Charm Bracelets Fun And Timeless

By Author: Jaimes Watts
Total Articles: 38
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Charm bracelets have been around since the very earliest days of human culture. Among the first decorative artifacts, dating from 75,000 years ago, are shells which have been pierced for wear upon some sort of cord. Probably worn originally as a way to ward off bad luck or evil, early charms were made of clay, bone, or shells.

Later in history charms were worn for similar reasons, but often made of different materials. During the days of Roman persecutions, early Christians wore small fish charms to identify themselves to other members of their faith. Jews would wear amulets containing miniature scrolls of scriptures. Knights of the medieval period wore charms when going in to battle, to protect themselves from injury. And some charms were designed to identify family lineage or political orientation.

Famous Fans

Perhaps the best known wearer of charm bracelets is Queen Victoria of England. Her affections for charm bracelets initiated a fad among the nobility. Charms were filled with locks of hair from ...
... family members and loved ones. With nine children, and a particularly long reign, Queen Victoria had plenty of things to celebrate with charms, but it is said that her bracelet also contained a picture of Prince Albert, her husband, as well as a lock of his hair.

The Story Continues

The next large surge of popularity came during the dark days of World War II. Soldiers brought back charms that they collected after successful battles, from new towns, and as tokens of affection. A status symbol indicating a connection to a returning hero, and eventually a common gift among the financial elite, charm bracelets became highly regarded in fashion circles.

The 1950s and 1960s saw American teenagers gathering charms to commemorate special events and milestones. As the days of the peace movement waned, however, charm bracelets fell out of favor again until the resurgence of popularity resumed 30 or so years later.

Modern Varieties

By the end of the 1990s, several types of charm bracelets were on the fashion scene. Traditional bracelets, such as the ones made popular by Queen Victoria, were still available, but two other formats had burst on to the scene: Italian bracelets, composed of stainless steel links and European bracelets, built from circular charms strung upon a round chain or necklace became the hottest and most popular charm related items.

Italian charms are very similar to their traditional counterparts as each link is dedicated to a particular craft, hobby, profession, or occasion. Smooth in appearance and highly adjustable, these bracelets are particularly popular as casual jewelry.

European charm bracelets, on the other hand, are high end items. With each charm costing $30-$300 or more, and the requirement of at least 20 such charms for a simple bracelet, the price tag is quite high. These charms are made of materials such as silver, gold, precious stones, wood, enamel, glass and more. Much more ornamental in style, a European charm bracelet is clearly a fashion accessory.

What comes Next?

It is difficult to imagine how charm bracelets will continue to evolve. As with any item that comes in and out of fashion, changes are inevitable. Fortunately, there is no reason for you to wait until the next innovation to enjoy your own charm bracelet. Not only are there many charm bracelets available to consumers at ever price point on the spectrum, kits that allow you to completely personalize your experiences exist as well.

To find the perfect charm bracelet, look no further than the Internet. The best site will offer a variety of charms, plenty of tools, and supplies with which to make your bracelet allowing you to capture your memories in a way that is as unique as you are.

Jewelry charm bracelets can be customized in so many ways. Whether you are searching for kits, supplies or assistance in creating the perfect piece, you can find everything you need at design jewelry.