The custom of wearing charm bracelets dates back thousands of years, and although the materials and designs on have changed, the concept itself has never disappeared style.
This form of jewelry initially had a religious function, and dates back to prehistoric times. Elizabeth Florence, president of the Jewelry Information Center, "The first charm bracelets were probably worn by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians and Hittites from 500 to 400 BC Those charms were made of lapis lazuli, crystal rocks and gems and were inscribed with small designs, such as figures of gods, humans and animals. They were immediately associated with special powers. "
Over time, lost their charm spiritual protection functions and became fashion jewelry. The 1890s saw a renaissance of charms, especially in Victorian England, where the development is complex and fashion jewelry. Queen Victoria helped popularize the trend by wearing a charm bracelet of small lockets holding family portraits.
WW II caused another revival of charm bracelets in America in the 1940s and 1950s, as soldiers stationed abroad picked up charms as souvenirs in the European cities they visited the house and have the wives and girlfriends. The fashion trend continued well beyond peace.
Charms remains a popular item of jewelry, memories in customized mass production increasingly jewelry market. Popular themes include horoscope signs, birth charms, travel souvenirs, memorabilia and family. Many women start collecting charms when they are children, and the charm bracelet grows with them, reflecting hobbies and personal experience. A charm bracelet can hold a small replica of a graduation cap, wedding bells, medallions with children or pictures.
Charms are also a popular gift because of their affordable price. A subtle charm of money could be obtained for less than ten dollars, but it is possible to spend hundreds of dollars on a charm 18K and set with gems.
The Italian charm, a genre in itself, not swinging a chain like traditional charms. Instead, they are welded to the severance of ties hanging on a bracelet extensible. They are decorated with letters, symbols, pictures or stones, or have enamel pictures painted on. Charms can be switched on and off these modular bracelets to create new configurations match different moods and outfits. They are traditionally made of stainless steel or 18k gold. Italian charms are the same size and the bracelet can be customized to fit each wrist, a small size holds 17 or less links, a means 18, and a large 19 or more.
There are several companies which produce Italian charms, but all brands can be exchanged on the same bracelet. The "starter" bracelet of blank links costs approximately five dollars, and the charms cost fifteen dollars and more. China also manufactures Italian charms, and although they are popular (and, as with most Chinese products a competitive price), some consumers report occasional curiosities such as reversed images and poor fit .
