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There are very few types of jewelry seen in as many cultures and in as many fashion styles as charm bracelets and charms. Charms themselves are often very small and very intricately designed copies of famous places, landmarks or symbols. They can be worn in many ways from typical charms on bracelets through to pendants on chains or even attached to hoop earrings.

The great thing about charms and charm bracelets is that each one is individual and different. There are really no guidelines or fashion rules when it comes to how to wear charms. Different types of metals, different styles and even matching with other jewelry are all popular options for wearing charms and charm bracelets.

Early Egyptian rulers were some of the first people to routinely wear charms. These were used to keep away evil spirits and bad omens and to bring luck and prosperity. The early civilizations believed in the power of the charms so much they were buried with the charm bracelets on.

In early Christian times a charm in the shape of a fish was used by secret groups to safely and quietly identify themselves as Christians. The Jewish religion also used amulets that contained very tiny scrolls as ways to keep their faith close to them. It is very likely that these early traditions led to both charms as well as the lockets that are still highly popular in modern times.

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance times charms were used mostly to ward off evil or to attract good luck to the wearer. Different symbols were worn for different types of protection and some where very ornate and highly intricate.

The 20th century saw an upswing in the demand for charms for several reasons. The first was the fact that Queen Victoria herself wore a charm bracelet that really started the trend. These charms were more historic and national in style featuring landmarks, coat of arms and flags.

Soldiers returning home from World Wars l and ll often brought back small charms from different countries and areas of the world they visited. Local jewelers catered to this growing market by making easy to recognize symbols from different areas. Wives, girlfriends and mothers in the United States often had charms from many different countries on their charm bracelets.

Now modern charms come in a variety of materials. While most are metal they also have additions of cut glass, crystal, semi-precious and precious gems and even different types of beads. There is no doubt that charm bracelets and charms of different types are definitely here to stay.