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