Charm Bracelets in History

People started to wear charm bracelets many centuries ago and even if the designs and the material are not the same the concept is still in fashion.

At first charm bracelets had religious functions that date back to prehistoric era. Elizabeth Florance, the president of Jewelry Information Center, declared that Persians, Babylonians, Hittites and Assyrians were the first people who wore charm bracelets in 500-400BC. Those charm bracelets were made from rock crystal, lapis lazuli or other different gems and small designs as men, animals and gods figures were inscribed on them. They were associated with the special powers according the belief of a certain civilization. It was believed that they can offer their owner prosperity and protection against evil and bad spirits. Many ancient people used to pick up the strange stones and wood and to use them to get rid of their enemies. In other civilizations they were worn as a sign of prosperity or as an identity sign.

During the time the charm bracelets lost their spiritual and protective functions and they were considered only fashion jewelry. During the 1890’s charms knew a renaissance and in Victorian England these intricate and elaborate charm bracelets were in vogue. Because Queen Victoria wore charm bracelets with her family portraits these jewelry items gained a lot of popularity.

The Second World War brought another revival of the charm bracelet. They became very popular in America during this period because the soldiers that stationed in European cities used to pick up the charm and give them as souvenirs to their family and friends. Charm bracelets continued to be in fashion during the peacetime as well.

Charms are still a popular. Horoscope signs, travel souvenirs, birthstone charms or family keepsakes counts among the popular themes nowadays. Many people have started collecting different charms since they were children and their charm bracelet has grown in the same time with them. Most of these reflect personal experiences or hobbies. Charm bracelets are able to hold wedding bells, lockets with children or parents’ photos or a delicate replica of graduation cap.

Because charm bracelets are not expensive they are a popular present. For example, a silver charm can be bought with only ten dollar. But it is also true that you can buy a charm bracelet made from gold and set with precious gems with a few hundreds of dollars.

At present the most popular charm bracelet are the Italian charms. They are different from the traditional ones because their charms don’t dangle from the chain but they are inserted in flat links that snap on the extensible bracelet. The Italian charms are often embellished with pictures, symbols, stones, letters, or they have beautiful enamel pictures. You can snap the charms on or off the modular bracelets and in this way you are allowed to create new patterns that mach to different outfits or moods. They are made of 18k gold or stainless steel. The Italian charms characterize through a standard size and this offers the possibility to customize the bracelet so that to fit to every wrist. A small size bracelet holds 17 links or less, a medium bracelet holds 18 links and a large one 19 links or more.

Italian charms are produced by different companies and their costs differ depending on the material they are made of. Those who prefer Italian charm bracelets can buy one for 5 dollars to fifty dollars. Of course, 18k gold Italian charm bracelet is more expensive but besides the fact that it is a beautiful jewelry it can be also considered a good investment, too.