Italian Charm Jewellery & Gifts

A Brief History of Italian Charms

These distinctive charms have their origin in Italy in the 1960's, when designs began appearing on watch bracelet links. The trend began to grow, and soon there was a range of jewel-encrusted or enamelled designs available, with more being added every year. Initially created in sterling silver and solid or rolled gold, decorated with semi-precious stones, they were beyond the budget of the majority of people. It is still possible to buy hallmarked charms made of precious metals and stones, but they remain extremely expensive.

The introduction of modern manufacturing processes means affordable charms have caught the eye of collectors and fashion-conscious customers who like something a little bit different, but don't want to pay the earth for it. There are now thousands of different styles and designs, and the introduction of photo charms as well as Dangle Charms has expanded the range still further.

Italian charms are made from 100% surgical-grade stainless steel, and manufactured with care and precision so that the 'spring' (which allows the bracelet to expand) is durable, while the outer surface is smooth. All of our links are compatible with other 9mm Italian Charm bracelets including Uberry, Zoppini, Nomination, and Puzzle.

The finishes available are varied, too: fashionable 'matt'; high-gloss 'shiny', and gold-edged or the more unusual gold-surfaced. The standard size for an Italian Charm link is 9mm long by 4.5mm wide, but there are also 'mega-links' of 18mm square and 'super-links' - double length at 18m but standard 4.5mm width.

Decoration includes laser-printed images, words and phrases; gemstones and crystals in various shapes and styles; hand painted designs; soldered enamel icon charms; dangling charms; even moodstone charms' which change colour when worn next to the skin.

Visit the links in our menu for examples of the many styles and designs available.