| To many people jewelry is part of their | | | | strength and style. |
| wardrobe. Everyone has their favorite pieces. | | | | A charm is connected to the link with a jump ring. |
| Sometimes a ring or necklace can have a special, | | | | Many people leave the rings open; but a valuable |
| personal meaning because it was a gift. | | | | charm can be lost this way. A good jeweler will |
| These items are usually designed to be worn | | | | solder the jump ring closed when a charm is |
| as-is. Charm bracelets are very different. | | | | added to a link for a customer. |
| Over time, charm bracelets grow. They can | | | | Gold is expensive, and so sterling silver has |
| become collections unto themselves. And they | | | | become the traditional metal of choice for this |
| take on the personal nature of the owner. Many | | | | type of jewelry. Of course price is the primary |
| have charms depicting an endless variety of | | | | reason why silver is more popular, but there are |
| themes. People build sea themed bracelets with | | | | other reasons to consider. There are many more |
| shells, sailboats and anchors. Or animal jewelry, | | | | available in sterling silver. Gold charms are made in |
| with tiny giraffes, lions and bears connected to | | | | popular styles, but unusual designs are very |
| the chain links. We've seen career theme | | | | difficult if not impossible to find. And of course |
| bracelets, and even one with a heart collection. | | | | people do mix silver and gold, which can result in a |
| Charms are available in many types. One of the | | | | very attractive, unusual and valuable piece of |
| more popular categories is sports including golf, | | | | jewelry. |
| tennis, baseball, soccer, football, basketball, | | | | An alternative is to buy a ready made charm |
| hockey, equestrian and more. Music is another, | | | | bracelet. The average bracelet comes with five to |
| with musical instruments, notes and clefs. The | | | | seven charms attached to it. As described above, |
| holiday theme is popular with different bracelets | | | | they usually follow a theme or central idea. By |
| for Halloween, St. Patrick's Day and Christmas. | | | | starting with a small collection of five or so, it |
| Even food is represented, with pizza, candy bars, | | | | looks very attractive while providing room for |
| hamburgers and veggies. The variety is simply | | | | more to be added as they are acquired. |
| amazing! | | | | The ultimate collector heads to auction sites, |
| Collections can grow over many years. It is a long | | | | garage sales and flea markets to hunt for vintage |
| standing tradition in many families to add a charm | | | | and antique pieces. A small silver heart from the |
| to a bracelet over time as a holiday or birthday | | | | 1920's can cost $50.00 - or even more, depending |
| gift. This is almost like attaching memories that | | | | on rarity. Once in a while an entire vintage |
| celebrate each birthday, holiday or special | | | | bracelet will appear in an Ebay estate auction and |
| occasion. The personal connection can be very | | | | cause an online frenzy. Vintage examples have |
| strong. | | | | gone for many hundreds of dollars to avid |
| Although almost any chain with large open style | | | | collectors. |
| links can be used as a charm bracelet, the | | | | Sterling silver jewelry doesn't just look great - it |
| traditional, classic charm bracelet is made with a | | | | has value and can also have personal meaning. |
| double curb link chain. These links are made so | | | | Find out why charm bracelets are an obsession |
| they nestle into each other, giving the chain a | | | | for many collectors. Start building your charm |
| wide appearance while using fairly narrow gauge | | | | bracelet today ... it's fun! |
| wire to form the links. The double link adds | | | | |