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It’s believed that some form of charms and charm bracelets can be traced back as early as 5,000 B.C. Ancient Egyptians used various amulets,
or charms, as superstitious protection from a whole variety of evil forces. Some early Christian factions also wore symbolic charms for protection or
good luck. And, later Victorian England embraced certain charms as representations of fortune, luck or revered guidance.
It was about this time that charms and charm bracelets began to evolve from spiritual talismans into fashion statements.
It has been said that Queen Victoria wore a charm bracelet of small lockets containing photographs of her family.
In a time when elegant and elaborate jewelry were the style, charms and charm bracelets gained must-have prominence with many upper class Europeans.
Although charms had been in existence and continuously evolving for thousands of years, their modern-day popularity really boomed during World War I and
World War II. According to Joyce Jonas, president of the American Society of Jewelry Historians, "Charm bracelets were the most popular in the U.S.
in the 1940s and 1950s. Soldiers often picked up charms from every city they visited. The fashion trend itself continued into times of peace."
In the years after the wars, charm bracelets began to appear much more frequently, but mostly in the upper class social circles in the United States and
abroad. In many families, it became customary for a young woman to be given a starter bracelet as she neared age of 13. She would then be periodically
gifted additional dangling gold charms or silver charms to mark important occasions, celebrations and interests throughout her life.
The popularity of charm bracelets continued to grow over the next couple of decades, and by the 1970s, charm bracelets had achieved mass appeal.
Charm bracelets were no longer associated exclusively with the upper class. Today, from grammar schoolgirls to great grandmothers, all types are
enjoying charm collecting and charm bracelets have become a favorite sentimental commemoration of one's life.
The selection of charms available today is almost endless. From your favorite animal to your zodiac sign, you can find the perfect commemorative charm
for any occasion. Charms and charm bracelets make a great gift for new moms, aunts, grandmas, sisters and friends. Charms are ideal for birthdays,
anniversaries, graduations, special travels and more. And, many mothers today follow Queen Victoria's historic lead and wear charm bracelets
with photographs, birthstones, or engraved charms to represent each of their children and/or grandchildren.
Charms are a wonderful choice for young and old because they are a timeless and loving keepsake that helps preserve the memory of special moments and
events. As more and more charms are added, your charm bracelets can be assembled to uniquely represent your own personalized life story.
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