The History of Charm Bracelets
Both men and women have collected and used charms since prehistoric times. Charms were created first from bones, shells, clay and even animal tusks. Some were used as adornment, some were worn for good luck or protection from evil, and some were buried with loved ones, to accompany platinum engagement ring them into their afterlife.
Charms have existed for centuries, and, although the metal from which they are made nowadays is different from that used years ago, one aspect has remained: we love charms because they remind us of precious moments in our lives. With age, memories tend to fade, but our mother’s and grandmother’s charm bracelets can live forever.
Later charms were created in gold and silver, and today you can find charms in these metals, encrusted with diamonds and gemstones. Charms can be hand-painted with enamel, and some even have movable parts.
Charms have long been carried as protection against danger. Many women sent their soldiers charms during World War II not only as a memento, but also as a means of “protecting” them during war. Indeed, it may have been returning soliders who actually started modern charm collecting for women, having picked up charms in places they’d visited in Europe. Soon women saw the chance to create a very personal collection of their life and interests.
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 jewelry 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 jewelry.
During the Bronze Age jewelry-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 jewelry manufacturers still use today.
Modern Times
Leading up to the industrial revolution, charms were custom-made pieces of jewelry. 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 jewelry 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 jewelry 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.
Pandora History
Originally from Copenhagen, Denmark, Pandora Jewelry secured itself in Northern Europe before coming to the United States. In 2002, Pandora Jewelry made its first appearance into the North American jewelry industry. Inspired by Greek mythology, the Danish jewelry line combined versatility with fashion to establish the beloved charm and bead bracelets that are around today.
According to the Greek myth, Zeus wanted revenge on the god, Prometheus, for stealing fire from the immortals and giving it to the mortals. He ordered the god, Hephaestus, to create Pandora, the first woman and ordered the other gods to lavish her in a way that would entice mankind. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, gave Pandora clothes while Aphrodite, the goddess of love, gave her beauty. Necklaces, created by Hephaestus, were given to her by the Charites, goddesses of charm.
Zeus gave Pandora a box, which he forbade her to open, and then sent her down to Earth. In her creation, the first woman was given curiosity. As a result, Pandora was unable to withstand temptation. When she peered into the box, she released all of the troubles, such as disease and conflict, which would later afflict mankind. In the end, the only thing remaining in her box was hope.
Pandora Jewelry later utilized hope and inspiration as the main impetus behind the successful Pandora design. By offering women the opportunity to design their own jewelry, the Danish line encourages creativity and individuality. Today, the company is featured in magazines and in jewelry stores across the globe.
Pandora Jewelry System
When Pandora Jewelry first came up with its unique line of jewelry, it kept one goal in mind—to inspire women to express themselves and their stories via charm and bead jewelry. As a result, they developed their own jewelry system that would be easy for women to understand and utilize.
How does it work?
The Clasp on Pandora Style Bracelets appears as a bead when closed, creating a seamless effect, which is integrated into the bracelet. The Pandora Style beads are slipped onto the bracelet and held in place with 925 sterling silver Clips for security as well as aesthetics. When your bracelet is unclasped, the charms will not fall off.
What size bracelet?
For a secure fit, measure your wrist at its broadest point. For those who like their bracelets to roll over their hands, instead of clasping the bracelet shut, measure your hand at its broadest point.
Add at least one inch (2.5cm) to that measurement to allow room for comfort. Bracelets are divided into three segments which can be separated by fixed Pandora Style Sterling Silver Clips. This allows beads to be evenly distributed around the bracelet.
Create different looks for your own individual style.
To make your choice easier, Pandora Style Jewelry has designed a range of unique “starter” bracelets with the middle section of the bracelet containing beads and charms with a particular colour theme – blue, pink, red, earth, yellow, etc., to match your individuality, personality, and dress style.
To the “starter” bracelet, the customer may choose to add extra beads and/or charms now or at a later date. She may pick from a wide array of Pandora Style glass beads and silver charms and clips to accentuate and individualize her bracelet.
Below you will find suggestions for creating a Pandora bracelet based on your style preference.
The Bohemian Look
Are you the free-spirited type who tends to wear a lot of Earth tones, flowing skirts, or vintage apparel? There are several bracelets with charms and beads in Earth tones and many beads to pick from as accessories to this bracelet.
The Casual Look
Do you tend to disregard beauty salons and wear only what is comfortable for you? Perhaps you prefer the natural look and just wearing jeans and a tee shirt. If this is the case, choose a bracelet with Pink, Blue or Green Pandora Style beads.
The Modern Look
Does the Modern Look tend to suit you best? Are you stylish and up-to-date with the latest fashions? Perhaps you just like adding modern twists to the classic look. If any of these is the case, take a look at the following Pandora Style beads for personalizing your bracelet: the Black and White Beads, the Silver/Gold Charms and Sparkling CZ Beads.
The Classic Look
When it comes to your style, are you more into sporting the Classic Look? Do you wear a lot of bold designs and colors? Choose a mainly silver bracelet and add extra silver beads, clips, and spacers as a way to personalize this bracelet.
Why Pandora Style Jewelry?
Start a tradition. Everybody can be part of the Pandora Style jewelry story! Collect and build your Pandora Style bracelets over time, or collect them for special occasions. Buy bracelets, beads and charms up front – or do it over many years. Our sterling silver Pandora Style beads & charms are very affordable.
Everybody can be part of giving Pandora Style jewelry from the child buying a mother an inexpensive spacer for her birthday to the husband buying an anniversary present. Pandora Style beads and charms are a gift that can last a lifetime.
Pandora Style Jewelry keep prices to a minimum by stocking mainly 925 Sterling Silver PLATED bracelets, clips, charms and Murano-style glass bead cores. They look like solid silver but are a fraction of the price. So now, rather than having just one bracelet, you can have several Pandora Style bracelets to suit your changing attire. One for casual … one for formal … and one for work!
It’s your jewelry that says the most about who you are … and nothing makes your personal statement as strongly as Pandora Style charms and beads.
Express yourself with Pandora Style Charms and Beads. Reflect your platinum wedding ring elegant style by creating beautiful jewelry. The interchangeable design allows for you to create a personalized look and re-arrange your own beads. Commemorate a life changing event, occasion, or memoir. Pandora Style jewelry makes a charming gift, a fashionable statement, and a sophisticated addition to your collection. Our bead store offers exclusive beads and styles – design your very own Pandora Style bracelet today.
Our goal is to provide a unique selection at reduced prices so designer platinum wedding rings everyone can afford to buy Charms and Beads in the style of Pandora, Biagi, Bacio and Chamilia.
Choose the proper chain size. Add clips and select Pandora Style beads and charms from our beautiful array. Your charming Pandora Style jewelry will have a sense of style and uniqueness all your own.