by AKA

Created on: July 25, 2008   Last Updated: May 17, 2012

A Charm Bracelet is a piece of jewelry worn around the wrist consisting of charms that represent various hobbies, as well as luck.Charm bracelets were also used for identification of faith in ancient Egypt. They later emerged in Europe and North America. Charm bracelets are still significant in many cultures, and are still worn today.

The Ancient Egyptians considered charm bracelets as an "afterlife value." The charm bracelet was also one way of showing social status,as well as a guide to the same status in the afterlife. The Egyptian bracelets started with materials with like bones,stones and wood to serve religious and spiritual interests.

During Medieval times, charm bracelets were thought to possess special powers or curses. Names were sometimes embedded in charm bracelets to bring good fortune or power.During the renaissance years, charm bracelets faded in style until Queen Victoria started wearing them. Queen Victoria introduced charm bracelets as pieces of jewelry, and not any sign of special powers or other superstitions.

In the early years of the 20th century, Charm bracelets became a trend for young girls of the middle class. They were given to young girls before they reached puberty. As they approach holidays or other special occasions, a new charm would be added by the person who gave the original bracelets. Not all of the charms given represented luck, in fact some charms represented hobbies, and other charms were school or holiday related.

In 1987, Italy designed a modular charm bracelet which is commonly known as the "Italian charm bracelet." Soccer players in Europe wore these bracelets consisting of national flags. People were attracted to these bracelets, and fell in love with them. The makers of the charm bracelets later decided to sell them to the United States, and later these bracelets became a worldwide trend. These bracelets consisted of never ending designs, which allowed people to personalize them.

Today, charm bracelets are still popular. There are various types of charm bracelets, such as Italian "linked" charm bracelets. There are thousands of charms that represent love, hobbies, school and etc. From music to sports, you could find a significant charm for your loved one. Charm bracelets today are given for fun, and they don't represent what class you're in, or what you believe in. Consider buying a charm bracelet for the upcoming holidays!

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