Famous Women in History & Their Charm Bracelets
Jewelry has always acted as a personal archive, a silent storyteller, and sometimes, a public declaration of power, style, or identity. For centuries, women have used jewelry to communicate their place in the world, their passions, and their legacy. In this imagined collection, we've paired some of history's most glamorous and influential women with Charmco bracelets and charms that capture their spirit. Each piece has been chosen with intention because, much like history itself, the details are where the magic happens.
Cleopatra (69 BC – 30 BC)
Queen of the Nile, political strategist, and one of the most storied rulers in history, Cleopatra VII knew how to make an entrance. We imagine she'd choose the bold Francesca bracelet for its big, golden links that command attention. A Snake with Ruby Eyes Charm is an obvious first choice as a symbol of her power as Pharaoh, echoing the cobra (uraeus) in her royal crown. Like many women today, she would use her charm bracelet to celebrate her family and keep them close. The Sun, Moon, & Stars Charm would honor her children: twins Cleopatra Selene (Moon) and Alexander Helios (Sun), with stars for her eldest, Caesarion, and youngest, Ptolemy Philadelphus. A gleaming Pyramid Charm would serve as a tribute to her enduring place in Egyptian history. The pyramids were already thousands of years old when Cleopatra took the throne, so we'd like to think she'd use the charm as a way to give herself perspective as she ruled. Finally, no Pharaoh would be without a protective talisman. Our Scarab Charm would not only serve as a symbol as timeless and equibutous with Egypt as the woman herself, but the rose quartz would also be a subtle nod to her infamous love life.
Queen Elizabeth I (1533 – 1603)
The "Virgin Queen" ruled during England's Golden Age, balancing diplomacy, artistry, and power with a flair for symbolism. She'd reach for her namesake Elizabeth bracelet—classic, regal, and crafted to last. A luminous Pearl Charm would nod to her preferred gemstone as showcased in her elaborate royal portraits, where she is depicted draped in ropes of pearls. Pearls are symbols of purity, and Elizabeth took pride in the fact she ruled alone, never taking a husband. The Drama Mask Charm would celebrate her patronage of the arts, especially the plays of William Shakespeare, who no doubt would not be the household name he is today without her favor. Finally, the Rose Charm would bloom on her bracelet as the Tudor Rose, emblem of her dynasty and a reminder signifying unity and legitimacy.
Frida Kahlo (1907 – 1954)
Frida Kahlo transformed her pain into beauty, using her art to explore identity, politics, and love. We're confident she'd choose the Cordelia bracelet, its heart links reflecting the emotional intensity that pulsed through her work. The Paint Palette Charm would represent her fearless artistry and act as the perfect tribute to her mastery of color and surreal self-portraiture. A Monkey Charm would recall her beloved pet spider monkeys, often immortalized in her paintings. Lastly, a Frog Charm would be her playful tribute to Diego Rivera—her great love and frequent heartbreak—whom she sometimes referred to as her "frog."
Audrey Hepburn (1929 – 1993)
Audrey Hepburn's charm went far beyond her doe-eyed beauty; she embodied elegance, kindness, and an almost otherworldly grace. She'd wear the Audrey bracelet, her namesake, paired with the Sabrina (a nod to her role in the movie of the same name) for a chic, stacked look. The Sleep Mask would be a playful wink to Breakfast at Tiffany's and Holly Golightly's iconic morning-after style. Although famously associated with Paris for all the movies she filmed there and her close relationship with designer Hubert de Givenchy, did you know Audrey is not actually French and never lived in Paris? Nonetheless, we think Audrey would add the Diamond Eiffel Tower Charm to her charm bracelet to commemorate her memories and time spent in the city that made her an unofficial Parisienne. Finally, the Cat Eye Glasses Charm would nod to her iconic Givenchy looks, timeless fashion influence, and effortless sophistication that made her a global style icon. Much like the woman herself, this bracelet would be equal parts refined, whimsical, and unforgettable.
Empress Dowager Cixi (1835 – 1908)
As one of the most powerful women in Chinese history, Empress Dowager Cixi rose from a concubine to the de facto leader of the Qing dynasty, ruling behind the scenes for nearly half a century. She was known for her elaborate jewelry, ornate clothing, and love of the arts. Trust us when we say: her bracelet would be decadent. She'd select the Poppy bracelet for its elegant and elongated links, perfectly suited to an empress. The Chinese Dragon Charm would signify her imperial authority, a creature long associated with the emperor's strength. A Pagoda Charm would represent traditional Chinese architecture and the cultural heritage she both preserved and transformed. Finally, a Goldfish Charm would swim into the mix. Symbolizing prosperity and abundance in Chinese culture, it would also immortalize a reign defined by both luxury and complexity.
Sophia Loren (1934—)
An enduring icon of Italian cinema, Sophia Loren embodies glamour, sensuality, and a deep love of life. She'd opt for her namesake Sophia bracelet—elegant in its simplicity, allowing each charm to shine. A Stiletto High Heel Charm would honor her unapologetic embrace of femininity and bold style that marked her as one of Hollywood's most iconic bombshells. The Lucky Horn Charm, or cornicello, is a beloved Italian talisman believed to bring protection and good fortune. For Sophia, it would serve as an unmistakable nod to her roots in Naples and keep a piece of home close as she filmed in Hollywood. Lastly, an Enamel Lipstick Charm would capture her signature red lips, a beauty statement as recognizable as her Oscar-winning smile. Like Loren herself, this bracelet would be equal parts drama, elegance, and unmistakable Italian flair.
Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014)
Poet, singer, dancer, actress, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou lived a life that defied categorization, fueled by an unshakable belief in the power of the human spirit. She'd wear the Ava bracelet, our best-selling chain for a best-selling author. The Stack of Books Charm is fitting for a woman whose transformative autobiographies and poetry have reached millions. The Pen Charm would symbolize not just her craft, but the way she wielded words as tools for truth, healing, and change. Lastly, the Caged Bird Charm would be a tender nod to I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the work that cemented her as one of the most important literary voices of the 20th century. Her bracelet, like her life, would be a masterclass in storytelling.
A Bracelet That Speaks Without Words
Whether worn by a queen, an artist, an actress, or an activist, a custom charm bracelet has the power to capture an entire lifetime in gold. These imagined Charmco collections for history's icons remind us jewelry is about identity, legacy, and connection. And while you may not rule an empire or star in a Hollywood classic, your bracelet can still tell your story—equally personal, equally glamorous, and equally unforgettable.