Intro to Charms
13 March 2009
Author: Vickie Pozzolini
Used and worn throughout the world for centuries, charms are wonderful jewelry elements that are worn with personal sentiment. Most often, charms represent or evoke the feeling or representation of personal stories. Charms tend to hold a significant meaning to the wearer – which makes the allure of charms that more endearing.
The most traditional use of charms is in the ever popular charm bracelet. Both young and old find a charm bracelet to be a meaningful item. But, clustered with beads and pendants, charms can add interest and diversity to a focal element of a necklace and other pieces of jewelry. Simply add some charms to a mix of crystals, pearls or other jewelry elements and dangle them from a larger jump ring. Stagger the lengths of the different dangles using chain so they are not all the same level. Try doing this on the next pair of earrings you make, then experiment creating necklaces and bracelets too! 
Charms can be used in place of zipper pulls on handbags and totes. Charms can be sewn onto clothing or other items for personalizing. Adding charms this way makes a fun and fashionable statement. Try your birthstone color with charms on a necklace along with charms that speak to personal moments or times.
Another popular use for charms is to dangle them from your cell phone – this is called a fob. A classic type of fob is usually made for a key chain. Charms also make great home decorative elements too, such as for adding to wine glass rings made with memory wire.
However you choose to create with charms, use your imagination. Everyone who sees your expression will be charmed by the story you tell with your crafting.