Gold Charms
Historically charm bracelets were worn by both men and women to symbolize their dedication to faith. In ancient Egypt’s religious symbols were carved into wood or stone and beaded on bracelets to be worn on a daily basis. Medieval knights also wore religious charms under their armor to protect them in battle and in competition. Towards the beginning of the 12th century charms were worn by people in Europe to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. Charm bracelets became popular in the mid 1800’s because Queen Victoria wore many different gold charms for religious and superstitious reasons. Many high class individuals followed in her style creating many new styles of charms.
In America charms were brought home by troops returning from European countries during World War II. The charm craze has been going strong in America ever since. Many American jewelry manufacturers began to create charms to portray things other than religious or superstitious symbols. In the 1950’s it was very popular for teens to collect gold charms to record important life events. There have been many trends over the years that keep charm bracelets constantly moving in and out of popularity. Regardless, charm bracelets are still extremely popular with women of all ages.
Today, there are many different styles of charm bracelet, the most popular charm bracelet being the European style bracelet. This style of bracelet incorporates many dangling charms that can depict everything from the cross to a dog bone. Because of their booming popularity European style charm bracelets are made from an array of materials. It is not difficult to find silver or gold charms, wooden charms, glass charms and even plastic charms. There extreme diversity in style make them perfect for individuals of any age, with any interests, and with any budget. You can purchase a charm bracelets and an array of charms at any jewelry store and its even common to find them at local retailers. Often times the charms constructed from wood, glass or plastic are relatively inexpensive. However, gold and silver charms can be a bit pricey.
A recent trend in the style of charm bracelets is the Italian style charm bracelet. Rather than having dangling charms that are beaded or clipped onto a bracelet, Italian charms are designed with links that interlock with one another, creating the actual bracelet. These links lay flat against the wrist, so there is no dangling charms that are at risk of getting torn off. The links are typically made out of metal and you can purchase them in pure silver, sterling silver, titanium, alloy and even gold. The links that make the bracelet also act as the charms of the bracelet. The links have objects engraved or printed on the side of the bracelet that is visible when it is worn. This allows wearers to purchase an array of silver or gold charms and easily interchange them. Not all links have to have objects engraved on them, plain charms are available. This allows users to have as many or as few charms on a bracelet as desired.
A typical Italian charm bracelet is made of 18-24 links that can be purchased as separate silver or gold charms and then connected together. Additionally entire bracelets made of blank links are available for starters. It is extremely easy to add and remove links from one another with their interlocking design. You can purchase charms for your Italian bracelet in many different themes; from stones to words and even pictures. This style of charm bracelet is prefect of anyone of any gender and any age. They are also extremely affordable and often times you can find links and charms for under five dollars apiece.