| As far back as the Neolithic era, humankind chose | | | | Italian charms became the rage at the turn of the |
| to carry unusual stones or a piece of wood as | | | | Millennium. A departure from the traditional hanging |
| protection from enemies or evil spirits. During the | | | | trinkets, these bracelets snap into the bracelet |
| time of the Egyptian pharaohs, the first | | | | rather than dangle from it. The flat, modular |
| recognizable charm bracelets and necklaces | | | | charms link together to form a bracelet, keychain |
| appeared. These were elaborate pieces of | | | | or other accessory. Zoppini and Nomination are |
| jewelry made of precious stones and metals. | | | | two popular makers of Italian charm bracelets. |
| Charms were also used to identify an individual to | | | | Fashion gurus like Louis Vuitton and Juicy Couture |
| the gods in the afterlife. Much later during the | | | | have also launched their own Italian charms. |
| Roman Empire, Christians identified one another | | | | Meanwhile, in both Europe and North America, a |
| with the "ichthys," or fish charm, they carried | | | | new modular charm bracelet trend has emerged. |
| beneath their garments to gain entry into secret | | | | These modular bracelets consist of a chain onto |
| worship meetings, held sometimes in the | | | | which various beads or charms can be placed. |
| catacombs. Medieval kings and knights used | | | | Charms are made from gold, silver or Murano |
| charms with incantations for protection. Charms | | | | glass. The bracelet's design allows the wearer to |
| could also represent family origin, political standing | | | | interchange the charms and create a totally |
| and profession. During the Renaissance as | | | | unique look. Beads can also be worn on necklaces, |
| superstitions faded, charms began to lose favor | | | | rings and earrings to make a complete set. The |
| with the more wealthy and educated. However, in | | | | modular jewelry concept enjoyed acclaim in |
| the early 20th century, it was Queen Victoria | | | | Europe before coming to the States. Inspired by |
| who began a charm bracelet trend among the | | | | Greek mythology, it combines versatility with |
| European noble class during her reign. The Queen | | | | fashion to establish beloved charm and bead |
| took to wearing a bracelet with tiny charm | | | | bracelets. This jewelry concept also encourages |
| pictures of her children. Charm bracelets again | | | | creativity and individuality through its beautiful |
| found an audience at the end of World War II. | | | | designs. Women can create their own look and |
| Soldiers returning home from overseas brought | | | | style for every whim or special moment. For |
| along trinkets made by local craftsmen to give | | | | example, you can design the Bohemian romantic, |
| their sweethearts. The charms represented | | | | the elegant chic, the raw grace, the 60's flower |
| miniature replicas of notable locations, such as the | | | | power, the charmed sophisticate, the billionaire, |
| Eiffel Tower or Big Ben. Stateside jewelers quickly | | | | the simplistic minimalist, or the pure feminine. |
| caught on to the trend and began fashioning | | | | Modular jewelry can be used to reflect a change |
| charms for all occasions. Within a decade, the | | | | in mood or to express personality. |
| charm bracelet was the must-have accessory for | | | | Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of |
| girls and women. Charm bracelets became popular | | | | Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora |
| gifts for 16th birthdays, graduations, weddings, | | | | charms and Pandora beads are only a part of the |
| and births of children. These tiny links to one's | | | | collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, |
| personal history became deeply valued for their | | | | 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, |
| sentimental and material worth. More recently, | | | | 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website. |