Charm Bracelets Zone

Charm Bracelets have been around for a very long time. Their origin dates back thousands of years and have been found to be an important part of most ancient civilizations. Precious metals and stones, bone, ivory, and wood, were popular materials used to fashion these charms, amulets and talismans.

It is believed that the custom of wearing charms affixed to a bracelet; the original charm bracelets, originated in Italy and the craze spread quickly across Europe. The materials used to make charms over time has had no limit. However certain materials and symbols have been associated with different cultures and regions. Certain religious symbols and themes, for instance, are among the oldest and most common.

Over time the demand for a greater variety of subjects has opened the door to an infinite selection of charms.

In the beginning of the 20th century the “Art Nouveau” period introduced the fashion of elaborate flower and animal designs which were very popular and highly prized.

The “Art Deco” period of the 1920s and 1930s influenced the charms of that period to take on more of a geometric character as well as the use of materials not seen for centuries like bone, ivory and animal teeth were combined with glass, wood and even the new invention, plastics to create original and unique charms that are still collected today although their value is far out of most peoples reach.

During the 1950s, the Walter Lampl company produced a wide variety of styles including exquisite enameled heart design charms. In 1956 they were the largest manufacturer of charm bracelet charms, their catalog offered over 750 different charm designs and were highly prized by women at that time . Even though the Lampl company closed its doors in 1959, Lampl charms are still very collectible today and often fetch prices in the hundreds of dollars for a single charm.

Traditionally women receive a charm bracelet with one or perhaps two charms as a gift or they buy a bracelet for themselves. This makes it easier for friends, family or lovers to decide on a gift for special occasions and over time a unique and personal piece of jewelry takes shape. The true genius of the charm bracelet is that each one is a truly unique and personal work of art.

Today charm bracelets are a hugely popular fashion accessory. With big players in the fashion accessory industry like Pandora, Chamilia, and Trollbeads producing stunning pieces in gold, silver, platinum and semi-precious stones as well as ceramic art glass one-of-a-kind beads. The newer generation of charm bracelets utilize a system of stringing beads and charms on a cable made of precious metal which makes for a stronger and more streamlined bracelet with a whole new look.

Still popular though, are the vintage charms which are found mostly at auction and special high-end jewelry stores and fetch impressive prices as collector’s items and are considered solid investments. Every charm represents a tiny piece of history made from rare materials that will never lose their value.

Today, Rembrandt is one of the largest manufacturers of traditional retro style charms made of sterling silver and 10k, 12k, and 14k gold and are sold through hundreds of distributors online to supply the incredible demand of traditional charm collectors.

The internet has become a great advantage to collectors of charms and charm bracelet making and collecting enthusiasts. With vast websites, forums and discussion groups, even Facebook pages, collectors and fans write articles about every aspect of styles, trends, history, who the hot designers are etc. Clubs, some with worldwide memberships meet regularly to exchange information, trade charms and show off their collections.

Charm bracelets have proven their worth over the centuries as coveted objects of beauty, individuality and value and that tradition is no less true today. If you are looking for the perfect gift for a woman or young girl or even as a gift you give yourself, you can not go wrong with a charm bracelet either retro or modern style, it is sure to become a precious possession and a valuable investment, over time.