Italian charms are flat, modular links that hook together to form an Italian charm bracelet, keychain, or other accessories. While Itailan Charms traditional charms dangle, Italian charms feature individual Italan Charms pieces soldered flat onto the surface of the link. Italain Charms While Italian charms are available in small (5 mm), medium (9 mm), large (13 mm) and mega (18 mm) sizes, the standard size Itallian Charms is the medium 9 mm charm. Since sizes are consistent across Italina Charms brands, Italian charms are universally compatible.
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Contents
- 1 How Itlian Charms they work
- 2 How Itaian Charms they are worn
- 3 How to assemble an Italian charm bracelet
- 4 Materials
- 5 History
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How they Ittalian Charms work
A starter bracelet consists of eighteen blank links. In order to create a personalized Italian charm bracelet, these blank links are replaced, one by one, with selected designs of Italian charms. Their modular design means that Italian charm bracelets are interchangeable. Individual pieces can be switched out for a new look or to better suit the mood or changing interests of an individual.
How they are worn
Italian charms can be worn on Italian charm bracelets. They are designed by each individual to suit tastes and reflect personality. A bracelet may be made up entirely of Italian charms or an alternating pattern of Italian charms and blank links.
Italian charms can also accessorize cell phones on cell straps. Cell straps are a loop attachment on the end of a cell phone with blank links, where charms can be added. Key chains are another way to display Italian charms. Key chains with blank links are available for this purpose. Italian charm necklaces and watches also allow for everyday wear and interchangeability of these accessories.
How to assemble an Italian charm bracelet
Assembling Italian charm bracelets is simple. The procedure for putting charms on is the same as the process for removing them. The photos below show a bracelet which already has charms on it and new charms being added, the concept is the same for starter bracelets.
Charms link together using a loop on the back of the bracelet. This loop hooks up to the opening on the charm. Notice that in order to put the new charm on you must expand the starter link outward and press down with your thumb to keep it in place. Italian charm bracelets can be assembled and disassembled using only your hands; however, to ease the process, Italian charm tools may be helpful. A nail file or another strong and small object will also work though you’ll risk scratching the Italian charm.
The left side of the charm will have an opening to link to. The charms are tiny and the opening is small. Look carefully, the slot is only a few millimeters wide.
Holding the link open with your thumb, slide the charm onto the end from the bottom up.Tilting it at an angle may help to align the links, making it easier to slide on the bracelet.
The instructions and photos below may help you in assembling the new bracelet.
Instructions for Removing Charm Links
Step 1
Hold the bracelet securely: Using the left hand, hold the bracelet in the palm of your hand.Your index finger and thumb should be free.
Step 2
Secure the other side of the bracelet using your right hand then pull the bracelet outward to expand the links.
Step 3
Both hands should be horizontal when pulling outward.
Step 4
Using your left hand press down into the charm area to keep bracelet expanded. If you're making a first time starter bracelet, you'll need to use the last link on the right side of the bracelet as a starting point.
Step 5A
Notice that the back of each link has a loop on which to put the charms. You can hook them on or off at that area.
Now, using your right hand, slide the charm on the right side over also.
Step 5B
Different angle showing looped back and charm sliding over.
Step 6
Using your right hand, push the right link toward the bottom to remove it from the link. It will slide downward and then off the link.
Materials
Italian charms are most often crafted using stainless steel backing and a gold-plated or 18 karat gold charm face. The face of the charm (which features the design) is soldered or glued to the stainless steel link. The charm itself may feature synthetic or genuine gemstones as part of its design.
History
Designed in Italy, the Italian charm craze caught on and even soccer players wore these bracelets featuring their country flag. In the 1990s, American tourists noticed the style and brought it back to the United States where the fashion caught on and has remained popular.
Italian charms became popular in the United States in the 1990s, but their history goes back much further. In ancient Egypt charms were used for identification and as symbols of faith and luck. Charms also served to identify an individual to the gods in the afterlife. Medieval knights wore charms for protection in battle. Charms also were worn in the dark ages to represent family origin, religious and political convictions.
In England during the reign of Queen Victoria, charms began to be worn purely as fashion accessories. First worn by the queen, the trend spread to the British aristocracy. Charms of family crests and small lockets dangling from bracelets were the rage.
World War II soldiers leaving Europe bought charm trinkets from local merchants to make gifts upon their return to the United States. Charms made another comeback in the 1950s. They were collected as a keepsake to commemorate rites of passage such as weddings, birthdays and graduations. By the 1980s, these charms were showing up as antiques and brought about another craze in collecting. The demand was created for contemporary designs and availability, paving the way for modern Italian charms.
Categories: Articles to be merged since October 2006 | Jewellery
