The charm has been around in varying formats for centuries. Whether carried in the pocket, around the neck or on the wrist, the charm makes for a definite statement. Making that statement has numerous possibilities and the Italian charm is just one of the latest ways to let people know what you believe, who you are, and what you are passionate about.
THE LOOK AND FEEL OF AN ITALIAN CHARM
Italian charms will come in all kinds of “looks” and that is what makes them so great to collect. You can change them up according to whatever mood you are in by building your own Italian charm bracelet. An interchangeable charm bracelet allows for a new look to be added to your wardrobe by the minute.
Italian charms are not the typical dangling, shapely charm of the past. No, Italian charms are anything but dangly or shapely, they are flat and create a flat link that can pop on and off a stretchy bracelet of your choosing. Do you see the possibilities here?
Yes they are the latest trend and you will see young and old alike sporting their own personal creations. How could they not be popular with the endless choices available? Adding charms is as easy as locating one to pop on your bracelet. Building them to make a personal statement about your family, your hobbies, your pet(s), your favorite sport, holiday destination, art or music is as quick as locating the charms on the web or in your local jewelry store, or in your jewelry box and popping it right on your bracelet. Italian charm bracelets are just plain fun.
WHERE TO START?
Look for quality when shopping for your charms. Don’t be fooled by the cheaper quality charm made to look like the Italian charms. Italian charms are made with high quality, hypoallergenic stainless steel bases. The charms themselves are usually 18k gold and are soldered to the link base. Cheaper quality charms might not have the stainless steel in the base and are definitely made with gold plate and not 18k gold.
Sizing is as easy as small, medium, or large. A small sized Italian bracelet will have 17 charm links. A medium will have 18 charm links per bracelet and a large sized bracelet will have 19 links. Of course you can size them anyway you see fit making them smaller than 17 charms and larger than 19 charms. Most women will have wrist sizes that fall into the small, medium, or large category.
Choosing a brand may seem like a concern. Fear not, the major Italian charm makers all use a standard size to create their charms, which makes them interchangeable with any bracelet. The cheaper charms may not interchange well so beware if you get caught up in their particular brands. They may not work on your Italian bracelets but who would want a cheaper quality product to begin with, right?
BUILDING A CHARM WARDROBE
Pricing that charm bracelet is as easy as pricing individual charms. An Italian made charm will start its pricing at around $15 and top out at about $50. Enamel charms will price at around $18 and stones at about $22 each. Most jewelers offer specials on a starter bracelet if you buy multiple charms at one time.
Need some ideas on what Italian charms to purchase first? The top sellers start with hearts, mom, and the American flag. If that does not work for you or the person the gift bracelet is for then move on to the other possibilities. Explore a hobby, a favorite historical era, or even a favorite stone and you are on your way to creating your first Italian charm bracelet masterpiece. A meaningful message or keepsake is another flexible choice for this bracelet. If you are going to give this bracelet as a gift check and see what the receiver already has. You may be able to top off an existing bracelet with a pricey charm that the owner may have never considered.
Self-expression and diversity is what fashion is all about and Italian charm bracelets fit the bill.
