History of Sterling Silver Jewelry Charms
By Martin Smith
Charms are also known as amulets and pendants. They are as popular today
as they have been throughout recorded history. Ancient Egyptians wore
bracelets with charms or amulets. They were used to protect against bad
luck and evil forces. They began with religious symbols and became a
part of everyday dressing.
Charms/jewelry were made of almost any material of value to people in
their time. Many were made of precious metal. Others were made with
gemstones inlaid in them or mounted with precious metals in the form of
necklaces, crowns, staffs, and bracelets. Queen Victoria gets the credit
for popularizing jewelry charms throughout Europe by wearing lockets or
charms on her royal bracelets
America became enchanted with Charms around the time frame of World War
II. Soldiers returning from duty station brought with them various types
of charms or pendants. Today popular charms are made from Gold and
Sterling silver. Other materials are still used in the making of charms.
Sterling Silver Charms today represent as many things as there are
interests and personalities. Some charms or pendants represent the
religious leanings of the wearer. They also represent the interest of
the wearer such a musical instrument for a music lover, a pair of
sneakers for a jogger, or ballet slippers for a ballerina. Imagination
is the only limit for what a charm can represent. Silver charms are also
used to commemorate life events such as births, weddings, anniversaries,
birthdays, or graduations.
Silver is a soft metal and its usage has been favored for centuries. It
is used to make charms often related to religious worship. Silver has
been a symbol of comfortable living. Sterling silver is much stronger
than pure silver which is harder to work with when making pendants or
charms. Sterling silver is approximately ninety percent silver. The last
ten percent or so can be any one of the following: copper, zinc, or
nickel and is more durable than pure silver but it still retains its
inherent beauty.
Charms whether made of sterling silver or some other materials are often
used to represent the person who wears or carries the charm. As has been
mentioned however, they often represent the interests and personality of
the wearer. During war particular items are given to the soldiers who
are going off to fight. When a young teen-aged couple ’goes steady’ the
young man generally gives the girl his ring or something of particular
value to him. The girls might also do the same.
Charms have also been said to represent the particular spirituality of
the wearer. Many people wear plain simple crosses while still others
will wear the cross with the corpus - the body of Christ on it. Others
wear saints medals. Lockets are worn with images of loved ones inside.
Once used to ward against evil spirits, for good luck, and for
protection in times of trouble charms have come to be an adornment for
the wearer. Charm bracelets are gifts that keep on giving. A charm is
often given for birthdays, graduations, a dance recital, or sports
victory. They make wonderful gifts for young girls that will grow with
them. There are charm necklaces as well.
About the Author:
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for
consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes
Wedding Ring and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully
researched resource of interesting and relevant information.
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