Italian Charm Bracelets

Italian charm bracelets are the most popular form of modern charm bracelets. The bracelet is a set of individual modular link charms that connect together on a stretchable band. When the style was introduced in the 1980's, it changed the whole approach to the traditional charm bracelets. Today shoppers can choose from hundreds of Italian charm styles.

Paolo Gensini created the first Italian charm bracelet in the small town of Sesto Florentino, Italy in 1987. Gensini wanted to design a quality, modern charm bracelet that would appeal to both men and women. He developed a high quality stainless steel modular bracelet with a series of removable charm links that can be changed frequently. Each individual link fits together on a stretchable stainless steel band. The links featured flat charms soldered onto each link. This was a revolutionary change to the traditional three-dimensional dangle charms. Gensini called the design a composable charm bracelet and built the jewelry company, Nomination, around the bracelet style. Nomination's Expression Collection now offers three lines of composable bracelets.

As the bracelet grew in popularity, soccer players soon wore patriotic charm bracelets with their team uniform. By the 1990's, Italian charms also became fashionable in the United States.

The composable charm bracelet model was soon adopted by other jewelry manufacturers and referred to as Italian charm bracelets. About 30 reputable Italian charm manufacturers exist around the world. The charms made by Italian companies tend to be made of higher quality materials. These bracelets are often made from rust-free and tarnish-free stainless steel. The charms usually incorporate 18k gold, hand painting, enamel or real gem stones. Other manufacturers use lower quality metals and gem stones in the charm bracelets. The top four Italian charm manufacturers are:

• Nomination
  • The original creator of the Italian bracelet style
• Zoppini Firenze
  • Most recognized brand of Italian charms sold in the United States
• Reflorence
  • Manufacturer of officially licensed Disney charms
• Talexia
  • Produces the officially licensed charms for cartoon character lines such as Looney Tunes, Sesame Street and Popeye

Italian bracelets are easy to customize both in size and charm style. The three bracelet starter sizes come in small (17 links), medium (18 links) and large (19 links). You can adjust size by adding or removing links for comfort. Charms are available in hundreds of styles to cover any interest from hobbies to holidays. Here are some examples of the types of charms available:

• Special birthdays - Sweet 16
• Honoring a family member - Mom
• Religious charms- Saint Francis
• Good luck - Shamrock
• Sports - Basketball
• Art - Van Gogh's Starry Night painting
• Birth stone charms - Amethyst
• Political charms - Vote
• Photo charms - Baby pictures

The unisex charm bracelet appeals to many people of all different ages and lifestyles because of the variety of charms available. It looks good with both dressy and casual outfits. People can design theme bracelets or a general combination of all their different interests. The possibilities for personal expression and fashion sense are endless.

Charms range in price from $15 to $60, depending on the quality of the materials. You can purchase the bracelets at local jewelry stores and online. Some retailers who sell Italian charms are:

• Italian Charms
  • Carries top Italian brands at affordable prices
  • Has a build a bracelet feature that allows customers to create bracelets on the website and view their creations online before purchase
• Heavenly Treasures
  • Offers a free starter bracelet with a purchase of a charm
  • Sells major Italian brands
• Gloria Charms
  • Sells over 5,000 charms and bands at reasonable prices
  • Leading brands are available
• Nomination store
  • Buy Nomination charm bracelets directly from the manufacturer
  • Option for hard-to-find Nomination charms
• Ebay
• Lists hundreds of charm bracelets and Italian charms
• Has reasonable prices

Look for Italian charms at your local jewelry stores. Many jewelers offer free or discounted starter bracelets with the purchase of charms.

Even though an Italian bracelet is very durable, take gentle care of your jewelry to prevent damage. Store your charm bracelet in a jewelry box or pouch to keep it from getting dusty. Wipe any smudge marks with a soft, dry cloth. Whenever the bracelet gets dirty, carefully wash it with a mild soap. Rinse away any soap residue. Your charm bracelet will last for generations with the proper care.

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