As far back as the Neolithic era, humankind chose to carry unusual stones or a piece of wood as protection from enemies or evil spirits. During the time of the Egyptian pharaohs, the first recognizable charm bracelets and necklaces appeared. These were elaborate pieces of jewelry made of precious stones and metals. Charms were also used to identify an individual to the gods in the afterlife.
Much later during the Roman Empire, Christians identified one another with the "ichthys," or fish charm, they carried beneath their garments to gain entry into secret worship meetings, held sometimes in the catacombs. Medieval kings and knights used charms with incantations for protection. Charms could also represent family origin, political standing and profession. During the Renaissance as superstitions faded, charms began to lose favor with the more wealthy and educated. However, in the early 20th century, it was Queen Victoria who began a charm bracelet trend among the European noble class during her reign. The Queen took to wearing a bracelet with tiny charm pictures of her children.
Charm bracelets again found an audience at the end of World War II. Soldiers returning home from overseas brought along trinkets made by local craftsmen to give their sweethearts. The charms represented miniature replicas of notable locations, such as the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben. Stateside jewelers quickly caught on to the trend and began fashioning charms for all occasions.
Within a decade, the charm bracelet was the must-have accessory for girls and women. Charm bracelets became popular gifts for 16th birthdays, graduations, weddings, and births of children. These tiny links to one's personal history became deeply valued for their sentimental and material worth.
More recently, Italian charms became the rage at the turn of the Millennium. A departure from the traditional hanging trinkets, these bracelets snap into the bracelet rather than dangle from it. The flat, modular charms link together to form a bracelet, keychain or other accessory. Zoppini and Nomination are two popular makers of Italian charm bracelets. Fashion gurus like Louis Vuitton and Juicy Couture have also launched their own Italian charms.
Meanwhile, in both Europe and North America, a new modular charm bracelet trend has emerged. These modular bracelets consist of a chain onto which various beads or charms can be placed. Charms are made from gold, silver or Murano glass. The bracelet's design allows the wearer to interchange the charms and create a totally unique look. Beads can also be worn on necklaces, rings and earrings to make a complete set.
The modular jewelry concept enjoyed acclaim in Europe before coming to the States. Inspired by Greek mythology, it combines versatility with fashion to establish beloved charm and bead bracelets. This jewelry concept also encourages creativity and individuality through its beautiful designs.
Women can create their own look and style for every whim or special moment. For example, you can design the Bohemian romantic, the elegant chic, the raw grace, the 60's flower power, the charmed sophisticate, the billionaire, the simplistic minimalist, or the pure feminine. Modular jewelry can be used to reflect a change in mood or to express personality.
Fast-forward to the 18th and 19th century, this age-old tradition took on new meanings. Queen Victoria made the charm bracelet a vogue piece of fashion when she began wearing charms with tiny pictures of her family members attached to her wrist.
Victorian brides would have charms tied to ribbon and hidden in the bottom layer of the wedding cake, called a cake pull. The bridesmaids would then pull out a charm which was meant to represent their future. A gold ring charm symbolized marriage for the young woman. A ship's wheel charm meant the bridesmaid would soon be traveling. A small baby shoe was the promise of children some day. A four-leaf clover symbolized good luck in life. The tradition of the charm cake pull has been resurrected by many modern brides today who enjoy the sentimentality of an age gone by.
Later, soldiers returning from World War II gave their sweethearts with small charms that represented famous landmarks in Europe. Charms such as the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben served as reminders of cities the soldier had helped liberate. European retailers quickly caught on to the trend, creating charms from celluloid, tin and sterling silver to fill the demand. Back in the States, young women wore these charms on bracelets and the tradition was transformed into a whole new trend in the 1950s.
It became a mark of good society for young girls in post-World War II to be presented with a charm bracelet around her 13th birthday. Thereafter, a charm would be added to the bracelet as the girl reached new hallmarks of her life. Charms represented a girl's hobbies and interests, such as friends, school, travel, and beaus. The tradition carried on into adulthood as the woman married and became a mother.
As time went on, mothers began passing the charm bracelets of their youth to their daughters. The charm bracelet could represent the "something old" for a new bride who proudly wore her mother's charms about her wrist. Some of these charm bracelets still remain today and can be purchased through estate sales and in antique shops. These living history lessons tell a priceless story when passed from one generation to another.
While the demand for charm bracelets waned for several decades, they re-emerged again. The return of the charm bracelet has been an exciting one, with designers creating bracelets in new designs and materials. For instance, the Italian-inspired charm bracelet launched a completely new form in which the charms snap into the body of the bracelet, rather than dangling from it.
Since 2002, the Danish-inspired European charm bracelets have created a whole new trend that built on the success of the "add a bead" jewelry of the 1980s. The modular bracelet consists of a chain in sterling silver or gold onto which various charms can be strung. This interchangeable design allows the wearer to change the look of the bracelet. Charms are designed from Murano glass, gold or silver. Because bracelets have threaded sections, beads swivel on the bracelet with the movement of a wrist, creating an eye-catching effect.
Today's charm bracelets are ideal for any occasion. Many young mothers are accepting a charm bracelet with the birth of a new child. Charms are chosen to represent the birth months of the mother, father and children. Other special hallmarks in life, such as graduations, weddings and anniversaries are perfect occasions to surprise a loved one with a charm bracelet. As the woman wears her bracelet through the years, she can add to it and change its look as she desires. Charm bracelets are also perfect best friend gifts. Or, a group of close college friends might wear charm bracelets to represent their lives and friendships. Each friend chooses a charm to symbolize her bond to each woman.
Both Ann Knapp & Ron Peterson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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