There is an increasing trend to using charm jewelry instead of the conventional heavy jewelry that was in use in earlier times. There was a time when charms were considered as mementos and were worn to signify a bond or affiliation with someone.
Charms and charm bracelets marked a significant event and were often gifted by people who wanted to be a larger part of your life. Charms and amulets were worn in earlier times to counteract evil forces and ward of the evil eye. This tendency to use charms and other devices for change in luck or to bring other beneficial results exists even today, even in the developed world. Pharaohs in Egypt used this type of jewelry as status symbols, and even Queen Victoria was not immune to the lure of these charms and wore charm bracelets with beads and crests.
In the modern world, charms and charm bracelets are worn as keepsakes, while many people wear them as part of a fashion statement. Charm jewelry makes a perfect gift for any occasion, whether it is to mark a birthday, a graduation day, or for the first day at a job. You will often find a group of friends wearing the same charms or bracelets to denote their friendship and bonding. Mothers may wear charms for each of their children, and these will be individual pieces on a common charm bracelet.
Charm bracelets come in many different materials and shapes and sizes and are the most common form of this jewelry. The most common one is in the form a snake or a continuous rope made of links. This bracelet is worn loosely around arms or wrists and may have a charm or many charms on them, each one of which may have a specific significance to the wearer. A bracelet like this allows for charms to be continually added after every occasion that has been memorable and is now signified by that particular charm.
You will often find charms with specific themes that make a statement of the wearer's interests and likes. People who are fond of the sea will have shells, anchors, fishes or other sea creatures on their charm bracelets. Animal lovers will have dogs, cats, or other wild animals. The jewelry has become a collectible and in many families has become part of heirlooms that are passed down to each succeeding generation. They will be very treasured pieces of jewelry not because of their value, but because of the sentiments and history attached to them.
It's widely available over the internet, and the designs from all over the world give a wide choice to the wearer of this jewelry. You will even find sites that will allow you to make your personal designs and put together jewelry that is unique. You will find this in precious metals, and even in stainless steel and plastic. All that you need to be sure of is the theme you have in mind and the budget that you have for this indulgence.