Oh So Charming!

Charm bracelets can be traced back in history all the way to ancient times when pieces were collected and worn for good luck and to ward off evil spirits (scary!)  Thankfully, these fabulous accessories evolved into a fashion statement as opposed to a surival kit... even Queen Victoria was known to have a charm bracelet and they became the rage with the British aristocracy.  In America, charm bracelets were a jewelry staple in the 50s and 60s and have since made a comeback.

Here in Texas, charm bracelets are quite prevalent among a variety of age groups and style types (although certainly visible among the prep set). 

Thanks to James Avery, a sterling silver jewelry company headquartered in Kerrville, purchasing charms for almost any occassion is easy as pie.  In addition to stores in 20 Texas cities you can also find JA in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee... and of course there is always the option of purchasing online.  Many of their charm designs have been around for ages, but the company does tend to retire styles so if you there is one you adore it is best to scoop it up.

My charm collection began at the end of 5th grade when my grandmother presented me with a bracelet and three charms to represent achievements during the school year: a megaphone for cheerleading, an A+ for a district reading award, and an artist palette for a school-wide art award (and entry into a district-wide competition).  The bracelet was hers when she was a younger.

My charm bracelet

Over the years I collected more charms to commemorate events, never realizing this bracelet would really become a visual timeline of my life.  Now, 20 years later, it contains more than 50 charms, representing everything from my first car to graduation years, from my confirmation to our wedding day.  Some charms have a deeper significance and some are more frivolous, but they each have a meaning.

While I truly love every charm (and would love to share all their meanings), here are a few with their story:

Heart Finial... this charm has just always been my favorite.  I think it is so adorable!

The first date my husband and I went on was the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in December 2001... here is my sailboat to remember the occassion!

In first grade I was a giant Hershey Kiss for Halloween and won first prize in my school's costume contest.  My grandmother purchased this Kiss charm for me : )

Texas A&M charm purchased from the MSC in College Station. 

I am an Aggie, this is really all I need to say about this one!

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of my old school, Saint Gregory's Catholic in San Antonio, Medlar's of San Antonio created this charm and it was sold through the school to students, parents, and former students.  Love this one!

My wedding gift from The Hubs... aww!

My mother has two amazing charm bracelets, one from her teenage years with charms given to her by my dad, and a newer one with family-related charms for her roles as mom and grandmother.  I hope to inherit both one day (although not anytime soon, of course!)



Several of my friends collect charms, too, and one is the proud owner of this wonderful bracelet, also thanks to more than than 20 years of collecting.

Do you have a charm bracelet or another piece you wear for luck?  Post a photo... it would be fun to see everyone's bracelets!