In an age of conformity, mass production and technological obsession, the soul craves self-expression.Charms satisfy that deep-rooted desire, providing a way for people to create a uniquely personal story about themselves. Charms offer many ways to be worn and myriad styles and themes that appeal to any interest and transcend all ages. Always an important part of jewelry history and culture, charms speak to the times in which we live. Currently, they have found their way to the forefront of jewelry fashion. Perfect for self-purchase, with motifs for any occasion, charms make an ideal gift and often have a special meaning for those both giving and receiving the gift.
“People are in the wake of economic turmoil and they have returned to basic values,” observes designer Stephanie Albertson of the New York–based firm Stephanie Albertson Jewelry. “People want something with sentimental, commemorative or intrinsic value. Charms are collectable, small and affordable. And they create versatility to what people already own.”
Oliver Smith, a Scottsdale, Arizona–based designer with a retail store there, agrees that price and versatility are factors in the resurgence of interest in charms. “Charms are inexpensive and allow a woman to change her look every day,” he says, noting that they are something a mother and daughter can have fun with and share.
Joe Carullo, vice president of manufacturer KC Designs in New York City, also finds that versatility is a key factor in the popularity of charms. “Ladies can use charms on earrings, pendants and bracelets. Charms are interchangeable and women can mix it up, and you don’t need a lot of charms to do that. The same charm can be worn on hoop earrings, then worn on the neck or on a bangle on the wrist. Some women even like to have one charm on one earring and a different charm on the other earring worn at the same time.”
Also contributing to the current craze for charms is the trend to personalization. Charms satisfy that passion to create something that nobody else has, points out Alex Woo, designer and principal of the eponymous New York company. “Personalization is a trend that is universally appealing, whether it’s a monogrammed piece of clothing or jewelry,” she says. Everyone likes to wear something, or give a gift that is special and thoughtful.”
“Charms are like an open canvas, they can be any shape or size, with diamonds or without, and a customer can pick from a lot of different designs,” adds New York–based designer Erica Molinari of the firm bearing her name. “The popularity of charms never really went away. They are just more prevalent right now because you can mix and match from different designers.”
More Than a Bracelet
Part of the fun in charms is how they are worn. While charm bracelets are certainly a classic, charm necklaces are also getting a lot of play.
“What I believe is a new and a much more wearable trend is layered necklaces,” says Woo. “Whether it’s wearing multiple charms on a chain, or layering different charms together on separate chains of different lengths, it’s a clean and classic look that is more appropriate and practical for today’s modern working woman.”
True trendsetters are wearing a few charms on a 36-inch chain that sways hypnotically around the navel with every movement for a more fashion-forward style. “There is something groovy about charms on a long chain on the neck,” explains Albertson. “It’s more bohemian, a more unique expression.”
Let’s not forget the earring. A pair of hoop earrings will get a pop of wow when charms are added. According to Carullo, earring charms appeal to women who are a little less conservative and more likely to step outside the fashion box. Oliver notes that “It’s a style for those who like more delicate things.”
Telling a Story
Highly collectable, popular charm themes are initials, religious symbols and classic motifs such as the fleur-de-lis. But consumers are also collecting — and gifting — charms that are a souvenir of travels or reflective of special interests, such as music or pets. According to Woo, when it comes to initials, people are mixing it up. “People don’t just wear their own initials. Nowadays, they also wear their kids’, husbands’ or boyfriends’ initials. This is what makes it fun and mysterious.”
However one chooses to wear charms — dangling from the wrist, around the neck, or on earrings — they are a great way to express personal style that is uniquely individual. The charms that are chosen will reflect the personality and life experiences that are specific to each person. “People collect charms,” concludes Molinari, “and before you know it, you have a history of your life.”
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - September 2010. To subscribe click here.