My love for bracelets started when I was probably 5 or 6. I remember being fascinated with my grandmother’s gold charm bracelet. Unfortunately I do not have a picture of the bracelet but can still remember the charms. The most unusual one was a gold charm with a glass cover which had a 10 Shilling note inside (a ‘Ten Bob’ note!), the words ‘Break Glass In Emergency’ was engraved on the side. I often wonder how many times she was tempted to break the glass! I also remember a dog charm and a barrel of beer – unfortunately the latter was empty! There was also an Eiffel Tower, memento of a trip to Paris, a horseshoe for good luck, handbag and a boot. Each birthday a new charm would arrive to be fastened to the chain which saved my Granddad scouring shops each year looking for the perfect gift. Each charm had a story or a reason it was there – that is the true beauty of a charm bracelet!
Whilst Vintage charm bracelets just like my Nan’s can still be bought through antique shops and vintage retailers I prefer modern charm bracelets and have more than 1 or 2 in my own collection. Never do my family struggle with what to buy, each charm collected either has meaning for me or a meaning for whoever in my family bought it!
Charm Bracelets can tell a life story, carry precious memories and catch the eye of fellow enthusiasts!