The History of Charms and Charm Bracelets Part II
In 1889, Tiffany and Co. introduced their first charm bracelet — a link bracelet with a single heart dangling from it, a bracelet which is an iconic symbol for Tiffany today. (Similar to the one we have to offer – pictured to the left)
Despite the Great Depression, during the 1920s and 1930s platinum and diamonds were introduced to charm bracelet manufacturing.
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 and Joan Crawford helped to fuel the interest and popularity of charm bracelets.
Although interest and production waned through the latter part of the 20th century, there was a resurgence of popularity after 2000 and collectors eagerly sought out vintage charms. Inspired by to the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, bracelets with little charms of swords cross, and skulls were introduced as a fashion trend during Winter 2006.
Since 2002, a new trend for European charm bracelets has emerged in both Europe and North America. These modular bracelets consist of a chain onto which different beads or ‘charms’ can be put. The charms are made from gold, silver or Murano Glass and are interchangeable to allow the wearer to create their own look. These beads can be sculpted to simulate anything from animals to people. There are literally thousands of beads available for these bracelets as beads can be created to reflect any interest or category.
Originally introduced by Danish jewelry company Trollbeads in 1976, this style of bracelet grew in popularity and today there are many brands available. In the UK the most successful brand of European charm bracelet is Pandora and Love-links, though Biagi, Zable, Reflections by SimStars, Chamilia, Novobeads, Oriana, and Trollbeads. A key feature of the actual beads is that they are compatible with all major bead bracelet manufacturers. A Chamilia bead can be worn on a Zable bracelet and vice versa. (Pictured to the left is one of our adorable Zable Bead Charm Bracelets)
A charm is a small ornament usually dangling from a bracelet or chain. However, the Italian Charm Bracelet is configured differently. While each charm is separate and interchangeable, it lies flat against the wrist and is interlocking to the next charm, similarly to an expansion band. A charm-link connecting tool is available to change the charms, but fingers seem to work just as well.
