Charms have a long and colorful history, but as their name suggests, their initial use had more to do with the paranormal and mysterious than cosmetic jewelry. Coveted by Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, it wasn?t until the late 19th Century that their rise to a predominately fashion-oriented audience took hold. Nevertheless, more than other forms of jewelry, charm bracelets and necklaces often tell a story.
The ancient Egyptians, people obsessed by beauty and mysticism, were the first culture to make collecting charms for bracelets and necklaces an exclusive hobby, creating bejeweled charms of precious metals and gemstones. These LA-esque bling-obsessed poseurs of yesterday, fashioned all sorts of charms to ward off evil, denote status, and like their other beaded designs, prepare them for a glorious afterlife. While we have no idea how they fared in that higher place, we can thank them for leaving some remarkable pieces of jewelry and an art that has transcended through the ages.
Not to be outdone, Christians in Roman times used a special charm called an ichthys shaped in a child-like image of a fish. You might think ichthys means fish in some archaic tongue but, it is in fact, an acronym from the ancient Greek for ?Jesus Christ God?s Son Is Saviour?. Given this literal interpretation, it?s hardly surprising these fish-shaped charms were a mark for certain death to bearers if discovered. However, they were successfully used as a method to identify fellow Christians, although they were kept well hidden under clothes unless in a safe environment.
Similarly, centuries later, medieval knights adorned themselves with charms when heading into battle in the hope their charms would mysteriously bring victory and safety. Their wives too wore charms of precious metals as tokens of luck during childbirth and to ensure their family was protected against disease. Even surgeons of the day wore them, and given the patient mortality rates, you can understand why ? they needed all the help they could get! You can still find bracelets from this time in English antique stores. They?re very expensive but utterly fascinating.
Although charm bracelets and necklaces never completely died out, by the Renaissance, attraction to all things mystical waned. It was Queen Victoria who rediscovered their appeal during the 19th Century. She often said she was not really interested in jewelry, but given the collection of treasures she amassed, it seems quite likely she had her fingers crossed behind her back when she said this. The Queen had effigies of her children and later grandchildren made, which she attached to bracelets. She often included them as gifts to female member of her enormous, extended family ? the most popular being portraits of her beloved Albert.
It?s from Victoria?s interest that charm bracelets and necklaces became family heirlooms with enormous sentimentality attached to them. For families, each charm told a story of the previous wearer and also provided an opportunity for the current generation to add onto for the next in the family line. As eras changed, so did the styles of the charm bracelet. Consequently today, antique charms reflect designs from the Georgian through to Art Nouveau periods.
During and after World War II, collecting charms for bracelets and necklaces became even more popular. Soldiers picked up charms throughout Europe and Asia as mementos for their loved ones and the increase in travel meant charms were bought as souvenirs by those lucky enough to be able to afford leaving their own shores.
Modern charms can be made from just about any material, cost permitting. Gold and silver aside, some of the most magnificent charms are studded with precious jewels or the jewels themselves set in drops. Thankfully, the production of pewter has made charm collecting far more accessible for most of us and you can find truly lovely and interesting charms at very affordable prices in both silver and gold colors.
Of course, there are no rules when beginning to create a charm bracelet or necklace. It?s probably best to stick to one color metal but the theme can be anything you want ? ancient Egypt, celestial (sun, moon and stars), animals or insects, fashion etc. Charm bracelets make ideal, interesting and cost-effective presents as the recipient can then add charms of their choice. It also means you can present further charms on other occasions to add to the bracelet. Most importantly, like anything to do with beads and jewelry-making, creating charm bracelets and necklaces should be fun!
Tracy Stillman is a freelance writer and the owner of Not Just Beadz, an online bead shop which provides quality beads and beading supplies at affordable prices. http://www.notjustbeadz.com
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