| Charm bracelets are one of the most resurgent | | | | family origin, political standing and profession. |
| fashion accessories in the world today. The | | | | Charm bracelets were first used as we see them |
| bracelets' unique qualities make them some of the | | | | today during the reign of Queen Victoria in the |
| most highly desired pieces around. Despite their | | | | early 20th century. Just like today's fashion, those |
| yo-yo-ing in and out of fashion over the past 100 | | | | in high society were the trendsetters, and when |
| years, charm bracelets are back in style, and are | | | | news broke of Victoria wearing these bracelets |
| bigger than ever. | | | | those lower in society followed suit, and began |
| Silver Charm Bracelets are interesting in a number | | | | wearing bracelets with their family crests, beads |
| of ways as they represent a shift in the way | | | | and lockets hanging from them. |
| society views jewellery. Whereas in the past, | | | | Charm bracelets came back into fashion shortly |
| jewellery was wealth itself, it is now a symbol of | | | | after the Second World War. By this time, |
| wealth. Because of the availability of high-quality | | | | production and manufacturing costs had |
| jewellery, it was easily transferrable to cash. | | | | decreased and charms were available through |
| Jewellery is now such big business that high-end | | | | gumball type machines. As well as the availability |
| designers are able to charge astronomical sums | | | | of charms increasing, the meaning of charms also |
| for garish pieces. The small, understated, pretty | | | | changed. Silver Charms now represented |
| charm bracelet however shows us a time when | | | | milestones in life - sweet 16, wedding and |
| jewellery wasn't all about wealth and status, and | | | | graduation. |
| more about fun and representing the wearer's | | | | Designers have also cottoned on to the recent |
| personality. | | | | resurgence. Certain fashion designer charm |
| The first record of charms being used was for | | | | bracelets retail at $25,000, and with single charms |
| religious purposes. Christians from Rome kept | | | | being sold for almost $5,000 each. Charm |
| small charms in the shape of a fish for fear of | | | | bracelets are however much more widely |
| persecution about their beliefs. This let other | | | | available, and are sold at much more reasonable |
| Christians know of their religious leaning. The fish | | | | prices. Popular charms now include musical notes |
| charm here was used because of the Greek | | | | and the like as well as fashion items themselves, |
| word for fish ("ichthys") which was an acronym | | | | such as boots and handbags. It is an interesting |
| for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour". With a | | | | reflection that what we wear as a fashion item is |
| fascination for symbols the Greeks and Romans | | | | itself a fashion item. |
| wore other such charms, mainly out of | | | | As well as the superstitious element to charm |
| superstition and respect for the Gods. | | | | bracelets, the aesthetic appeal of them also make |
| Charm bracelets are also believed to have been | | | | them very attractive. A simple colourful charm |
| carried by dark days of the Middle Ages, charms | | | | can easily add a touch of glamour to an outfit, |
| and amulets were worn by knights and kings. | | | | and can help to explain its enduring popularity. |
| Charms were also worn on belts to represent | | | | |