Charms For Bracelets - Charmed For Life

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Charms for bracelets- a simple definition: a bracelet that is made of metal (usually) with small trinkets that hang from it. The trinkets may have designs on them. They may date back (if early historical images are to be believed) as far as the ancient Egyptians or be even older. That being said, charms today are anything but simple and anything but cheap.

During the earliest times, bracelets were probably made of animal hide or woven plant stems. The trinkets would have typically been wood or animal bone. Occasionally our ancestors would have used some type of gemstone that they were able to pick up off the ground or in easily accessible caves. These charm bracelets could have been the earliest form of jewelry worn.

These bracelets would have been used to ward off the enemy or evil spirits from the person or from their small group of people.  As people grow older, charm bracelets would mark significant milestones in the wearer’s life. Milestones such as the birth of a child, the death of an elder or a victory over an enemy. These events could also have been significant in the lives of their tribe or small community.

Jumping ahead a few years,  charms have a checkered history. The early Christians used charms in the shape of a fish to recognize each other. Some Jews used charms to keep their faith close – something which many Jews do today. They were small versions of the Menorah or Star of David.

During the middle Ages and later, charms made out of silver and gold were exquisitely detailed and finely finished. There were often used to ‘keep away’ the devil or other evil spirits. This practice extended into the Renaissance and beyond and extend to all religious persuasions. Later the charm bracelets, like other jewelry, became large and bulky.

In the late 1800s, the charm bracelets were back in vogue and even Queen Victoria started to wear them contributing to the rage that swept through England. It soon became commonplace for people in all level of society to be wearing them. Jewelry in general moved from the large and bulky with gold, silver and semi-precious gemstones to pieces that became more fine and delicate.

Charms for bracelets became country flags, family emblems, little mementos of relationships and all became popular. Even more so during the two World Wars as soldiers took home small keepsakes for their loved ones from the foreign countries they were stationed in.

This half century resurgence ran out of steam by the end of the 1950s and for a time you could hardly find a charm no matter how hard you looked.

Right around 2000/2001 charm bracelets took off again.  But this time they took on a different look. No longer were they limited to gold or silver. Cut glass, plastics, gemstones and other precious gems are used to make charms. You can get them in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You may have a charm bracelet dedicated to animals or to flowers or to people with their pictures on them.

In today’s world, everyone wears charm bracelets from the youngest to the oldest, from the rich and famous to the not so rich and famous. They can be changed at the whim of the wearer to suit any occasion.

Centered on a special patented threading system, you can add charms of gold, glass beads, sterling silver, and even platinum. You ‘screw’ the charm onto the bracelet and using spacers and clips you can develop themes and designs. Amazon.com has a wonderful selection for you to peruse. Prices can range as low as ten to twenty dollars for the bracelet with charms about the same price. High end prices can be $1,000 or more for a platinum bracelet and charms.

A special type of link bracelet that takes clips with designs, wording, and symbols. They bracelets and the charms come in stainless steel, sterling silver or gold and make up an actual link of the bracelet. Prices ranging from ten dollars and up for the actual charm. The beginning  bracelet can be had for ten dollars and up as well. And of course the price will increase significantly when you get into the higher priced precious metals such as platinum.

1. Up to $50: These charm bracelets are typically sterling silver (to go with your sterling silver stud earrings) with a single charm. You might find a 10k gold bracelet with a few charms in this price range as well. These can be considered ‘starter’ bracelets as you can add charms as you go along.
2. From $50 to $100: these charm bracelets generally contain more charms and are more intricate than the lower priced ones. They may contain very small semi-precious stones. These bracelets with the multiple charms on them are meant to be worn as is – they often don’t have the option to add charms to them.
3. From $100 to $200. Charms for these bracelets at this price level of contain very small, low quality diamonds in them. Again these can be considered starter bracelets. At the upper end of the price range, you start to get a few more charms, heavier chain or bracelet. The gemstones will be larger and the bracelet may even include cultured pearls.
4. From $200 to $500. Charm bracelets in this range can 14k or 18k gold. At the upper end of the range, you may be getting some white gold examples as well. Your bracelet will be more intricate to go along with the charms.
5. From $500 to $1,000 and above. Platinum, larger diamonds better quality diamonds and gemstones and lots of variety. The differences now are in the in the fine quality of design including some filigree work.

You can find amazing deals on Amazon or other reputable online dealers. Your quality will be high and perhaps more importantly they will have a return policy that you can count on. If you are not buying from Amazon, do a search on the other dealers that you are considering. You can find out a lot by reading what other people have to say both about the dealer and the quality of their merchandise. I am sure you will be happy with the charms for bracelets and the bracelets that you buy.

Other jewelry hubs by beattiepedia are: best watches for men, all about diamonds, cubic zirconia jewelry, moissanite engagement rings and more.