Some people keep diaries, others have a wall full of photos, and many wear bracelets adorned with silver charms. The thing that all these people have in common is they appreciate the moments, adventures and achievements they experienced throughout their lives.
The best thing about a charm bracelet is you can carry your special moments everywhere you go. They also make a great conversation starter, people want to know what made you choose to wear those charms. By far the most common reason for owning any particular charm is because it has a special meaning to you. That doesn’t mean you can’t have charms just because you love the design, but essentially a charm bracelet is not just about great fashion.
It’s common for a mother to give her teenage daughter a simple charm bracelet with just one or two charms to get her started. As time goes by, an extra charm can be added to celebrate a birthday or for a Christmas present. By the time she reaches adulthood, she will likely have many charms, each a special reminder of one of her loves. It might be musical charm, something from the theatre or arts, a sport at which she excels (or at least loves playing) or a charm to represent a special event such as turning of age or starting her own family.
Because a charm bracelet is built and grows over time and loved forever, it is most important to buy quality charms and chains that will last a lifetime. Solid sterling silver will do just that, inferior silver plated chains and charms will show wear in a matter of just months. When the silver plating wears off, the base metal below the surface, which is often brass or copper, will be exposed and the bracelet will just become another piece of junk jewellery. Hardly the best choice, to carry a lifetime of memories.
Good quality charms don’t have to cost a fortune, and over time you won’t even consider how much was paid. When you are passing your charm bracelet down through the family you will be grateful you opted for quality over price and that you still own the lovely bracelet that you started as a young girl.
Charms have ‘jump rings’ that join the charms to the bracelet. These must be soldered closed by a jeweller or the ring can open if a little force is applied and the charm could be lost. It should only cost a few dollars each, if you have several done at the same time. An alternative is to use Australian made link-locks. These don’t have to be fitted by a jeweller and have a locking tab you squeeze shut with pliers, when closed they are just as secure as a soldered jump ring. They are quite small so you need good eyesight, for those that don’t see so well close up, a pair of +3 or +3.5 reading glasses from your chemist make a great hands free magnifying glass.
The best thing about a charm bracelet is you can carry your special moments everywhere you go. They also make a great conversation starter, people want to know what made you choose to wear those charms. By far the most common reason for owning any particular charm is because it has a special meaning to you. That doesn’t mean you can’t have charms just because you love the design, but essentially a charm bracelet is not just about great fashion.
It’s common for a mother to give her teenage daughter a simple charm bracelet with just one or two charms to get her started. As time goes by, an extra charm can be added to celebrate a birthday or for a Christmas present. By the time she reaches adulthood, she will likely have many charms, each a special reminder of one of her loves. It might be musical charm, something from the theatre or arts, a sport at which she excels (or at least loves playing) or a charm to represent a special event such as turning of age or starting her own family.
Because a charm bracelet is built and grows over time and loved forever, it is most important to buy quality charms and chains that will last a lifetime. Solid sterling silver will do just that, inferior silver plated chains and charms will show wear in a matter of just months. When the silver plating wears off, the base metal below the surface, which is often brass or copper, will be exposed and the bracelet will just become another piece of junk jewellery. Hardly the best choice, to carry a lifetime of memories.
Good quality charms don’t have to cost a fortune, and over time you won’t even consider how much was paid. When you are passing your charm bracelet down through the family you will be grateful you opted for quality over price and that you still own the lovely bracelet that you started as a young girl.
Charms have ‘jump rings’ that join the charms to the bracelet. These must be soldered closed by a jeweller or the ring can open if a little force is applied and the charm could be lost. It should only cost a few dollars each, if you have several done at the same time. An alternative is to use Australian made link-locks. These don’t have to be fitted by a jeweller and have a locking tab you squeeze shut with pliers, when closed they are just as secure as a soldered jump ring. They are quite small so you need good eyesight, for those that don’t see so well close up, a pair of +3 or +3.5 reading glasses from your chemist make a great hands free magnifying glass.