What is a charm?
Categories: Jewellery 101, Meanings & Symbols, Real Life Charming Stories, Stories in Silver and Gold21 Apr 2021
We've all heard the word. We may know about "charm bracelets" but just what exactly is a charm? Is a charm the same as a pendant? Are there different charm styles? All these questions (and more!) will be charmingly answered in this post.What is a Charm?
In a nutshell, a charm is a miniature symbol in jewellery form, usually silver or gold, designed to attach to bracelets, bangles, necklaces, earrings or other keepsakes or accessories. Charms range from tiny little first charms through to precious, highly decorated pieces that are passed on through the generations. What are Traditional Charms?
When you think of a "charm bracelet" you are probably picturing the charms we refer to as Traditional Charms. These are the charms we remember from childhood - they dangle on jewellery and are usually 4mm - 20mm in size. A charm can be a single charm on a jump ring or there may be a couple of little charms together such as the gum nut and gum leaf charms. These miniature sculptures are usually beautifully detailed and some charms even open and close or move! Ways to Attach Charms
Traditional Charms come with light, open jump rings that need to be soldered closed to attach the charm to a bracelet or necklace. While soldering has traditionally been the most secure way to attach charms, today there are several other faster, less expensive charm attaching options available.
Other Types of Charms
Some charms are designed with a big hole in the middle so a chain can be threaded through the charm, rather than attaching the charm to the bracelet. Big Hole or Bead charms have long been popular as they can be slipped onto a bracelet or necklace and added to tell a story with each bead.
Another form of charm is known as an Italian Charm. These are flat, square charms that link together to form a bracelet that looks like a watch band. Worn by men and women these charms tell a very contemporary story and the symbols are often quite modern too.
Some charms are soldered together so they create the links of the bracelet. It takes a little more work and planning to create a linked charm bracelet this way but it can be done and your giddy aunts have several different designs made this way.
Telling the Stories of Life
Charms allow you to tell your story, your way. It is a very personal way to create a keepsake as you choose the number of charms you would like and the symbols and meaning. Some people create a 
complete bracelet, recording people, places or times. Others choose a Starter Charm Bracelet that can be added to over the years to tell the story as it evolves.
Due to the value of solid gold charms some people collect a charm each year that will be presented on a special occasion - perhaps a significant birthday or a graduation or achievement!
However you choose to tell your Charm Story your Giddy Aunts would love to help. And if you can't find the charm you are looking for on our website please just contact us - we have hundreds more in the bottom drawer!
