Charm Bracelets
The history of charms goes back to ancient times. They can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt where Egyptian pharaohs wore charms in the form of amulets as protective shields to ward off evil spirits and also as a sign of their status. Then during the middle ages, charms were worn by kings and knights for protection in battle and later to they wore them on their belts to represent family origins, their professions and shoe their political standing.
Interest in charms waned during the renaissance, until Queen Victoria started wearing charm bracelets. This was the beginning of wearing charms as a fashion accessory, rather than a protective, practical or spiritual use. Charms then became items of decoration, sought after pieces of fashion jewellery among the European noble classes. Locket and glass bead charms were the most popular. The end of World War II then saw another surge in the popularity of charms when soldiers returning after the war brought handmade charms back to their love ones and during the 1950’s charm bracelets became the must have piece of jewellery.
However by the 1970’s they began to disappear from fashion before reappearing again in the 1980’s, but it wasn’t until after 2000 that they really took off and today they are one of the most sought after items of jewellery in the world. So while the popularity of charms has come and gone over the years, they keep on returning and it looks like they are here to stay for the time being anyway.
Charm bracelets come in many different styles. There is link bracelet styles onto which charms can be hung such as Ti Sento and Hot Diamonds, rope bracelets onto which charms or beads are screwed such as Pandora and Tara’s Diary or flat bracelets which are made up of interlinking flat charms. The new trend of chain bracelets onto which numerous charms can be added and interchanged really only took off in the 21st Century, although originally introduced in the 1970’s. But no matter what style they are, they all have the same idea and that’s to hold charms that signify a special event or relationship, so each charm bracelet will be unique to the wearer.
Charm bracelets can be worn by anyone and for any occasion depending on the style of bracelet. They make wonderful gifts and once someone has the bracelet you are never stuck for a meaningful gift as you can buy a charm to mark every milestone and occasion from birthday to wedding, anniversary, new baby, new home, honeymoon, holiday reminder, Valentines day, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, communion, confirmation, new job, best friend, favourite pastime, favourite animal, favourite colour…and the list goes on. There is something to suit all budgets and tastes which is why charm bracelets are so popular with every age group. You can start off small with just the bracelet and add charms over time or you can fill your bracelet to your liking and have a finished piece of jewellery to wear immediately. That’s the attraction of charm bracelets, there is no right and wrong, it’s all up to the individual wearer to make their individual statement.
Pandora Charm Bracelets
- Hot Diamonds Charm Bracelet
Tara's Diary Charm Bracelet
