Charming Charm Bracelets
Tiffany, Gucci, Pandora, Disney, Costco, sea shells, pets, cartoon characters, birthdays, Christmas, schools, teams, marriages, engagements, anniversaries, religion. What could any of these things, possibly have in common?
Charm Bracelets
A charm bracelet carries personal “charms”, decorative pendants or trinkets which signify important things in the wearer’s life. The wearing of charms probably began, as a form of amulet, to ward off evil spirits, or bad luck. Medieval knights wore charms for protection, in battle. Soldiers returning home after WWII, brought home trinkets, made by craftsmen local to the area where they were fighting, to give to loved ones. American teenagers in the 1950s and early 1960s collected charms to record the events in their lives. Screen icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball and Joan Crawford helped to fuel the interest and popularity of charm bracelets. Now days, Kate Middleton, Taylor Swift and any number of Celebrities, can be seen, wearing a charm bracelet.
With so many different charms to choose from, it can be an exciting adventure creating one that fits your unique style, and says, exactly, what you want it to say. Starter bracelets with one charm already attached make great gifts! Vintage bracelets come with a built-in story. Many mark historical events like a world’s fair, or a trip to a foreign land.
When I hear that sweet, yet taunting jingle, I am immediately drawn, to the wearer. The bracelet seems, to call to me, to come closer, to admire, each delicate, individual piece. I can’t help but be interested, in hearing the stories, the why behind each charm. Does it stand for a specific memory, or occasion, a membership or logo of an important group or cause? Is there one for each child or grandchild or favorite pet? No other, single piece of jewelry, has this effect on me. I don’t crave to know the story behind a watch, a necklace or earrings. Those items, can certainly represent, something important in someone’s life. They just don’t have the same appeal, or incite the same curiosity, as a charm bracelet.
Delicate or chunky, gold or silver, new or vintage, precious or costume; charm bracelets are found across the world, in nearly every demographic, crossing lines of race, religion and social status. (They may be the way, to world peace!) These tiny, very personal, mementos of our life, invite new friends, to stop and talk, and old friends to spend time together, sharing memories. Little windows into your life, that you’re willing to share, with the world. Wearable memories, in the form of a charm bracelet are without a doubt, a favorite piece of jewelry.