Antique and Vintage Charms

Charms have been worn and collected throughout history right from the ancients up until today. Antique and vintage charms can be found in all shapes and forms and are made of a multitude of different materials. They are also called amulets or fobs ( perhaps a little larger than the average charm). Charms are often worn on bracelets but are equally suited to being worn on a necklace, brooch or an antique watch chain. Victorian ladies sometime wore them suspended from their Chatelaines and why not wear a pair of matching charms as earrings?

If you are looking to purchase a charm or charm bracelet today you have a wide choice. There is always the simple option of buying a new piece however you will find that these do not generally have the quality of a vintage or antique charm, you are more likely to see another person wearing the exact same charm and you will pay more for the equivalent piece if it is new. Buying vintage or antique charms also comes with a history attached to them which adds to their sentimental value.

Traditionally a charm bracelet was bought blank or with just one charm attached and the lucky wearer was given or purchased an additional charm to mark significant events in her life until there were thirteen charms in all. Most charm collectors could not stop at the traditional number thirteen and many bracelets are seen much fuller than this. A young girl could be given a silver cat or horse to signify her favourite pets. A girl passing a ballet exam might be given a ballerina, a key for her 18th birthday, an “I love you spinner” from her first boyfriend and a crystal studded ring in a box upon her engagement. When she got married a bible and an opening church charm would be added to the bracelet and a stork on the birth of her first child. Travel was also marked with an aeroplane, boat or a silver and enamel shield from each place visited. Some people made up charm bracelets along a particular theme.

Interesting ones I have seen are the signs of the Zodiac, buildings of London, breeds of dog or puffed heart charms. Some just collect opening or articulared charms or charms set with crystals. It is also possible to collect by charm manufacturer such and Nuvo charms or Chim charms AntiquesAvenue offers you what is probably the best selection of vintage silver charm bracelets on the Internet. These are all genuine vintage items which come as they were made up over 30 or more years ago. There are some wonderful antique charms, and a wide range of vintage silver charms of all shapes, sizes and makers.

Dont forget costume jewellery charms too if you want a change from silver. Gold charms are much rares than silver charms and more expensive. Normally I would recommend that you collect either gold or silver or costume jewellery charms each on a separate charm bracelet – mixing these materials may well lead to a disproportional amount of wear to the softer charms. Please remember that whatever type of vintage or antiuqe charm you collect I am happy to help you with your selection and send additional photographs if required.