leather

Jewellery made from leather has been worn since the beginning of civilization, combining the beauty of the natural material with an edgy elegance.

Leather is a natural product and one of the oldest used materials across cultures. Leather has been used since prehistoric times to create clothing, accessories, jewellery and even armour. The Ancient Greeks wore leather garments as far back as 1200 B.C., a practice also later
adopted by the Roman Empire, as protective and decorative elements. Methods of preserving and softening leather were considered an art form. In the 19th century, vegetable tanning, using extracts from tree bark, was accompanied by mineral
(chrome) tanning. This process uses chemicals and accounts for about 80-90% of all tanned leather today.

Pandora’s leather bracelets and strings are manufactured in Eastern Europe, Italy and India, and are made from 100% genuine leather from cows of the Zebu species, domestic cattle native to South Asia. The leather bracelets are hand-finished at Pandora’s jewellery crafting facilities where they are fitted with sterling silver ends and clasps.

Transforming animal hide into soft leather that can be used for jewellery involves a number of complex steps, combining ancient crafting techniques and modern technology. As part of the finishing process, Pandora leather is dyed a number of attractive colours.

Pandora only uses tanneries that have REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) certification. REACH is a set of guidelines that are created for the apparel and accessories industries, and addresses the use of chemicals and their impact on health and the environment.

A combination of ancient crafting techniques and modern technology transform natural leather into contemporary jewellery pieces.

Leather is a natural product and its look is affected by climate, moisture, heat and storage. These affects can cause the leather to expand or contract. The leather hides used to make our jewellery vary in thickness and affect the thickness of a leather string or bracelet. Colour variations and marks are also
natural features and do not detract from the quality. Over time, leather strings and bracelets will gradually expand, especially if worn with charms. This is a characteristic of the natural material and is not a defect.

We recommended that Pandora leather bracelets are worn with a maximum of nine charms, regardless of the bracelet size. The sliding leather bracelet should be worn with a maximum of six charms.

Leather is a natural product that requires periodic care to keep it looking good and improve its lifespan. Avoid water or harsh cleaners, which will draw out the leather’s natural oils, causing it to become stiff or cracked and creating bleached marks or streaks. Avoid direct sunlight which will cause its colour to fade.

Care for leather daily by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth. Remove spills or stains immediately using a mild professional chemical-free cleaner or a mild soap. When using soap flakes, add a small amount to lukewarm water and whisk to create suds. Scoop off the suds and then apply them in circular motions to the leather’s surface with a damp cloth. Lastly, wipe the leather clean with a dry cloth and prime with a leather conditioner.