Italian charms are modular jewelry that can be designed to fit the personality of anyone that wears them. The style began in the late 1980s in Italy. The bracelets became so popular that soccer players wore bracelets sporting their country’s colors. By the early 1990s, American tourists to Italy brought the trend back to the United States.
An Italian charm starter bracelet consists of 18 blank individual rectangular links. Standardized sizing allows for each piece to be interchangeable with any Italian charm. Unlike traditional charm bracelets that dangle off a chain, the Italian charm bracelet allows for a complete look that can be changed depending on the wearer’s mood and/or changing interests.
Charms may be used to represent anything. The most common charm representations are hobbies, careers, family, interests, etc. The modular nature of the bracelet allows for each individual to create a bracelet that is unique.
A traditional link of an Italian charm bracelet consists of a rectangular piece of stainless steel on which the design is soldered or etched onto the surface. Recently, Italian charm makers have begun making full color charms using an enamel process. This process is very expensive though so it is reserved for charms that will sell in large quantities. However, many charm wearers wish to have specific charms made that express the uniqueness of the individual wearing the bracelet. Therefore, as the popularity of Italian charms has increased, manufacturers of the charms have had to find quicker and less expensive means of creating charms.
Laser technology has provided this less expensive and quicker yet reliable form of production. Laser charms are produced by a laser permanently etching a design on the surface of the stainless steel link. Most laser charms sell for less than each. However, laser technology also provides a means of complete customization. Individual customized charms can be produced for to each.
A more expensive method of customization involves the use of photography. A photograph can also be used to create a charm by using two methods. The first method mounts a photograph onto the link and then seals it. The second way is dye-sublimation. This method transfers the colors of the photograph to the link.
The popularity of Italian charm bracelets has expanded the use of the modular links to other various items. Now, links can be seen on various types of jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, keychains and anklets.
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