What is a Charm Bracelet
A charm bracelet is a small decorative trinket adorned with items that are symbolic and meaningful to the wearer.
Charm bracelets were once used as amulets to protect the wearer and ward off evil (they still are for most). Over the years, they are given a new face – to reflect a range of things such as interests, hobbies, or as a memento of places traveled. With such a plethora of reasons for owning one, charm bracelets these days are highly personalized to fit the wearer’s values, personality, or life experiences.
Regardless of why they are worn today, they don’t vary much from the bygone eras. Consider these…
Neolithic Era
Archaeological evidence found in Africa, Asia, and Europe, suggests prehistoric humans, as early as 12,000 years ago, used charms to ward off evil spirits and to keep them safe.
They were made from wood, shell, stone, or bone and carved into various shapes and were kept close, usually around the neck, to protect the owner from his enemies.
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptians wore charm jewelry circa 5,000 years ago to bring good luck, ward off evil, and keep them safe from various dangers.
They held the charm jewelry dearly and were often buried with them to be taken into the afterlife.
Assyrians, Persians, and Babylonians
As early as 2,000 years ago, they wore bracelets with attached amulets and charms. These cultures believe they have magical powers that would keep them safe or bring good fortune.
Roman Empire
In Ancient Rome, circa 2000 years ago, Christians wore charms to distinguish themselves from other Roman residents.
It was a time of religious persecution, and they believed their charms gave them some protection. The most common charm used was the “ichthus”—a fish-shaped design they wore as pendants or bracelets. If worn as pendants, Jews would insert small pieces of paper written with Jewish laws to constantly remind them that they were Jews.
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages, around 1,500 years ago, was the time when the Roman Empire started to decline, and early modern Europe started to emerge.
It was also when nobility and knights wore charms to protect them from their enemies as they helped others fight against them. Life was nasty, brutal, and short. Backstabbing and treachery were commonplace as the nobility battled to protect or enlarge their fiefdoms. So they wore charms beneath their garments or armor to protect against the many hazards related to their profession.
Victorian Era
The Victorian Era was when Queen Victoria ruled Great Britain and its Empire (1837 – 1901). It was when Great Britain was transformed from a predominantly rural and agricultural society to an urban one. The Victorian Era ushered in the Industrial Revolution – and the wearing of charm bracelets.
Queen Victoria was an avid fan of charms and brought the charm bracelet into the limelight. However, she wore charms as jewelry items, not as amulets to ward off danger.
In a sense, Queen Victoria also started the Charm Bracelet Revolution.
World War II
Although World War II caused so much death and destruction, it also started today’s charm bracelet trend.
Soldiers brought back trinkets made by the locals from their places of assignment. These were given to their families or lovers as keepsakes of their wartime experiences. Unwittingly, it became a fashion trend as jewelry designers started creating charms as commemorative items for various occasions.
The 20th Century
Then from the 1950s to the 1990s, charm bracelets as a staple piece of jewelry took a life of its own. Coming-of-age boys and girls wore charm bracelets to symbolize important life events.
Though the charm bracelets lost their charm around the mid-70s, it re-emerged 1o years later. Then, in the 1990s, Italian charm bracelets got into the scene. They consisted of several individual links (typically 18) linked together by a stretch band to create a bracelet. They were a hit in the market.
Modern Era
Today, charm bracelets are as popular as ever. They are made by some of the big players in the jewelry business.
Unlike their ancient ancestors, today’s charm bracelets have beautiful designs and styles intended to be fashionable, functional, and glamorous over time.
Tiffany Charm Bracelets
Tiffany charm bracelets are made by Tiffany & Co., an American company founded in 1837 in New York City. It is “one of the world’s most storied luxury design houses recognized globally for its innovative jewelry design, extraordinary craftsmanship, and unparalleled creativity.”
It is a public company headquartered in New York, U.S.A., and currently employs about 14,000 employees. The company has notable market shares in these niches: Jewelry Manufacturing and Online Jewelry and Watch Sales.
Tiffany & Co is known for its luxury goods, particularly diamond and silver sterling jewelry. Its main products are fine jewelry, timepieces, sterling silver goods, crystal, china, writing instruments, fragrances, and personal accessories. They consistently adhere to high-quality standards and innovative designs for their unique products.
The company manufactures 60% of its jewelry in New York, Kentucky, and Rhode Island factories—all in the U.S. Finishing work, such as polishing and select assembly, is done in the Dominican Republic.
Bracelet charms
Charms are tiny memorable, and meaningful items attached to bracelets of whatever kind – chains, trinkets, chords, etc. Without these charms, the Tiffany gold charm bracelet would be just ordinary. This holds for any kind of bracelet, including the Tiffany and Co. silver charm bracelet.
Charm bracelets are currently trendy because they can be personalized to your purpose, personality, lifestyle, or any memorable occasion you may have.
Personalizing them is easy because you can separately buy the charm and bracelet. Aside from Tiffany and other major jewelry makers like Pandora, some independent operators are making a robust business out of making charms. Between them, they popular charms, some of which are shown below.
Gemstone charm
Lucky symbol charms
Lucky symbols, such as rabbit’s foot, horseshoe, coin, and key, are probably the most common form of charm. These symbols are purported to bring good luck. They come in several metal colors like gold which is perfect for the gold Tiffany charm bracelet or sterling silver.
Even if you are not a firm believer in lucky symbols, they still look fashionable, cool, and chic.
Here are a couple of examples of lucky symbol charms common among people who love charm bracelets:
Horseshoe charm
This originated in Western Europe during the days of witchcraft. It’s no wonder that horseshoe charms are intended to ward off evil and keep witches away.
Things have changed since then, and horseshoe charms now symbolize strength and durability.
Evil eye
This is probably the most powerful good luck charm. No, it does no evil but protects you from those wishing to harm you or something negative towards you.
Hobbies and Passions Charms
Most people have a hobby or hobbies. They provide an excellent way to unwind and relax after a long day. It helps people remain mentally productive while easing off stress.
Religious Charms
Some people buy charms to express their religious beliefs. They make them feel constantly connected with their faith. It is also a good way for people to display their religious affiliation.
Another reason is that it makes people know their religious affiliations.
How to Wear a Charm Bracelet
A charm bracelet is a timeless piece of jewelry. It is a great way to add a touch of personality to your outfit. Whether casual or formal, a charm bracelet can help you achieve either.
However, there is a “Right” and “Wrong” way. Here are a few tips for doing it right:
Choose the right chain metal metal
Choosing the right metal is as important as choosing the right charm – especially if you want to wear your charm bracelet daily and for a long time.
For this purpose, sterling silver or gold is the best metal of choice for the following reasons:
- They won’t rust or tarnish easily, so you don’t have to clean them frequently
- These metals are readily available and affordable.
Choose the right charm
It’s rather a no-brainer, isn’t it? To have a charm bracelet you can talk about with your friends, you must have the right charm. And by “right” charm, it could mean something that:
- Celebrates life such as a Zodiac symbol or birthstones
- You feel lucky with. It could be a rabbit’s foot, a four-leaf clover, or anything that makes you feel lucky.
- Shows your hobbies, sports, or interests such as cooking, sewing, etc.
- Expresses some close relationships you may have or had.
Tips for daily wear
Should you choose to wear your charm bracelet daily, remember these tips:
- Choose the right length. It should fit snugly on your wrist. The standard length for women’s charm bracelets is 6.5 to 7.5 inches, but you can customize it to fit your wrist (see bracelet length chart).
Charm bracelet length chart
- Wear it every day if you want it to achieve its intended purpose. Put it where you cannot forget to do so, like near your clothes. Incorporate it into your outfits to make you look cute and fashionable.
- An old saying says “man-left hand and woman-right hand,” in wearing bracelets. Following this tradition, it is fashionable for women not to wear anything on their left hand and their bracelet on the right. But ultimately, it is up to you. Wearing it on your dominant hand will make it more visible and eye-catching. The downside is that it could get snagged on other things or get in the way when you eat or do something with it. As a test, alternately try wearing it on either wrist to see which is more comfortable.
- Do take it off when you bathe or sleep. Most bracelets don’t do well when they get very wet. Also, take it off when you sleep to keep it from snagging on your bedding or pillows as you turn around. When you do take it off, put it in the same place so you don’t lose track of it.
How Much is a Tiffany Charm Bracelet?
There are no specific figures as several factors come into the pricing of a particular product, such as intricacy of design, required quality level, the material used, and demand.
But remember that Tiffany & Co is one of the top jewelry makers in the world. The company uses the highest grade of gemstones, rejecting about 99% of gemstones offered to them. Tiffany is known as one of the pickiest jewelry brands because of their relentless pursuit of the highest quality standards.
This quest for excellence makes Tiffany charm bracelets so special. The company always focuses on the bigger picture in everything it does. It has a brand name that has withstood the test of time, and it doesn’t want to ruin its reputation by putting out sloppy products. They are unique because they are products of long years of quality, innovation, creativity, sustainability, accessibility, and unparalleled customer service.
