Charm Bracelets

Charm bracelets go in and out of fashion, but right now they're very popular! Charm necklaces are also seeing some time in the sun, but bracelets remain the favorite way to show off your charms. Whether you settle for the traditional style or an Italian braclet, you're sure to have fun collecting and showing off the charms that are important to you.

Traditional Charm Bracelets

Charms have been enchanting people since prehistoric times. Frequently referred to as amulets or talismen, the wearing of charms has been associated with magic, mystique, protection, spirituality and love. The traditional charm bracelet is either gold or silver with plenty of links to attach the charms to the bracelet. You can buy them "pre-charmed" or just buy a basic link bracelet and add your own charms. This style has the advantage of being able to hold a wide variety of charms. You might start with five or six, but in a few years you could easily have twenty dangling from your wrist. Charms for this type of bracelet can be very detailed. Some have moving parts (like a wriggling fish) or are working miniatures (such as an abacus). Charms can be attached by jump ring (more or less permanent) or by lobster claw clasp (can be moved around or swapped out).

Italian Charm Bracelets

Italian charm braclets start as a plain band composed of about 18 or 20 links. You snap on charms instead of letting them dangle. These have only been around for a few years, but they have become very popular. Italian charms lie flat, so you never have to worry about them snagging your favorite sweater or breaking accidentally. These are also much less expensive than most charm bracelet charms. Even the most expensive won't set you back more than $50 or so, and you can find many for much less than that. Hanging charms, since they are so detailed on all sides, can be several hundred dollars for gold charms.

Charm Necklaces

Grandmas have been wearing them for years but recent trendinistas have also been spotted with charm necklaces. These are a great way to show off charms that are too large for your bracelet. You can also keep delicate charms away from unforgiving desktops. Further, if you have charms of your children or grandchildren, they will always hang close to your heart. Charm necklaces are popular right now -- wear a few of them for a layered look or just one if your style is a little more subdued.

External Links

• Freewebs.com: list of popular charms and their meanings.
• Silver-and-Gold-Charms.com: Thousands of charms in silver and gold.