| Besides a wedding or graduation ring, there is a | | | | Charm bracelets can be obtained from catalogs, |
| piece of jewelry on the market that has the | | | | department stores, antique jewelers, as well as |
| capacity to signify some of the best moments in | | | | fashion boutiques. You never know when one will |
| your life. Charm bracelets are placed around the | | | | present itself. Charm bracelets and their |
| wrist with numerous decorative trinkets dangling | | | | accessories are often tucked away in hotel gift |
| about. These small pendants are meant to | | | | shops and art shows, as well as flea markets. |
| symbolize the things most important to whoever | | | | Choosing a Charm Bracelet & Charms |
| wears them. | | | | There are three main sizes to choose from when |
| Often, charm bracelets are started at a | | | | picking out a charm bracelet: small, medium and |
| memorable point in a person's life, usually given to | | | | large. This may also determine the amount of |
| them as a gift. This is referred to as a starter | | | | links available for a charm. For instance, a medium |
| bracelet and every once in a while, as new | | | | bracelet provides room for 18 charms. The |
| events and memories arise, the wearer will add | | | | number of links can always be subtracted or |
| to their bracelet. A perfect example of this is | | | | added at any time. Once you have the bracelet, |
| when an expectant first-time mother receives a | | | | the next important thing is to collect the charms. |
| charm bracelet. She may add to the bracelet | | | | When choosing charms, you should familiarize |
| after her child is born during various milestones. | | | | yourself with their meanings. For example, a |
| Relevant charms include baby booties, pacifier, a | | | | ballerina signifies that your dreams will come true. |
| tooth, teddy bear and their initials. | | | | Elephants stand for cherished memories and a |
| The History of Charm Bracelets | | | | key symbolizes a happy home. |
| Charm bracelets have a history dating back to | | | | Charm Bracelet Prices |
| the Neolithic era and were used as a way to | | | | Depending on where you purchase a charm |
| ward off evil. The jewelry form of these amulets | | | | bracelet, you will find that the market is filled with |
| weren't fully realized until Egyptian Pharaohs began | | | | numerous price ranges. Some can cost as little as |
| creating charm bracelets from pieces of metal | | | | $5, while others may set you back $500. It is the |
| and precious stones. During the early 20th | | | | quality, material and charm detail that often |
| century, charm bracelets became a feverish fad | | | | dictates the price of a charm bracelet. Today, |
| as Queen Victoria began wearing them. This time, | | | | Italian charm bracelets are quite popular. The age |
| additional items were placed on the bracelets, | | | | of the charm bracelet is also a factor. There are |
| such as glass beads, family crests and small | | | | vintage pieces that date back to the 1930s that |
| lockets containing images of loved ones. | | | | will fetch quite a high price. |
| The Charm Bracelets of Today | | | | Whoever is responsible for creating your charm |
| Today, anyone can have an interest in charm | | | | bracelet will also influence the price. For example, |
| bracelets, whether it is for the art of collecting or | | | | a diamond and platinum charm bracelet from |
| to display their warm memories. They are given | | | | Tiffany & Co costs $15,000 with nature-themed |
| to love ones on the day of their graduation, | | | | charms attached, such as a dragonfly and |
| wedding or sweet sixteen-birthday party. Best | | | | salamander. The Louis Vuitton charm bracelet |
| friends, mothers and bridesmaids are also | | | | costs $25,000 and features a bottle of |
| common wearers of charm bracelets. A mother | | | | champagne and a charm of the world. Often, |
| may have a charm to represent each one of her | | | | these bracelets are given as gifts without the |
| children. | | | | intention of charm collecting. |