How to tell a Pandora Charm is Authentic

Pandora bracelets are also known as "charm bracelets." Small charms and beads can be purchased individually and attached to the bracelet. However, some stores and online sellers try to pass off "fakes" as authentic Pandora charms. Authentic charms are made of quality materials and worth more than their fake counterparts. Know what to look for on authentic Pandora charms and beads so you don't get ripped off.

Instructions

1

Inspect the jewelry itself. For example, authentic Pandora charms will not have painted-on colors or raised designs. The design in a Pandora bead runs all the way through the actual bead.

2

Inspect the charm for the Pandora logo a small king's crown. This is also known as the "hallmark logo." Find the logo on the inside or underside of the charm. However, charms lacking this logo are not always fake as Pandora did not start using the crown logo until 2008.

3

Look for the initials "ALE" printed somewhere on the charm or bead. These initials stand for the father of the creator of the Pandora brand.

4

Check for the number "925" on silver charms; "585" if the charm is gold.

5

Verify that the charm was purchased from an authorized Pandora retailer or directly from a Pandora store. Check the official Pandora "find a store" website included in the Resources section of this article. Alternatively, visit the retailer and look for signage indicating "authorized Pandora retailer." Look at your receipt as it will be marked if your charm came from a Pandora store or authorized retailer.

6

Access the current stock list under the "Explore" link on the Pandora website. Look for your charm. If your charm does not look like any of those on the website, it may be a fake.