The first charm bracelets were probably worn by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians and Hittites from 500 to 400 B.C. Those charms were made of lapis lazuli, rock crystal and other gems and were inscribed with small designs, such as figures of goddesses/gods, man and animals. They were immediately associated with special powers.

By the 1890's charms had evolved from spiritual protector to fashion statement. In Victorian England, where elegant and elaborate jewelry was the style, charm bracelets were standard "body fixtures". Queen Victoria further popularized the trend by wearing a charm bracelet of small lockets containing family portraits.

Charm bracelets were the most popular in the United States in the 1940's and 1950's. Soldiers often picked up charms from every city they visited during World War II, and the fashion trend itself continued into times of peace. Over fifty years later charms remain a popular keepsake. Today, a growing trend is theme charm bracelets. Popular themes include: Celtic, Mystickal/Metaphysical, Travel, Gardening, Sports, Nautical, and Sun, Moon & Stars.

Many women start collecting charms as pre-teens. The most common scenario is a mother giving her daughter a charm bracelet, either as a new gift or passing on a family heirloom bracelet. Then, the daughter adds her own charms representing her favorite hobbies, sports and interests. As the daughter matures, so does her charm bracelet. Eventually, that same bracelet may hold a graduation cap, college insignia, the Eiffel Tower,wedding bells and lockets of her children.

Charms are the ideal gift because they appeal to a wide audience. A sterling charm sells on our site for as little as $0.95, and a pewter one for under a dime -- They are a perfect gift for a friend, sibling, child, grandparent or parent.

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