Charm Bracelet

There aren’t many gifts that are quite as personal and filled with love as a charm bracelet is. Giving a charm bracelet takes some thought as well as a little time to pick out just the right bracelet base, and of course, just the right charms to get it started. You can buy bracelets that are already finished with all the charms specific to one thing – for example, all the charms relating to babies for a new mom. You can also buy “starter” bracelets that will be added to as time goes on. There are many types of charm bracelets available, and whichever type you decide on will need some thought put into it. Let’s take a look at some of the options to get you started before you shop.

Look for quality

Since a charm bracelet is very personal and the wearer will likely be emotionally attached to the bracelet, you will want it to be made of either gold or sterling silver, or if you have the budget, platinum. Plated charm bracelets are great as a “worn once in a while” fashion accessory, but will not last and look great for years to come as precious metal will. It may be tempting to go for the economical alternative, but if you want to give a gift that will still be worn years from now, stick with a gold charm bracelet or a sterling silver charm bracelet. Look for a quality clasp in whatever type charm bracelet you choose. Toggle clasps are very popular and are a good choice for anyone who struggles with traditional spring-ring type clasps. Do a quick “on and off” check of the clasp to make sure it is easy to manipulate, as well as secure before you buy.

Look for Simplicity

This is especially important if you are going to get a starter bracelet that will have more beads and/or charms added on in the future. Make sure that the new additions can be easily added at home, or that the store or jeweler you buy them from will add new charms and beads for free, or for a nominal fee. Snake chain bracelets are wonderful for adding new beads and charms with jump rings. A snake chain Pandora charm bracelet would be a great choice for ease of adding on additional charms and beads. Keep in mind that only certain beads will work with these bracelets, though – they must have holes large enough to slide onto the bracelet.

Look for Versatility

If you buy a charm bracelet that will only accept one kind of charm, such as an Italian charm bracelet, be prepared to have a more limited selection of charms available. The recent popularity of Italian charm bracelets has opened up a good selection of charms for now, but they may be harder to find in the future. If you plan on filling up the bracelet quickly, that will not be a problem. Chain-type bracelets might lend themselves to having more charm selection in the future. There are thousands of single, jumping-attached charms available, as there are many types of chain starter bracelets available, as well. You can find delicate chains all the way to very hefty, polished or diamond cut, whatever your preference might be. The only caveat with chain type bracelets is if you want to put the charms on yourself, you will need to stick with the ones that attach with a spring ring or a split ring. Regular jump rings should be soldered on by a jeweler so they will be securely fastened and your charm will not fall off.

As you can see, there are many charm bracelet options available. I have a sterling silver charm bracelet that was given to me by my mom years ago, and it has become a family heirloom. If you take some time and give it some thought, your gift of a charm bracelet to someone you love could become one of those family heirlooms someday, also.

The Best Silver Charm Bracelet Choices for You

If you are ever in a bad mood, or you just need a little lift, put on a silver charm bracelet. There is just something about those swingy, shiny little charms that will put a smile on your face. Maybe it’s the sound they make as they move with your every movement, maybe it is just the shine and flash you catch in the corner of your eye as you move around. No matter what it is, there should be a silver charm bracelet in your jewelry collection. You will need to decide if you what type of metal you want your bracelet to be made of first. Several good choices are sterling silver, stainless steel, or silver plated base metal.

Sterling is always one of your best choices and will be very durable and long lasting. You will need to keep your charm bracelet in a separate airtight bag when you store it to prevent excess tarnish buildup. Other than that, a sterling charm bracelet will be easy to care for and will last for years. A good quality chain link charm bracelet will cost you $75 or so, as will a Pandora style charm bracelet.

You may even be lucky enough to get a few starter charms with it. Individual 925 sterling silver charms will cost in the neighborhood of $10 and up. Charms with gemstones or diamonds will obviously cost more, so you will need to figure that into the total cost of your bracelet.

Stainless steel is an excellent, long-wearing choice for silver charm bracelets. It is hypoallergenic, strong and durable, and comfortable because it is very lightweight. You would hardly realize you had a bracelet on your wrist if it were made of stainless steel. The only drawback would be that there may be fewer choices when it comes to finding stainless steel charms for your bracelet. One of these will be very affordable, also, costing about $15 for a good quality chain-type bracelet. A little girls silver charm bracelet in stainless steel would be wonderful, as you wouldn’t need to worry about any allergy issues, or that the bracelet is totally lead-free.

If you choose a silver plated charm bracelet, your total cost will be less than if it is all solid silver. This may be an excellent way to afford more than one of these little charmers! You will find that silver plated pewter and silver plated brass are both popular and very easy to find, as well as very cost-effective. This type of bracelet may have to be avoided if you have any allergies to metals like nickel, as most plated metals contain at least a small amount of nickel. Expect to pay as little as $10 for one of these. Plated charms are also inexpensive, costing as little as a few dollars apiece. If you want to have a gold and silver charm bracelet, this type would be an excellent way to do that very inexpensively. Wouldn’t a plated silver charm bracelet look great with a silver locket necklace or maybe even your fashion earrings?

Whatever type you choose, a silver charm bracelet is sure to lift your mood and make your day just a little more sunny just by wearing it. Enjoy your wonderful, day-brightening silver charm bracelet!

5 Reasons You Should Get A Pandora Charm Bracelet

There are no hotter items in the jewelry world today than Pandora Charm Bracelets. Why? Well, you only need to look at one to see why – they are beautiful, plain and simple. Maybe you aren’t completely convinced that you just have to have one yet, though. There are other interchangeable charm bracelet systems, like Chamilia and Trollbeads, but let me tell you why I think you should get a Pandora charm bracelet.

First, a little general information about Pandora jewelry. Pandora jewelry has been around since 1982, when the company was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark by a goldsmith, Per Eneloldsen and his wife Winnie. They began wholesaling jewelry that they imported, and then in 1999, they began designing their own jewelry. There are currently over 1800 Pandora jewelry designs available. They feel that every woman is unique, and should be able to express that individuality through the jewelry that they wear.

Why You Should Get A Pandora Charm Bracelet!

They are easy. The Pandora system is a patented threading system designed for ease of use. Each bracelet has three sections, divided by small threads. All Pandora beads are threaded on the inside, which allows them to be twisted over the threads on the bracelet. The main advantage to the sections is that if your bracelet is only partially loaded, the beads will not all slide to one end of the bracelet or the other – they will stay spaced out in the individual sections. Beads and/or spacers can be easily added with no need to take it to a jeweler every time you wish to add a new bead or hanging charm.

They are versatile. The design of a Pandora charm bracelet allows the beads to be placed in any order you decide. The order of the beads can be changed at any time, and beads can also be taken off and switched for new beads. If your mood changes or you want to match your bracelet to your wardrobe, no problem! There are hundreds of designs available, including ones that look like little cubic zirconia rings, flowers, baby booties, cars, etc., so you can assemble any type of personalized design your heart desires!

They are safe. Pandora charm bracelets are manufactured with only top quality materials, such as 14K gold, sterling silver, and Murano glass. There is no need to worry about lead or other unsafe materials in your bracelet or beads.

They are affordable. A sterling silver starter bracelet with a lobster claw clasp will cost between $40 – $75. Leather and cotton starter bracelets go for as little as $15. Individual bead prices vary widely, depending on the material. Murano glass beads usually start around $35, and sterling silver beads, around $30.

They are gorgeous! I have yet to see any Pandora Charm Bracelet in any configuration that was not absolutely beautiful. No matter what your taste or design goal for your bracelet is, you will end up with a beautifully unique piece of jewelry.

So there you have it, the most important reasons why I think you should get a Pandora Charm Bracelet. They are so easy and fun to design and are versatile, affordable, and beautiful. Now, all that’s left for you to do is go have fun designing one for yourself or someone you love!