A Charmed History: Charm Bracelets Provide Hope and Comfort Throughout the Ages
by Ron Peterson

As far back as the Neolithic era, humankind chose to carry unusual stones or a piece of wood as protection from enemies or evil spirits. During the time of the Egyptian pharaohs, the first recognizable charm bracelets and necklaces appeared. These were elaborate pieces of jewelry made of precious stones and metals. Charms were also used to identify an individual to the gods in the afterlife.

Much later during the Roman Empire, Christians identified one another with the “ichthys,” or fish charm, they carried beneath their garments to gain entry into secret worship meetings, held sometimes in the catacombs. Medieval kings and knights used charms with incantations for protection. Charms could also represent family origin, political standing and profession. During the Renaissance as superstitions faded, charms began to lose favor with the more wealthy and educated. However, in the early 20th century, it was Queen Victoria who began a charm bracelet trend among the European noble class during her reign. The Queen took to wearing a bracelet with tiny charm pictures of her children.

Charm bracelets again found an audience at the end of World War II. Soldiers returning home from overseas brought along trinkets made by local craftsmen to give their sweethearts. The charms represented miniature replicas of notable locations, such as the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben. Stateside jewelers quickly caught on to the trend and began fashioning charms for all occasions. Within a decade, the charm bracelet was the must-have accessory for girls and women. Charm bracelets became popular gifts for 16th birthdays, graduations, weddings, and births of children. These tiny links to one’s personal history became deeply valued for their sentimental and material worth.

More recently, Italian charms became the rage at the turn of the Millennium. A departure from the traditional hanging trinkets, these bracelets snap into the bracelet rather than dangle from it. The flat, modular charms link together to form a bracelet, keychain or other accessory. Zoppini and Nomination are two popular makers of Italian charm bracelets. Fashion gurus like Louis Vuitton and Juicy Couture have also launched their own Italian charms.

Meanwhile, in both Europe and North America, a new modular charm bracelet trend has emerged. These modular bracelets consist of a chain onto which various beads or charms can be placed. Charms are made from gold, silver or Murano glass. The bracelet’s design allows the wearer to interchange the charms and create a totally unique look. Beads can also be worn on necklaces, rings and earrings to make a complete set.

The modular jewelry concept enjoyed acclaim in Europe before coming to the States. Inspired by Greek mythology, it combines versatility with fashion to establish beloved charm and bead bracelets. This jewelry concept also encourages creativity and individuality through its beautiful designs.

Women can create their own look and style for every whim or special moment. For example, you can design the Bohemian romantic, the elegant chic, the raw grace, the 60’s flower power, the charmed sophisticate, the billionaire, the simplistic minimalist, or the pure feminine. Modular jewelry can be used to reflect a change in mood or to express personality.

Turquoise Jewelry Marks December Birthstone In Style
by Melanie Spark

Turquoise is a semi-precious stone, which is commonly opaque (non-transparent) and features a sky-blue or greenish-blue color. Recognized as the birthstone for December, turquoise symbolizes prosperity, which means to succeed or flourish. Perhaps you choose to wear turquoise because of its relation to your birth month or maybe you enjoy wearing it as a reminder of your goals of success but, whatever the case, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy this popular gem.

Commonly used in the popular southwestern jewelry style, turquoise is a must have accessory for many. With a hardness level of 5 to 6, this gemstone offers a lustrous finish filled with natural variations in the color. In addition to its modern presence in jewelry, turquoise is very much a part of history after being valued in ancient times for use in both necklaces and bracelets.

As mentioned earlier, turquoise is available in a variety of colors. The sky-blue variation is the most desired in terms of jewelry, and is often referred to as a robin’s egg blue. Because this mineral is one of great popularity, it can also be very expensive. For this reason, many jewelry lovers turn to simulated turquoise in an effort to enjoy the same look as the genuine mineral at a fraction of the cost. When set in sterling silver, a precious and durable metal, the beauty of turquoise comes to life in all types of designs. From pendants to rings and even earrings, this simulated mineral looks identical to the real thing and can even provide a bolder look for the money.

For those who aren’t already familiar with turquoise, it’s appearance is unmistakable. A smooth rock-like gemstone featuring the color variations mentioned earlier in this article is one way to quickly identify this popular mineral. To the touch, turquoise feels like a polished, tumbled rock and offers a shiny surface. Unlike most other gemstones, turquoise is opaque, which means it cannot be seen through. When you think of a traditional gemstone, you may think of a faceted stone such as topaz, citrine, amethyst, etc. A turquoise, on the other hand, showcases its beauty on the surface alone.

If you are in the market for turquoise, consider both price and style when choosing the perfect jewelry accessory. While the genuine gemstone may be more expensive, the simulated mineral may be more suited to your budget and lifestyle. If you are a lover of blue or green and can appreciate the look of southwestern flair, turquoise may be the choice for you. When set in sterling silver, the true colors of this popular find are more vibrant than ever.

Speaking of sterling silver, this precious metal is both durable and affordable. As that which is stronger than some types of gold, sterling silver is the choice of many who either appreciate the crisp look of a white metal or who simply understand the value of a dollar. Because it is a precious metal, sterling silver is designed to last a lifetime with the proper care. Regular polishing to minimize tarnish and a nice storage area are all that’s needed to keep your sterling silver looking bright and beautiful. When you add turquoise to the mix, you’re sure to have a winning combination.