| The wearing of charms dates back to 400 | | | | comes in a variety of fashionable |
| or 500 BC, when they were believed to | | | | colors. These charms usually take the |
| hold special powers -- particularly the | | | | form of letters, numbers, and popular |
| power of protection. By the 1890's | | | | symbols like hearts or butterflies. Like |
| charms had evolved into a fashion | | | | the traditional kind, they can spell out |
| statement and a popular keepsake. | | | | a message or a name, or advertise the |
| Now, as then, charms are often given by | | | | wearer's interests or sentiments. |
| mothers to their daughters as gifts or | | | | Ready to coordinate? For the woman who |
| family heirlooms. Many women start | | | | thinks of her dog as a furry child (or, |
| collecting them as pre-teens and | | | | heaven forbid, an accessory) |
| continue adding to the collection as | | | | mother-and-dog can now coordinate their |
| they mature. Charm bracelets make an | | | | look with leather charm collars for the |
| ideal gift because of their broad | | | | dog! Picture "mom" wearing her leather |
| appeal. | | | | charm bracelet, rhinestone charms |
| Italian charms are the hottest trend | | | | spelling out "I Love my Dog". Picture |
| right now and show no signs of slowing | | | | her four legged companion alongside her, |
| down. Silver, gold, and non-precious | | | | wearing a matching leather collar and |
| charms snap into place onto a bracelet | | | | charms of his very own. Bowser can |
| similar to a watch band. The charms are | | | | headlight his name in rhinestones. Or |
| like the "links" on the band. They're | | | | maybe his collar will spell out how much |
| decorated with pictures, letters, | | | | his mommy loves him. |
| symbols and designs that can be combined | | | | There's yet another type of charm that |
| to create a message or theme. Which | | | | can be shared between man and dog -- or |
| reminds me of a great thing about charm | | | | woman and dog, as the case may be. |
| bracelets -- you can add to them. That | | | | To symbolize the prayer for protection, |
| means future gift giving opportunities! | | | | or the golden bond between owner and dog |
| Another growing trend in modern jewelry | | | | (or dog and dog), gold Protection |
| is "theme" bracelets. If you're looking | | | | Medallions and Bond Charms are the |
| for the ideal dog jewelry gift, a | | | | answer. The 14K hearts can be separated |
| dog-themed charm bracelet could be your | | | | so that each owner wears half. For dogs |
| answer and a dog themed Italian charm | | | | who are best friends, or people who are |
| bracelet might just be a slam dunk! Want | | | | best friends with their dogs, this is a |
| to coordinate your accessories with your | | | | gift of dog jewelry that says it all. |
| dog's? Buy her a branklet(R), the | | | | Should your pal ever wander off, you'll |
| doggie version of a bracelet or anklet. | | | | have no problem proving that the two of |
| As Italian charms have grown ever more | | | | you are a pair! |
| popular, variations have come on the | | | | It's safe to say that charms have gone |
| scene, one of which is a plastic or | | | | to the dogs, but in a very positive way! |
| leather version. The charms slide onto | | | | What a great time it is to be a dog. |
| the leather or plastic bracelet, which | | | | |