Reminiscent of the era of talismans and amulets, charm bracelets are a beautiful link to our early ages of civilization. A time when man was learning the laws of civilization and the teething troubles consisted of nature’s untamed and unpredictable conduct in the guise of evil, man used amulets to attract divine favor. These amulets or charms were worn as pendants around the neck, as anklets around the ankle or the most common and widely used way of wearing charms, as bracelets around the wrist.

Later charms were used for identification and as symbols of faith and luck in many cultures including ancient Egyptian culture. Charms were also used to help Gods identify an individual in afterlife. Kings, warriors and knights wore charms for protection in battle.

With time traditions and beliefs changed, and so did the custom. Although charms still remain to be a very popular jewelry item but charms are not used as amulets anymore. Charms are still believed to bring good luck but more or less charms have become an important fashion accessory. Charms also make for great keepsakes and are amongst the most celebrated heirlooms.

There are different types of charms one can keep adding to the charm bracelet. Some of the most cherished charms include horoscope signs, birthstone charms, travel souvenirs, friendship charms and family keepsakes. For many, the charm collection that started as a child grows with them reflecting all major milestones and precious memories of life. These charms can be little trinkets or replicas of real things like wedding bells, graduation cap, heart, keys, flowers, ball or lockets with photos of loved ones. Each charm symbolizes or signifies something in particular. For example, heart charm conveys love and romance, open hand charm or bunch of grapes charm is believed to symbolize fertility, a horseshoe is believed bring good luck and so on.

And if you thought charm bracelets were only for the sentimental types, you are in for a big surprise. The best names in elite designer jewelry have charms charming their collection. Celebrities are not alien to the world of charms. With style icons like Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall from the much-talked-about show ‘Sex and the City’ and Hollywood style icons Charlize Theron and Julia Roberts – celebrities around the world are adorning themselves with these dainty lil’ accessories. A little peep into the past reminds us of members of the Ball-Arnaz family, Jackie O, Mrs. Babe Ruth and the Duchess of Windsor including others having been ‘charmed’ by these very charm bracelets.