Charm bracelets make great gifts. They vary in styles and price. They can easily be personalized. They also serve as a repetitive gift. You don’t give a completed bracelet. You build the bracelet over time. They become symbols of life events. When building a charm bracelet , there are certain things you must consider. Think about the metal used, the purpose of the bracelet, the style of the bracelet, cost of charms, and the cost of adhering the charms.
Charm bracelets are traditionally link bracelets with small charms or trinkets hanging from the links. The charms are usually bought over time and represent the events, tastes, and interests of the person wearing the bracelet.
Gold vs. Silver
When picking a bracelet the first decision is the metal. Most women have a preference for a certain metal. Look at what they normally wear. If they mainly wear silver, than the charm bracelet should be silver. If this is for a teenager, go for silver. Silver bracelets are generally cheaper. It will be easier and more affordable for them to acquire more charms. If you are marking a major life event, like college graduation, than chose gold. Remember, if this is a gift for someone else, it should reflect the tastes of the person who will receive the charm bracelet. When giving the bracelet chose one or two charms to give with the bracelet.
Solder vs. jump rings
Traditional charm bracelets attach charms using jump rings. If you have jewelry pliers you can attach the charms yourself . This will save you a lot of money. However, it has been my experience that this way of attaching charms is not the best. I have lost countless charms by having them just hooked on. I recommend that you spend the money, about $5 per charm, and have a jeweler solder the charms onto the bracelet. You spent the money to buy a nice bracelet. You bought the perfect charms. Don’t risk losing them. Solder the charms.
There are charms available now with a lobster claw. This is the same closure of most bracelets. To avoid the issue of soldering the charms, you may want to seek out charms with a lobster claw.
Slide vs. dangle
Once you decide on the metal, visit a jewelry store. Plan a trip to a trusted jewelry store and look at the variety of charm bracelets available. Again, keep in mind the tastes of the person who will be receiving the bracelet. The traditional charm bracelet dangles. They tend to jingle when you move. They can also get caught in sweaters. These charm bracelets tend to be less expensive than the newer styles. Dangle charms are also readily available at brick and mortar stores as well as on line. These are my favorites.
If you are giving this to a woman who is hip and trendy, you may want to look into a slide bracelet. These originated during the Victorian era. Slide bracelets are bangle bracelets. They use charms with holes in them. You slide the charm on in whatever order you choose. You also add spacers between the charms. Slide bracelet charms do not need to be soldered. These are much more elegant than traditional charm bracelets. They are available in silver and gold. Pandora is a well known maker of slide bracelets. The charms for these bracelets tend to be much pricier than the dangle charms. Slide charms are also thicker.
Purpose
The last thing to consider is the purpose of the bracelet. These bracelets can be created as mommy jewelry, the charms reflect her children. Charm bracelets can be designed around holidays, hobbies, and travels. They can literally tell any story you want them to tell. Decide before you buy the first charm what that story is about.
After you have considered these things, you are ready to build a charm bracelet. Charm bracelets are timeless fashion accessories. They are easily personalized and each one is different. Charms are a great way to show the personal style, tastes and interests of the wearer. Charm bracelets are also a great way to express your feelings for a special woman.
