Charm Bracelets Through the Ages
by Remember the charm bracelet you received for graduation from high school? It’s hard to believe that our treasured keepsakes with lots of memory charms was once considered an object of superstition.
Today, charm bracelets are popular as keepsakes and fashion accessories and the hanging charms may be life stories or souvenirs. Throughout the ages, the charm bracelet has been many things to different people and it has a long, charmed history crossing varied and unique cultures.
The Ancient Egyptians placed an afterlife value on charm bracelets. Since they had a shorter life span – about 40 years – the charm bracelet was one way of showing social status and served as a guide to the same status in the afterlife.
During Medieval Times, charm bracelets were thought to possess special
protective powers or devastating curses. The family tree and name were
embedded in charms and the charm bracelets were also thought to bring good fortune to those seeking political position, power or professional wealth.
Renaissance years were more focused on informational and cultural reading which superseded all superstition and charm bracelets lost their charm and significance during these years. Since the Renaissance is associated with European history, it is quite appropriate for Queen Victoria to be the person who brought the charm bracelets back from obscurity – and not as a sign of any special powers, curses or superstitions.
Fashion Statement
Charm bracelets were presented by the Queen as the ultimate fashion statement. Her charm bracelets were adorned with the family crest, fashionable beads, trinkets, lockets and sometimes jewels. Because of her special affection for charm bracelets as a fashion statement, Queen Victoria was lovingly referred to as The Charm Queen.
With the advent of World War II, the charm bracelets were once again the rage – and not just in the European areas. Charm bracelets had won the hearts of the entire world. These souvenirs could be purchased anywhere, especially locations where troops were serving during this war.
Soldiers were particularly drawn to the charm bracelets because they were small, great for gifts / souvenirs and could be packed easily into duffle bags for the trip home. Voila! Charms and charm bracelets were the perfect, small and meaningful items that fit this criteria.
Meanwhile, back home, small plastic charms were popping out of the gumball machines! They were shaped like nature, animals, sports equipment and army men and were placed on a string or shoelace to be worn around the collector’s neck or wrist.
Along with saddle shoes and bobby socks, the charm bracelets were a fashion
necessity during the decade of the1950s. The role of charm bracelets changed. Now they represented milestones in life: turning Sweet 16, graduation, wedding,
honeymoon travels and children.
Treasured Keepsakes
Charm bracelets can be many things, including sentimental traditions. No more superstitions, fashion statements, special powers or curses for the modern charm bracelets. They have become “us” and serve as symbols of our lives,
ourselves. The charm bracelet is a treasured keepsake that is sure to be our legacy, our spirit and our memory for generations to come.
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Post CommentClarkicebag@aol.com
On December 31, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I’m looking for the black military bootlace bracelets vietnam era soldiers used to make and wear. Some were quite intricate.Appreciate any info you can provide.
Thanks in advance
Darrell Clark
Julie Scott
On March 6, 2009 at 8:19 pm
There is a museum in Pittsburg dedicated to the black soldiers of the Vietnam War. The bracelets that you are referencing were made by these soldiers as a statement of brotherhood and independence. In the true sense of the word, these are not charm bracelets. They were called “slave bracelets” by some who made and wore them. Google the term Vietnam War Bootlace Bracelets and there is a PDF listed that features the Pittsburg Museum. There is also a seller at eBay who specializes in World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War artifacts and weapons. You might do a search a eBay.
Thomas Guerdon
On August 3, 2009 at 10:20 am
Thanks for the article.
Anybody know anything about WW 2 charms, I have one that has 19 charms of 3 soldiers,2 planes, 2 canons, liberty bell, jeep,helmet, bullet, flashlight, statue of liberty, bugle, eagle, ship, bomb, us crest, tank. When possible they have moving parts, i.e. the props on the planes move, wheels on vehicles turn. The story I have is my recently deceased father sent them home one at a time while on duty. There is all evidence of the 19 charms and bracelet, that by the way takes two people to clasp, is genuine as to quality and provenance. Please help me find out more about the this particularly brilliant bracelet.
respectfully,
Thomas Guerdon