History of Charm Bracelets

Charm bracelets have been popular from as early as 500 B.C., when Assyrians, Babylonians and even Persians wore charms which they associated with special powers. In recent years gold charms and silver charms are becoming popular once again.

Charm jewelry was also very popular during Victorian times in England, when charm bracelets were standard attire among fashionable women seeking spiritual protection and trendy jewelry. Queen Victoria was known to wear charm bracelets containing tiny pictures of family members.

Charm fashions did not become popular in U.S. until 1940s, when soldiers often collected gold and silver charms from cities they visited during war.

Today charm jewelry is most often purchased as a keepsake; many charms are theme based, while others are sentimental in nature, often purchased as a souvenir of a trip or reminder of a special occasion. Charms are even passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms, often given to children when younger.

Owners may add their own charms to bracelets over time, including those representing favorite places, hobbies and interests.

Italian Charm Bracelets

Italian charm bracelets are slightly different from traditional silver charms or gold charms. Most charm bracelets are fashioned with charms dangling from a chain; Italian charm bracelets however, are made with charms soldered to flat links that can be removed from a stretch bracelet. Charms can easily be switched on and off depending on owners personal preference. Italian charm bracelets are a unique and fun twist on standard charm bracelet because they are dynamic, fun to wear and trendy. Popular among young and old alike, these link style charm bracelets are usually made of high quality, hypo-allergenic stainless steel. The actual charms may be fashioned from a variety of different materials including 14 or 18k gold.

Most charm bracelets come in standard sizes, small-medium-large. For Italian charm bracelets these sizes are categorized as follows:

• Small – includes 17 charm links
• Medium – contains 18 charm links
• Large – contains 19 charm links

Traditional Charm Bracelets

Traditional charm bracelets are made of a silver or gold chain with charms dangling. There are literally hundreds of different styles and themes to choose from when purchasing traditional charm jewelry. Some of more common themes and styles of charm bracelets available include:

• Beach lover themes
• Victorian style charms
• Vintage charm jewelry
• Memoir or locket style charms
• Silver charms
• Gold charms
• Gemstone charms

People often associate term "jewelry" with something a woman possesses and covets. Yet for centuries mens jewelry has been fashionable and popular among elite and average men alike. Kings and Pharaohs in ancient times wore jewelry as a symbol of power and prestige. Whether a member of a tribe, team, work group or family many men wore rings as a symbol of their belonging or achievement.

Jewels and jewelry have been coveted since beginning of time, as symbols of power, richness, beauty, commitment and even pride. Just as princesses and Queen's of old fell under spell of sparkling gems, so too have men fallen under tempting promise a precious metal offers.

History shows that men have worn jewels and rings for a variety of reasons. Most jewelry serves as an aesthetically pleasing accompaniment to a wardrobe or fashionable figure. Yet mens jewelry has also served functional purposes, including describing a male's social status, place in society and of course, marital status.

Men's Wedding Bands

Mens wedding bands are among most common form of mens jewelry purchased. The tradition of offering a double ring or mens wedding bands at a wedding ceremony can be traced back to mid 1940s in United States. At this time jewelry manufacturers popularized idea of offering a groom's wedding band as perfect accompaniment to ladies wedding ring. The idea of a groom's ring however, existed long before advertisers popularized it. In fact, consumers had already bought into idea that a groom's ring symbolized much more than marriage, but also male prosperity and stability.

Among more common and popular forms of mens jewelry on market today is mens diamond wedding band. Many gentlemen prefer to purchase a dual wedding set featuring a mens diamond wedding band and ladies diamond wedding ring. Mens wedding bands are often much thicker than women's. Though many men prefer jewelry that is subtle and less adorned, others prefer mens wedding bands that are ornate and intricate.

Accessories

There is no end to jewelry accessories available to today's modern man. Mens jewelry often comes with complementary mens jewelry boxes made to hold a collection of cherished pieces. In fact, many men have so many necklaces, rings and bracelets one might consider mens jewelry boxes ideal gift.

Other more common accessories offered in mens jewelry category include following:

• Cufflinks
• Bracelets
• Money Clips
• Rings
• Watches
• Earrings
• Chains