An Introduction to Charms

Discover why charm jewellery has captured people’s hearts over centuries - and continues to be one of the most popular jewellery trends on the planet.

Why do people love charm bracelets?

Well, you may not know this, but I'm going to let you in on a little secret - charm bracelets aren’t a new thing. In fact, people have been falling in love with this charming piece of jewellery for a very long time. 

So long, in fact, that the earliest examples date back to prehistoric times! From ancient talismans to religious symbols - people have been expressing their beliefs and experiences through charm jewellery for thousands of years.

Luckily for us, charms have enjoyed several revivals throughout fashion history and continue to be popular today. With jewellery designers continuously inventing ever more new ways to wear them - and more beautiful charm designs to personalise your jewellery look.

But to truly understand the magic of charms and their fashion staying-power, we should begin at the beginning, with a brief history of charm jewellery.

A brief history of charm jewellery

The earliest examples of charm jewellery ever found were over 5000 years old. They were small handmade symbols, worn on leather strands around the wrist or neck. Charms were crafted from natural materials like bone, wood, stone, seashells and gemstones. We think they were used to ward off evil spirits and bring luck - and lucky symbols are still popular today.

In the Victorian era charms had another revival, thanks to Queen Victoria. She loved jewellery and by wearing her own charm bracelet, made charm bracelets a symbol of wealth and status. Charms were made from the most expensive metals and worn by the rich and powerful.

But charms have also been there for us in more troubled times, like war and depression, for instance. When they’ve given people symbols of love, luck and hope to hang onto. Allowing soldiers and those left at home to keep good memories and symbols to represent the people they loved close to their hearts. 

This use of charms to protect your loved ones and keep bad things away may also explain their most recent popularity boost. In these pandemic days wearing symbols and lucky charms has once again become popular in jewellery circles.

And the charm bracelet is the perfect place to hang your lucky charms and personal talismans, bringing a little comfort, hope and joy in difficult circumstances.

Charm jewellery - the ultimate in personalised jewellery

This year we’ve seen personalised jewellery come into its own, which may also explain why charms are back on the rise.

Charm jewellery is made for expressing yourself - providing the ideal place to hang initials, zodiac symbols and more.

Choosing your own charms allows you to build a completely personal piece of jewellery. One that reflects your unique history and beliefs. You can combine lucky charms and spiritual talismans with special memories. Or use charms to celebrate achievements and anniversaries. The possibilities are endless…

Whatever evil you want to ward off, spiritual life you believe in, or memories you want to keep close - there’s a charm (or two) out there for you.

Pandora and the future of charm bracelets

In more recent history, of course, iconic brands like Tiffany and Pandora introduced their own charm jewellery to the world. 

And other modern designers followed suit, each adding their own take on the charm bracelet. Coming up with ever more clever and inventive ways to wear charms and express yourself through your charm jewellery.

Like the link charm bracelet, made by our very own Nomination (read more about that below) and the charm jewellery of Thomas Sabo and Annie Haak, who brought their unique styles to this traditional piece of jewellery. 

What this means, is whatever your taste and style, there’s a piece of charm jewellery out there to suit you. From the ultra modern and sleek, to the more traditional or edgy.

Here are a few of our favourites...

Nomination Charm Bracelets

In the 1980s, from the fashionable streets of Florence, Italy came Nomination.

They launched a unique new design that transformed charm bracelets. Their composable link charm bracelets gave this ancient piece of jewellery a thoroughly modern makeover, introducing new shapes and materials.

Each charms is a flat ‘tile’ that clicks into place on a sleek, flat bracelet made from strong and affordable stainless steel. Each charm could be clicked-out and changed to suit your mood or outfit.

Since the 80s Nomination has grown into an international brand with a cult following around the world. Young audiences love to wear their bracelets and personalise their look, using charms to spell out names or declare interests. Adding birthstones and symbols to make each once completely their own.

Thomas Sabo Charm Bracelets and Jewellery

Giving a new, edgy vibe to the traditional charm chain, Thomas Sabo's designs evoke travel, ancient symbols, the natural world and more. 

Designed to be colourful, joyful and to set new trends, their exquisite charms are intricate and clever, working together to build your own look. With tiny colourful gems and filigree details that make each one a work of art.

Choose your charms to suit your mood, or reflect the places, people and things you love.

Charm jewellery - more than just bracelets

Nowadays, of course, charms are made for more than bracelets. Charm necklaces have become increasingly popular and offer a new way to wear all your favourite symbols. You can even now add charms to your hoop earrings or rings.

Ultimately, charms are about expressing yourself, having fun and creating your own look. So whatever brand you love or item of jewellery you choose to add charms to, the most important element is to enjoy creating your own piece of jewellery.

There’s a whole world out of charms out there to experiment with, so get collecting!