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Charm Bracelets Buying Guide

The popularity of charm bracelets  has ebbed and flowed over time, and the beginning of the 21st century has marked yet another peak in their desirability.  From traditional charm bracelets to designer brands and Italian styles, the variety of charm bracelets  available on the contemporary market continues to grow.  So if you're scouring the web for the perfect gift  for your girlfriend or are simply looking to treat yourself to a shiny new bangle,  search no further.  These jewellery  pieces are more than charming.

The History

  • Charms date back to ancient Egyptian times, where they were placed with the bodies of the deceased in the hope that doing so would help to identify the individuals to the gods in the afterlife. Egyptians also carried everyday charms  to ward off evil spirits and display symbols of faith and good luck. 
  • Medieval knights wore charms for protection in battle, and to identify their family origins.
  • Charms were worn in the dark ages to represent religious and political convictions.
  • Queen Victoria started a trend with charm bracelets in the Victorian period, making them a fashionable marker of European nobility.
  • The end of WWII brought another charm trend, as soldier purchased handmade trinkets from various places in Europe and the Pacific to bring home to their wives, girlfriends and children.

The Basics

A charm bracelet is a simple chain link bracelet with each link being large enough to attach a charm. The charms are small trinkets that come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colours and designs, and they often signify a special relationship or event in the wearer's life.  Types of charms may include:

  • Jewels. 
  • Symbols like hears, stars or music notes.
  • Miniature animals or insects.
  • Miniature fashion items like lipstick  or glasses. 
  • Tiny photo frames. 
  • Initials of the wearer, her friends, boyfriend or husband.
  • Specially engraved pieces.

Types of events/relationships/commemorations may include:

Giving Charm Bracelets as Gifts

When charm bracelets are given as gifts, it is important to measure the recipient's other bracelets in order to determine if she needs a special size.  The typical length for a woman's charm bracelet runs between: 16.51-17.78 centimetres, with 17.78 centimetres being the most common length. 

Commonly, charm bracelets are given with only one or two charms, and the rest is left up to the recipient.  All you need to decide whether silver or gold is best for the chain itself, and then pick charms that will have some significance for the wearer or perhaps, for the both of you.   It may also be fun to recruit friends and family members to help create the bracelet.  Just remember to leave room for the recipient to add a few of her own charms.

If your friend or loved one already owns a charm bracelet, the charms themselves still make wonderful gifts.  Make sure you know the material, colours and theme of the existing bracelet before choosing charms to add. 

Italian Charm Bracelets

Unlike traditional charm bracelets that have dangling charms, Italian charm bracelets  have charms that are flat links. The wearer can pop links on and off of the bracelet as she receives more charms or wishes to change the overall look of the bracelet.  You can also remove links to change the size of the bracelet to fit any wrist.  Most women, however, fall into one of three bracelet size categories.

  • Small:  17  links
  • Medium:  18 links
  • Large:  19 links

Since gaining popularity, Italian chain bracelets have moved from gold links and high quality stainless steel components to lower quality materials that are easier to mass produce and sell.  Evidently, prices will vary depending on the materials used.

Major Manufacturers

Italian Charm Bracelets

(Note:  Most charms are interchangeable with bracelets made by different manufacturers.)

Regular Charm Bracelets

Related Guides

Women's Jewellery

Jewellery for Girls

Hot Jewellery Looks

Jewellery Gift Guide

External Links

  • About.com:  A buyer's guide to Italian charm bracelets.
  • MyMothersCharms.com:  A complete history of the charm bracelet. 
  • Wikipedia.org:  General information on charm bracelet trends. 
  • Overstock.com:  A diverse bracelet buying guide, including charm bracelets. 
  • BlueNile.com:  Advice on buying the right charms for the right occasion.