad, I get even" is a rather dramatic contradiction to his campaign claim of being a "unifier."
