Charm bracelet history

The wearing of charms may have begun as aHistory
form of amulet to ward off evil spirits or bad luck.Designed in Italy, the Italian charm craze caught
In ancient Egypt charms were used foron and even soccer players wore these bracelets
identification and as symbols of faith and luck.featuring their country flag. In the 1990s,
Charms also served to identify an individual to theAmerican tourists noticed the style and brought it
gods in the afterlife. Medieval knights woreback to the United States where the fashion
charms for protection in battle. Charms also werecaught on and has remained popular.[citation
worn in the dark ages to represent family origin,needed]
religious and political convictions.How they work
Charm bracelets have been the subject ofA starter Italian charm bracelet consists of
several waves of trends. Queen Victoria woreeighteen blank links. In order to create a
charm bracelets that started a fashion among thepersonalized Italian charm bracelet, these blank
European noble classes. Soldiers returning homelinks are replaced with individually designed Italian
after World War II brought home trinkets madecharms. Italian charms are flat, modular links that
by craftsmen local to the area where they werehook together. While traditional charms dangle,
fighting to give to loved ones, AmericanItalian charms feature individual pieces soldered
teenagers in the 1950s collected charms to recordflat onto the surface of the link.
the events in their lives. Although interest andItalian Charms are compatible across brands due
production waned through the latter part of theto standardized sizing. The modular design means
20th century, collectors eagerly sought outthat the charms on an Italian charm bracelet are
vintage charms. Due to the movie Pirate Of Theinterchangeable. An individual Italian charm can be
Caribbean, the fashion in winter 2006 is braceletsswitched out for a new look or to better suit the
with little charms of swords, crosses and skulls.mood or changing interests of an individual.
Italian charm braceletsStyles
In 2001, a new fashion was launched for ItalianAn Italian charm bracelet can be assembled in
charm bracelets, in which the charms are snappedmany styles. Italian Charms can be grouped to
onto the body of the bracelet rather than dangledfollow a theme such as family, a specific color,
from it. Italian charms are flat, modular links thatcareer or hobby. Also, since there are many
hook together to form an Italian charm bracelet,types of Italian charms, an Italian charm bracelet
keychain, or other accessories. While traditionalcan feature a combination of styles. This may
charms dangle, Italian charms feature individualinclude laser Italian charms, photo Italian charms,
pieces soldered flat onto the surface of the link.hand-painted Italian charms, authentic licensed
Some high fashion names such as Louis VuittonItalian charms, deluxe-link Italian charms and
and Juicy Couture have begun issuing their owndangle Italian charms among others.
collectible Italian charms.Materials
n Italian Charm bracelet is a series of individualItalian charms are most often crafted using
modular links hooked together on a stretchy bandstainless steel backing and a gold-plated or 18
to form a single Italian charm bracelet. A typicalkarat gold charm face. The face of the charm
Italian charm bracelet is comprised of eighteen(which features the design) is soldered or glued to
Italian charm links. Each link features an Italianthe stainless steel link. The charm itself may
charm face (design or image) soldered onto thefeature synthetic or genuine gemstones as part
actual Italian charm link.of its design.