Charms and Fashion: A Partnership That Transcends Time
Since time immemorial charms has been a part of our daily lives. Charms have been used to bring good luck, ward off possible disaster and to brighten the overall mood of the wearer. Charms come in the form of birth stones, selected metals or symbols. It may be seen adorning bracelets or dangling from necklaces as attractive pendants. More modern designed charms may be seen attached to trendy gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, wrist watches and iPods.
A particular type of charm gaining popularity especially among younger generations is the Italian charms. Italian charms were first introduced in Italy in the 1990s, when the country was engulfed by a massive charm craze. Since then notable icons such as soccer players, glossy magazine models and television stars has been seen wearing these fashionable bracelets. It gained more fame when the Italian charm bracelets reached the markets of the United States of America. Italian charm bracelets have been a fashion must-have all over the world.
An Italian charm bracelet is made up of linked thin metal charms. It may be fashioned in gold or stainless steel. Less pricey charms are made of silver. Because of its incredibly flat structure, it feels like an extension of the skin. It is designed to be worn comfortably close to the skin.
Each metal link of the Italian charm bracelet may be personalized by the wearer. Designs are chosen based on the wearer's mood, fashion style or personality. One of the more popular Italian charms are the astrological symbol. Astrological symbols are engraved on first grade stainless steel then outlined by either gold or silver. These symbols may be linked together with the wearer's nickname or initials to give it a more personal touch.
Other designs may include animals, sports, flags, hobbies and occupation symbols. Dogs, cats, birds and fish are popular among kids. Basketball, soccer, chess, tennis and football symbols are common among teenage boys while fashionable animated characters, hearts, flowers and birth stones are more popular for girls.
There are also 13 mm Italian charms. These are bigger than the standard 9 mm charms. 13 mm charms target the male market. It has a more masculine design and it can also be linked together with the standard 9 mm charms. 13 mm charms are commonly garnished with enamel and gold designs.
For more sophisticated fashion enthusiasts, there are the Zircon, Zoppini and 14K gold Italian charms. These bracelets are more expensive than the standard charms. It is worn not only as a fashion statement but as a depiction of the wearer's social status.
With the current technology, digitalized images may be printed on these stylish Italian charms. Current charms may now be seen adorned with baby pictures, popular models and inspiring landscapes. Laser etching may also be used. Laser etching allows personal messages be encrypted onto the charm. These charms are ideal gifts for friends and loved ones.
The best thing about Italian charms is that retains the personality of the wearer. It is a shout out of the wearer's identity. It is chic and very affordable too.