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The wearing of charm bracelets is an age old tradition that go back to hundreds of years. Even if the designs and materials used have changed through the years, the concept of wearing these items has become one out of style.

Originally, this kind of jewelry had a religious purpose that can be traced back to the prehistoric ages. The first charm bracelets are believed to have been first created from around 500 B.C. to 400 B.C. and first worn by the Assyrians, Hittites, Persians, and the Babylonians. The materials that were used include rock crystals, lapis lazuli, and other gems. There were usually some inscriptions on them like god-like figures as well as figure of a man and animals. These bracelets normally signify special powers.

Eventually after many years, people seem to have forgotten the notion of charms having spiritual features and instead it became fashion jewelry. The by the end of the 19th century there was a renaissance in charms particularly in Victorian England where jewelry with intricate designs was the trend. Queen Victoria herself helped popularize charm bracelets by wearing one with small lockets that held her family portrait.

Charm bracelets saw another revival during the Second World War years when American soldiers that were on duty in Europe bought charms as souvenirs and gave them to their wives and girlfriends. This fashion trend pursued even after the war.

Presently, charms remain a popular jewelry item and individualized keepsakes in a jewelry market dominated by mass-produced items. Some of the more popular themes are birthstone charms, horoscope signs, family keepsakes, and travel souvenirs. A lot of women have been collecting charms since they were young. That hobby continued until they were adults. It can be a wonderful symbol for personal experiences like a small replica wedding bells, graduation cap, or lockets that contain childhood photos.

Because of their affordability, charms are also a popular gift items. For less than $10, you can already get an intricate silver charm although there are charms that cost hundreds of dollars especially the ones that are 18K and set with gems.

Italian charms are normally added with pictures, symbols, letters, or stones. Traditionally, they are created using stainless steel or 18K gold. Italian charms use a standard size and the bracelet can be customized to fit the user's wrist. Many companies create Italian charms although different brands can interchanged on a similar bracelet. For a basic starter bracelet, the cost is at around $5 while the charms fetch to $15 and up.