Charm Bracelet Chains

Charm bracelets are a popular way to show off your interests and hobbies with splendidly designed figurines and symbols. The nostalgic beauty of a charm isn’t only a modern notion, however. The history of charm bracelets dates back to the early years of B.C., and both ordinary citizens and royalty have found pleasure in the art of jewellery and charms.

Charm bracelets, known in early cultures as talismans or amulets, were used as far back as the stone age. Evidence has been found that cavemen created bracelets that they would adorn with shells or animal bones. Mammoth tusks could be used to carve ivory charms for these bracelets, such as the ones found in a prehistoric-era cave in Germany. Clay was also a common material used since it could be easily moulded and shaped.

The first recorded use of a charm bracelet is by the Babylonians in the year 700 B.C. using semi-precious gems and rock crystals. Often, the material used would have a special meaning or purpose. The ancient Egyptians used charm bracelets for what they believed to be magical properties that could ward off evil spirits or heal a sickness, among other things. Charms have always been associated with the spiritual or magical realms, and this is most definitely evident when looking at charms made by the Egyptians. The ancient Egyptians were also the first to use gold casting in jewellery making.

The symbolism of charms and charm bracelets also has its roots in Christianity, of all places. In a time when Christians were thrown the lions to be devoured because of their faith, fellow Christians had to come up with a way to non-verbally communicate their faith to one another. This was done by use of a fish charm. Curious thought it may seem, the fish charm was used because the Greek word for “fish” was an acronym of the word for “Jesus Christ” or “Saviour.” Christians had the habit of wearing other charms, as not to draw notice to a single symbol. Most of these were superstitious symbols meant to appease the gods that Romans would typically wear to gain favour.

Charms were, up until the Industrial Revolution, something only wealthy citizens and royalty could afford. Technology was limited, and the resources used for charm bracelets were hard to come by. Once mechanics had progressed to a level where these resources were made more easily available, middle class citizens were able to purchase them as well, and charms were mass-produced and sold in shops. It was at this time that charms became more of an aesthetic jewellery piece than a symbol or talisman.

Queen Victoria herself helped popularize the notion of a charm bracelet in the 1800’s by wearing lockets holding portraits and keepsakes from Prince Albert. Soldiers in World War II brought home charms from overseas, which further popularized charm bracelets in the United States. They had already been a rousing success in England, and soldiers would collect charms from each city they visited during their tour. Charms meant a reminder of a sweetheart back home or a buddy who had lost his life to the war, among other things.

Charm bracelets also have their place as traditional gifts marking a special occasion, such as a girl’s 16th birthday, graduation, or a woman’s upcoming nuptials. Other charms can be added later to celebrate other occasions, hobbies or interests. Some charm bracelets are passed down through several generations, but new charms are added each time, giving the bracelet a touch of both new and old. Passing the bracelet from mother to daughter is most common, but they can certainly pass from aunt to niece or grandmother to granddaughter.

We sell many different types of charm bracelets and charms for every walk of life and occasion, all made with exquisite yellow gold or sterling silver. Rose gold and white gold are also available and make an excellent addition to your jewellery collection. Charm bracelets are typically made with belcher, long curb, figaro or cable chains because of the inside link size. These chains use links that are larger and more open, making it easy to attach charms. Although other chains can be used for charm bracelets, we highly recommend these types to ensure your charms fit correctly onto them.

When ordering a charm bracelet, make sure you choose an adequate length, typically 2 or 3 cm longer than the measurement around your wrist to keep the bracelet from chaffing or pinching. Anything longer than this will simply fall off your wrist. Each bracelet comes with a standard parrot clasp, but if you’d like to tweak the design, other clasps are available. Charms that you select for your bracelet at the time of purchase can be attached for you by our service professionals, or you can choose to do it yourself.

The charms themselves are available in yellow, rose and white gold, as well as sterling or tarnish-resistant silver. We have anything from sports charms to religious symbols to quirky hobby charms. A horse and rider charm makes a great gift for the equestrian lover in your life. Do you have someone that loves cooking? Get them our cutlery charm to show off their love for fine dining and cuisine. There’s even a section of clothing charms for your fashionista friend.

We have thousands of charms to choose from, and you’re sure to find your perfect one amidst our selection. It doesn’t matter if you currently have a charm bracelet; pop on over to our charm bracelet section and purchase one that will be passed down for generations to come.

Charm Bracelet Chains