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How To Build a Charm Bracelet
Getting Started
Charms have been worn for thousands of years, originally as symbols of luck, love and spirituality. The earliest charm bracelets were worn by the pharaohs of ancient Egypt for safe passage to the afterlife.
In the late 19th century, Queen Victoria is credited with bringing charm bracelets back as a fashion craze, often personalizing charm bracelets as gifts.
Post WWII, charms were popular keepsakes from soldiers stationed overseas who collected travel charms for sweethearts at home. Celebrities like Elizabeth Tayor, Bette Davis and Natalie Wood popularized them as must-have jewelry in the mid 20th Century.
Today, charm bracelets can be many things, an everyday heirloom or treasured special occasion jewelry depending on your personal style. They celebrate life’s biggest and smallest moments. This timeless accessory makes a great gift for you or a loved one.
You can add charms one by one when you hit a big milestone or make a bold statement with a full charm bracelet created all at once. Either way, your one-of-a-kind charm bracelet is sure to occupy a treasured and unique place in your jewelry box.
We know, getting started is the hardest part..but don’t fret we’ve put together a list of some of our best go-to tips. After years of building countless gorgeous bracelets, we’ve learned a thing or two!
First
Take a deep breath because you really can’t go wrong. Just have fun!
Second
Choose your charm bracelet. These best sellers are sure to make the perfect canvas for your charm additions.
Traditional
For a more traditional look, consider a classic double link charm bracelet originally made popular by Jaqueline Kennedy who is said to have worn her charm bracelet every single day of her honeymoon. Select a few meaningful charms and add the rest over time. This timeless elegant chain is the blue ribbon of charm bracelets, always a winner.
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Clean and Simple
If you are looking for a clean and simple canvas we recommend a cable link bracelet. This chain is inspired by the original Tiffany’s charm bracelet, it looks great with one charm or the whole collection. You can wear it alone or layered with bangles or other bracelets. Personalize this clean and classic style like Kate Middleton and add a monogram (unless you have a coronet like Kate!) Designed in 3 different sizes, from a more subtle everyday look to a bold arm statement.
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Modern
Or, if you prefer a more modern style? Try a "paper clip" style bracelet. This elongated silhouette has become the must-have bracelet for the streamlined charm collector who favors delicate and minimalist designs. Take your cue from stylish ladies like Rihanna and Kate Bosworth.
Shop NowStill deciding?
Browse the whole collection. We have a charm bracelet for every style and every budget.
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The Next Step
Is the charms...Charmco has one of the world’s largest collections of 14k gold vintage and vintage inspired charms spanning every era with one-of-a-kind finds and something for everyone. Yes, that’s a lot of charms, but we can’t help it... we love charms and have been collecting and designing them for more than 20 years!
When choosing your charms, feel free to mix and match new and vintage charms, different colors and styles, pick something sentimental, meaningful or whimsical, add some sparkle, get creative and if you don’t find what you are looking for keep coming back to our latest arrivals. We are always finding treasured vintage charms and adding fabulous new styles to our collection.
Each charm has meaning and as you consider your selections, think about what speaks to you. It may be a memorable date, a passion, or an accomplishment. Many charm bracelets are born on milestone occasions. The birth of a baby, graduation, a wedding or an anniversary are classic moments to start a charm bracelet and we have engravable styles ready to personalize that special date.
What are your favorite places to travel or vacation? Have a serious case of wanderlust? Travel charms are our most popular category. Many charm bracelets are centered around travels. Create your very own "Trip of the wrist" and celebrate your passion for exploration.
What are your hobbies? What do you love to do? What puts a smile on your face? Whether you love to cook, play a sport, decorate the house, go shopping, or play with your dogs, there is a charm for you.
Or it could be spiritual; some charms have secret meanings and offer daily inspirations to keep you feeling confident and positive. They can bring luck or ward off evil spirits. One of our favorite clients created a charm bracelet specifically to wear when flying to ward off misfortune.
Here are some of our most popular charms to get you started:
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If you are considering buying a few charms, think in odd numbers. To begin, one or three charms look best—after five charms, add at any time and in any number.
Remember, charms are something you can buy over time to celebrate life’s milestones or just go for that instant gratification and celebrate how fabulous your life is right now. We are here for your whichever way the cookie crumbles. We do love to hear from clients who call and say "I’m back, it’s that time of year!"
Charms can also be emotional and many times you will realize what the right choice is for you if you step away for a moment. Select the charms you love most and leave the rest behind. Maybe even sleep on it.
The Last Step
Is putting it all together. It’s best to have your newest treasures expertly secured to your chain. This can be done by one of our charm stylists or your local jeweler.
After you build your bracelet you can move on to a necklace...happy hunting!
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