subject: Charms And Charm Bracelets - A Rich History [print this page] Our prehistoric ancestors may have used charms. They may have been simply an unusually shaped natural item such as a rock or piece of wood. Elaborate jewelry and charms evolved during the age of the Pharaohs in Egypt. Charms and charm bracelets have been found from this period in history. As you know, the Egyptians prepared their dead for the afterlife. Part of the preparation included adornment with jewelry. This indicated the deceased's status in life and provided supposed protection in the afterlife. The Egyptians also believed that charms acted as identification of the wearer for the gods. The gods would recognize the wearer and guide him or her to the correct status level.
During the days of the Roman Empire, charms in the shape of fish were used by Christians to identify themselves to other Christians. Jewish scholars would wear pieces of jewelry hung around the neck. These would contain small pieces of parchment with words of scripture, to keep the Word near to the heart of the wearer. In the Middle Ages, charms and amulets were worn for protection by knights and kings. Charms were used to decorate belts to signify family heritage, status and professions. The wearing of charms began to lose significance during the Renaissance, when people were becoming more educated and superstitions were fading.
Early in the 20th century, charms regained popularity when Queen Victoria of England wore bracelets.
Charms then underwent a change from practical purpose tools to fashionable decorations. By the end of World War II, charm jewelry became a fashion rage. Soldiers brought them to sweethearts and family members as souvenirs from all parts of the world. Native Americans began crafting metal talismans that reflected their world and their beliefs. The jewelry industry propagated the trend by creating charms for many occasions. Comic strip and Walt Disney characters provided models for new charms.
By the 1950's, charm bracelets had become a coveted fashion accessory. Milestones in life such as births, weddings, graduations, birthdays were all celebrated by adding a charm to the bracelet on one's wrist. Those charms are now considered vintage. Some sell for huge prices to serious collectors. Even though charms lost some popularity again in the 1970's, with the advent of disco and plain gold chains, they have seen yet another resurgence in the fashion world. They are now available in all price ranges and a multitude of styles.
