Italian charms are flat, modular links that hook together to form an Italian charm bracelet, keychain, or other accessories. While traditional charms dangle, Italian charms feature individual pieces soldered flat onto the surface of the link.

While Italian charms are available in small (5 mm), medium (9 mm), large (13 mm) and mega (18 mm) sizes, the standard size is the medium 9 mm charm. Since sizes are consistent across brands, Italian charms are universally compatible.

Italian charms are most often crafted using stainless steel backing and a gold-plated or 18 karat gold charm face. The face of the charm (which features the design) is soldered or glued to the stainless steel link. The charm itself may feature synthetic or genuine gemstones as part of its design.

How They Work

A starter bracelet consists of eighteen blank links. In order to create a personalized Italian charm bracelet, these blank links are replaced, one by one, with selected designs of Italian charms. Their modular design means that Italian charm bracelets are interchangeable. Individual pieces can be switched out for a new look or to better suit the mood or changing interests of an individual.

Types of charms

Many styles of Italian charms are available. The appeal of Italian charms is that they can be selected to reflect personality, hobbies and interests, so wide selection is a key feature of this jewelry.

Hand-Painted Italian Charms

Hand-painted charms are individually crafted using enamel paints and epoxy coating. Greater detail in design is possible depending on the depth of the enamel used on the charm.

Laser Italian Charms

Laser charms are made of stainless steel and often feature etched designs, letters or words. This style is easily customized to include favorite phrases or names not found in regular stock.

X2 Italian Charms

An exclusive charm known as the “X2” has also been developed by Pugster. The X2 features double thick enamel, allowing more depth to the image, and finer detail in design than standard charms.

Photo Italian Charms

Photo charms have actual digital, photographic images burned onto the face of a charm. This style can also be customized to include, for example, family photos.

Mega Italian Charms

Mega charms are twice the width and height of a standard charm. This style of charm can hook two standard sized bracelets together.

Super and Double Link Italian Charms

Super Links and Double Links are each twice the width of the standard charm. The difference is that Double Links are two separate charms that feature one image, while a Super Link charm is one solid piece.

Deluxe-Link Italian Charms

Deluxe link Italian charms feature two stainless steel links connected by a genuine Italian charm. With their feminine designs, this new charm link is a welcome addition to the ever-expanding selection of links for the Italian charm bracelet.

Authentic Licensed Italian Charms

Authentic licensed charms feature favorite characters such as Curious George, The Grinch, Pepsi, and It's Happy Bunny.

How They Are Worn

Italian charms can be worn on Italian charm bracelets. They are designed by each individual to suit tastes and reflect personality. A bracelet may be made up entirely of Italian charms or an alternating pattern of Italian charms and blank links.

Italian charms can also accessorize cell phones on cell straps. Cell straps are a loop attachment on the end of a cell phone with blank links, where charms can be added. Key chains are another way to display Italian charms. Key chains with blank links are available for this purpose. Italian charm necklaces and watches also allow for everyday wear and interchangeability of these accessories.

How to Assemble an Italian Charm Bracelet

Assembling Italian charm bracelets is simple. The procedure for putting charms on is the same as the process for removing them. The photos below show a bracelet which already has charms on it and new charms being added, the concept is the same for starter bracelets.

Charms link together using a loop on the back of the bracelet. This loop hooks up to the opening on the charm. Notice that in order to put the new charm on you must expand the starter link outward and press down with your thumb to keep it in place. Italian charm bracelets can be assembled and disassembled using only your hands; however, to ease the process, Italian charm tools may be helpful. A nail file or another strong and small object will also work though you’ll risk scratching the Italian charm.

The left side of the charm will have an opening to link to. The charms are tiny and the opening is small. Look carefully, the slot is only a few millimeters wide.  Holding the link open with your thumb, slide the charm onto the end from the bottom up.Tilting it at an angle may help to align the links, making it easier to slide on the bracelet.

The instructions and photos below may help you in assembling the new bracelet.

Instructions for Removing Charm Links

STEP 1

Hold the bracelet securely: Using the left hand, hold the bracelet in the palm of your hand.Your index finger and thumb should be free.

STEP 2

Secure the other side of the bracelet using your right hand then pull the bracelet outward to expand the links.

STEP 3

Both hands should be horizontal when pulling outward.

STEP 4

Using your left hand press down into the charm area to keep bracelet expanded. If you're making a first time starter bracelet, you'll need to use the last link on the right side of the bracelet as a starting point.

STEP 5

Notice that the back of each link has a loop on which to put the charms. You can hook them on or off at that area.

Now, using your right hand, slide the charm on the right side over also.

STEP 6

Using your right hand, push the right link toward the bottom to remove it from the link. It will slide downward and then off the link.

History

Designed in Italy, the Italian charm craze caught on and even soccer players wore these bracelets featuring their country flag. In the 1990s, American tourists noticed the style and brought it back to the United States where the fashion caught on and has remained popular.

Italian charms became popular in the United States in the 1990s, but their history goes back much further. In ancient Egypt charms were used for identification and as symbols of faith and luck. Charms also served to identify an individual to the gods in the afterlife. Medieval knights wore charms for protection in battle. Charms also were worn in the dark ages to represent family origin, religious and political convictions.

In England during the reign of Queen Victoria, charms began to be worn purely as fashion accessories. First worn by the queen, the trend spread to the British aristocracy. Charms of family crests and small lockets dangling from bracelets were the rage.

World War II soldiers leaving Europe bought charm trinkets from local merchants to make gifts upon their return to the United States. Charms made another comeback in the 1950s. They were collected as a keepsake to commemorate rites of passage such as weddings, birthdays and graduations. By the 1980s, these charms were showing up as antiques and brought about another craze in collecting. The demand was created for contemporary designs and availability, paving the way for modern Italian charms.