The History of Charms – Ancient Times

Charms have been enchanting people since prehistoric times. Frequently referred to as amulets or talismans, the wearing of charms has been associated with magic, mystique, protection, spirituality and love.

As early as the stone age, people began making jewellery from clay, animal bones and shells as objects of adornment. Different cultures came of age at different times throughout history. In Africa there is evidence that early stone-age man used shells as adornments as early as 75,000 years ago. In a cave in south-western Germany tiny, intricately carved ivory figurines made from mammoth tusks were found, dating back 30,000 years. These findings support the claim that early man made and wore charm-like jewellery.

During the Bronze Age jewellery-making became more sophisticated, along with the materials used. Early charms were made from lapis lazuli, rock crystal and other semi-precious gems, and were inscribed with small designs associated with special powers. Different civilisations, including the Babylonians, Assyrians and Persians, made and wore charms. The Babylonians are believed to have been the first people to wear charms on a bracelet – around 700 BC.

The Egyptians started using charms as early as 3000 BC. They used charms to ward off evil spirits, protect loved ones in the afterlife, enhance fertility, and assure prosperity. As master goldsmiths, they were the first to develop the ability to cast gold, using the lost-wax technique which many jewellery manufacturers still use today.                                                              Back...    More...

The History of Charms – Modern Times

Leading up to the industrial revolution, charms were custom-made pieces of jewellery. Only wealthy citizens had the means to afford such treasures. The machine age introduced the technology to mine precious metals and mass-produce them into affordable jewellery for the growing middle class, both in Europe and in the United States. In the mid-1800s Queen Victoria popularised charm bracelets further, by wearing small lockets containing family portraits and locks of hair of her beloved husband, Prince Albert.

Charm bracelets reached new heights of popularity after World War II. Soldiers returned home with souvenir charms from the cities they had liberated. Jewellers soon added charms of various metals, styles, and occasions to their lines. Today charms are as popular as ever. The first piece of fine jewellery a young child receives is typically a charm of faith, such as a cross or religious medallion. People continue to use charms and charm bracelets to tell the story of their life, whether it be a simple heart charm worn around the neck, or a charm bracelet filled with tiny treasures.

There are two times in a woman’s life when she traditionally receives a charm bracelet: as a young girl and for her marriage.

Charm bracelets are often given from mother to daughter, either as a new gift or passing it on as a family heirloom. The daughter then adds her own charms to the bracelet, including those which represent her favourite hobbies, interests and beliefs. As the daughter matures, so does her charm bracelet, increasing not only in the number of charms, but also in sentimental value. When a woman marries she is given a charm bracelet to celebrate her future. A charm bracelet with wedding bells can be filled later with charms representing the honeymoon, anniversaries and the birth of children. This bracelet is frequently referred to as her “Lifetime” bracelet, growing over the years to be passed on to her daughter one day, continuing the tradition of charm collecting from generation to generation.                                                             Back...