How to Build a Charm Bracelet
Let's Go Back to the Beginning
First, a little history lesson. Charms have been worn for thousands of years, originally as symbols of luck, love, and spirituality. The pharaohs of ancient Egypt wore the earliest charm bracelets for safe passage to the afterlife. In the late 19th Century, Queen Victoria is credited with bringing charm bracelets back as a fashion craze, often personalizing charm bracelets as gifts. Post WWII, charms were popular keepsakes from soldiers stationed overseas who collected travel charms for sweethearts at home. Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis, and Natalie Wood popularized them as must-have jewelry in the mid-20th Century.
Modern-Day Charm Bracelets
Today, charm bracelets can be many things, an everyday heirloom or treasured special occasion jewelry, depending on your personal style. They celebrate life's most significant and everyday moments. This timeless accessory makes a great gift for you or a loved one. You can add charms one by one when you hit as you celebrate milestones or make a bold statement with a complete charm bracelet created all at once. Either way, your one-of-a-kind charm bracelet is sure to occupy a treasured and unique place in your jewelry box. We know getting started is the hardest part, but don't fret; we've compiled a list of some of our best tips. We've learned a thing or two after years of building countless gorgeous bracelets! Ready? Deep breath in...and out... Okay. Let's have some fun.
Choosing Your Bracelet
Choosing your bracelet sets the foundation for your custom charm bracelet. Our collection ranges from classic link styles to delicate, bold, and vintage-inspired designs, including rare one-of-a-kind bracelets for an extra layer of individuality. A traditional double-link charm bracelet—made famous by Jacqueline Kennedy, who famously wore hers every day of her honeymoon—is always a timeless choice. For a clean, simple canvas, we recommend a cable link bracelet, while elongated links offer a more modern look. As you browse, choose a charm bracelet that reflects your personality and feels cohesive with the rest of your jewelry collection.
The Charms
Charmco offers one of the world’s largest selections of 14k gold charms—original, vintage, and vintage-inspired—spanning every era with something for everyone. With over 20 years of collecting and designing, each charm carries meaning, whether marking a special date, celebrating a passion, or commemorating an accomplishment. Many bracelets begin on milestone occasions—a new addition to the family, graduation, wedding, or anniversary—though you don’t need a special event to start your collection. From cooking and sports to decorating, shopping, or enjoying time with pets, there’s a charm for every joy. Some carry spiritual significance, bringing luck or warding off misfortune. Charm bracelets grow over time, with treasured vintage finds and stunning new designs added regularly.
Caring For Your Charms
Choosing your bracelet sets the foundation for your custom charm bracelet. We have several to choose from, ranging from classic link bracelets, delicate and bold bracelets, and vintage-inspired designs. We also have vintage, one-of-a-kind bracelets which make your piece even more unique. Of course, you can't go wrong with a traditional double-link charm bracelet initially made famous by Jaqueline Kennedy, who is said to have worn her charm bracelet every single day of her honeymoon. We recommend a cable link bracelet for those looking for a clean and simple canvas. For a modern take, we suggest a bracelet with elongated links. Our best advice is to consider your lifestyle and the type of jewelry you're drawn to. Do you prefer delicate and dainty or bold statement pieces? Your charm bracelet should reflect your personality and feel cohesive with the rest of your collection.
Charm Bracelet Inspo
Believe it or not, you're now ready to start building your very own custom, one-of-a-kind charm bracelet. We know you'll ace the test, but just in case you need some inspo, we've collected a few of our favorite stacks to help inspire you.
