What are Charms? History, Types, and Styling Tips For Charm Jewelry

What is a Charm?

A charm is a small decorative item that can be attached to a bracelet or necklace. Charms come in a vast variety of shapes, sizes, and designs and are made from materials like precious metals, enamel, Murano glass, crystals, wood, fabric, plastic, shells, and more.

History and Origins

The history of charms dates back thousands of years. In ancient times, charms were seen as having magical powers and the ability to protect the wearer from evil and misfortune. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks wore and collected talismans and amulets as good luck charms.

Over time, the protective and symbolic meaning of charms evolved into more of a sentimental meaning. In the 18th century, charms became popular in Europe as mementos marking important events or relationships. The wealthy would collect souvenir charms from their travels to mount into charm bracelets. This tradition of collecting charms as keepsakes continues to modern day.

Charm Bracelets

The most classic way to wear charms is on a charm bracelet. Charm bracelets feature small dangling charms attached to loops soldered onto a chain bracelet. The charms slide onto the bracelet and can be added or removed to create customized and personalized bracelets.

Charm bracelets peaked in popularity in the 20th century. One of the most iconic charm bracelets was owned by First Lady Mamie Eisenhower in the 1950s. She amassed an extensive collection of charms received as gifts that represented her hobbies, family, political career, and travels. This popularized charm bracelets as a way for women to carry memories and express their personal style.

Pandora Charms

One of today's most popular charm bracelets is from the brand Pandora. Founded in 1982 in Denmark, the Pandora charm bracelet system allows wearers to customize their bracelet by threading Murano glass and sterling silver charms onto a branded bracelet. New collections of charms are released regularly based on themes like astrology signs, vacations destinations, hobbies, family, and more.

As seen worn by the character Natalie in the TV series "The Bear," Pandora charms are very recognizable by their intricate Murano glass or enamel detail. Some popular Pandora charms featured in the show are a turtle with signature Pandora styling and a shiny dolphin charm.

Types of Charms

There are many varieties and styles of charms for bracelets and necklaces. From glittering Murano glass, to engraved silver, to colorful enamel, the types and themes of charms available today are endless.

Glass Charms

Handmade glass charms are one of the most popular styles. Using an intricate glass blowing and shaping process developed on the Venetian island of Murano, these glass charms have colorful and unique swirling or mosaic-like patterns embedded throughout the glass.

Crystal Charms

Sparkling crystal charms add shine and luster to any charm bracelet. Austrian crystal elements like round beads or teardrop shapes catch and reflect the light beautifully. Popular colors include transparent, purple, blue, pink, and red crystal.

Enamel Charms

Enamel charms have a glass based coating colored with mineral pigment to create bright, glossy, and durable charms. Vibrant colors and intriguing designs make enamel charms fun statement pieces on bracelets. Pandora is known for their detailed floral enamel charms.

Engraved Charms

Engraved charms have words, dates, symbols, or designs etched directly into the charm's silver or gold surface, creating a meaningful sentimental keepsake. Engraved charms can celebrate events, convey inspirational messages, represent personal interests, or identify the wearer.

How to Wear Charms

Charms are very versatile pieces that can be incorporated into jewelry and accessories beyond just bracelets. Get creative with how to style charm jewelry with these popular ways to wear charms:

Charm Bracelets

The charm bracelet is the traditional way to show off a charm collection. Bracelets typically have several loops attached along the length of the chain so charms can slide on and dangle freely. Move charms around to highlight favorites or feature newer additions.

Charm Necklaces

For a layered necklace look, add a delicate chain with single charm pendants. Or wear multiple charm necklaces together coordination by color, theme, or material. Charm necklace pendants can also be worn on choker or bib-length chains.

Charm Rings

Charms shaped into rings or worn as pendants on chain rings add striking detail to jewelry. Opt for engraved charms, birthstone charms, or initial charms on ring bands or chain rings. Stack multiple charm rings together for a eclectic styling.

Charm Anklets

Anklets are a great way to work charms into warm weather ensembles. Anklet bracelets with dangling charms peeking out beneath hemlines or sandal straps lend a playful and trendy vibe to beachy looks.

Bag Charms

Bag charms clip onto purse handles or straps to incorporate some charm into your accessories. Look for charms with clasps, key rings, or lobster clasps to easily attach bag charms without damaging the bag. Collect meaningful charms that represent hobbies, interests, or milestones to customize handbags.

Popular Charm Themes

From sparkling Murano glass, to engraved silver, to colorful enamel, the types and themes of charms available today are endless. Some of the most popular categories and meanings behind charm designs include:

Travel Souvenir Charms

Capture special trips and destinations with landmark charms like the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, or Golden Gate Bridge. Show off a fun vacation spot with a tropical fish, palm tree, cruise ship, or compass rose charm.

Family and Relationship Charms

Family charms make wonderful personalized keepsakes with birthstone gems for each child or grandchild's month, engraved names or initials, wedding rings, and more. Heart designs represent love and romantic relationships.

Interest and Hobby Charms

Express personal passions and pursuits with themed charms. Ideas include musical note charms for music lovers, chef's hat for cooking enthusiasts, ballet slipper charm for dancers, owl charm for bookworms, and camera charm for photographers.

Inspirational Message Charms

Share words of wisdom or optimistic outlooks through engraved inspirational word charms. Phrases like "Hope," "Joy," "Faith," and "Believe" adorned with crystals make inspiring additions.

Zodiac and Birthstone Charms

Your zodiac sign and birth month gemstone make a special personalized charm. Popular birthstone charms include pearls, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, turquoise gems, and more, set into precious metal dangles or pendants.

FAQs

What are the most popular charm bracelet brands?

Some of today's leading charm bracelet brands include Pandora, Chamilia, Brighton, Links of London, and concentration from Swarovski. These brands offer quality materials like sterling silver, 14K gold, Murano glass, and sparkling crystals with trendy yet classic charm selections.

How do you put charms on a bracelet?

Most charm bracelets have small loops soldered along the length of the chain. To put on a charm, hold the bracelet in one hand and use your other hand to slide the charm's jump ring onto an open bracelet loop. Arrange charms evenly or slide them around to highlight special charms.

How much do charms cost?

Charm prices vary greatly by brand, materials, and stone details. Simple glass bead or enameled charms can cost $10-$30. More intricate solid gold and gemstone charms range from $50 up to several hundred dollars for fine jewelry with diamonds or precious gemstones.

Should your first charm be from someone special?

Many charm bracelet collectors start their first bracelet with a gift of a special charm from a loved one like a best friend, partner, parent, or child. This personalized first charm carries extra meaning. But nothing says you can't purchase your inaugural charm yourself!

How do you clean charm bracelets?

Use a soft polishing cloth to gently wipe down each silver or gold charm to restore shine and remove dirt buildup. For a deeper clean, soak the bracelet in warm water mixed with a small amount of mild hand or dish soap. Gently scrub with soft brush, rinse, and dry with soft cloth.