History of Charms

Charm bracelets, which have a long and rich history, are enjoying a renaissance. The wearing of charms dates back to prehistoric times.

"The first charm bracelets were probably worn by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians and Hittites from 500 to 400 B.C. Those charms were made of lapis lazuli, rock crystal and other gems and were inscribed with small designs, such as figures of gods, man and animals," says Elizabeth Florence, president of the Jewelry Information Center. "They were immediately associated with special powers."

By the 1890's charms had evolved from spiritual protector to fashion statement. In Victorian England, where elegant and elaborate jewelry was the style, charm bracelets were standard fixtures. Queen Victoria further popularized the trend by wearing a charm bracelet of small lockets containing family portraits.

According to Joyce Jonas, president of the American Society of Jewelry Historians, "Charm bracelets were the most popular in the U.S. in the 1940's and 1950's. Soldiers often picked up charms from every city they visited during World War II, and the fashion trend itself continued into times of peace."

Fifty years later charms remain a popular keepsake. Today, a growing trend is theme charm bracelets. Popular themes include travel, gardening, sun and stars, and nautical.

Charms provide a sentimental and lasting souvenir for any occasion. "People appreciate having keepsakes to preserve special moments and events in their lives." says Christopher Lux, president of Rembrandt Charms. People enjoy sharing important mementos with their children.

Many women start collecting charms as pre-teens. The most common scenario is a mother giving her daughter a charm bracelet, either as a new gift or passing on a family heirloom bracelet. Then, the daughter adds her own charms representing her favorite hobbies, sports and interests. As the daughter matures, so does her charm bracelet. Eventually, that same bracelet may hold a graduation cap, college insignia, the Eiffel Tower, wedding bells and lockets of her children.

Charms are the ideal gift because they appeal to a wide audience. A sterling charm retails for as little as $12, and is the perfect gift for a friend, sibling, child, or parent.

Mills Jewelers offers thousands of collectible Rembrandt Charms commemorating any special occasion. Each Rembrandt Charm is available in Sterling Silver, 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold.