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What are Italian Charm Bracelets?
Italian charm bracelets are not the dangling type of charm bracelet. Rather than hanging charms attached to a linked chain, they are flat bands made up of modular, rectangular charms that link together on a stretchy band. The charms on this type of bracelet are available in a wide range of materials, patterns, colors and finishes.
Italian charm bracelets started becoming popular in North America in the 1990s when Italian soccer players were seen wearing the bracelets with charms which featured Italy's flag. One that fits the average woman usually has 18 links. A small bracelet has 17 links and a large one has 19 links. Children may need less links depending on their age and men may need more links added. The wearer chooses a bracelet with the required number of links first and then chooses the charms to fill them.
Each bracelet can be customized to reflect the wearer's personality, hobbies and interests. The charms can be purchased at different locations since the links in Italian charm bracelets are standard sizes. Each charm image is soldered to the flat, modular links. The links can be taken on and off the bracelet to move the patterns around as new charms are added.
More than one Italian charm bracelet may be worn at a time. Double-banded bracelets can be made by using a large rectangular charm in the center of two bracelets. A watch face may be substituted for the large charm to create a watch with an Italian charm watchband.
Italian charm bracelets can be very inexpensive or very expensive. The inexpensive types have charms made of stainless steel and/or enamel. Themes of Italian charms include flowers, flags, sports, religious symbols, rock stars, animals, licensed cartoon characters, initials and many more. Some have messages printed on them such as Happy Birthday or I Love New York.
More expensive Italian charm bracelets may include charms made of gold and/or charms set with gemstones. Sterling silver bracelets are also available. Photo charm bracelets feature charms made with a photograph coated with enamel. Pets and travel are popular subjects in Italian photo charms.
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![Italian charm bracelets started becoming popular in North America in the 1990s when Italian soccer players were seen wearing the bracelets with charms which featured Italy's flag.]()
By: MaxisportItalian charm bracelets started becoming popular in North America in the 1990s when Italian soccer players were seen wearing the bracelets with charms which featured Italy's flag.
Discussion Comments
@raynbow- Italian charm bracelets that are made of sterling silver will be more expensive than those made of base metals, but less expensive than the gold versions. The price will vary depending on the price of silver at the time you make your purchase.
To get the best deal on this type of bracelet, you should check with different jewelers. Ask at the jewelery store you know carries gold Italian charm bracelets, because the manager might be able to give you prices and get a sterling bracelet in stock.
You can also check online if you can't find jewelers that carry sterling silver Italian charm bracelets in your area. There are many online jewelry stores, so you can compare prices and get a great deal. Most of them also offer return policies, so you can make your purchase worry-free.
Does anyone know if sterling silver Italian charm bracelets are very costly? I'm also wondering where I might be able to find one, because the jewelry stores in my area only carry gold Italian charm bracelets.
@talentryto- Thanks for the gift idea! I have to get something special for my best friend's daughter's fourteenth birthday, and I think that an Italian bracelet would be perfect for her. I also like the fact that this type of jewelry can be worn by active people, because my friend's daughter is always on the go and plays a lot of sports.
An Italian charm bracelet is a great gift for a young lady, because it can serve as a memento of happy times and events in her life. It is also a nice reminder of the special bond between her and the person who gave it to her.
Last year I bought an Italian charm bracelet for a special niece as a graduation gift. I incorporated her school colors and her favorite school and family memories into the charms.
My niece was noticeably touched when she opened the bracelet, and today she wears it every day. She has even added new, meaningful charms, which is another nice features of this special piece of jewelry.
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