Charmed - Lessons in Choosing Charms for Gifts

Charms have been a part of jewelry for thousands of years. Symbols of religion, symbols of special community groups (think Masons) and even symbols of trades like doctor, nurse, and sailors. They often represent something about the person that they are known for or that they like. These are stamped word charms like love, joy, hope, and peace. When buying for friends and family there are somethings to keep in mind when buying charms so that they will be lasting favorites.

ENAMELS

First of all enamel charms are pretty. They have color and enhance the details of stamping outlined in the metal. Enamel charms have texture and can be eye catching but their care can be complex. First of all many kinds of enamels will dissolve when immersed in jewelry cleaning agents or exposed to home cleaning water excessively. Even sterling silver charms can be damaged if improper agents are used. It might be best to hand polish them or to go with a colorless charm if your friend or you wear jewelry often. Second you need to be sure that they are lead content compliant. Vintage charms from foreign countries can actually be very harmful.

Check charms around the edges to see if any of the enamel is flaking away. Even new products, especially those bought at Discount Marts or Dollar Stores of any kind. They can wear out in just one season if they already have chips or flakes of any kind. If you have doubts, leave it out!

MIXED METALS -

Copper is making huge splash these days with the steam punk trends and new world styles. What you need to know is that while some kinds of metals can be mixed others should not be for lasting style. The charms on the earrings featured here are brass over copper. The top is new copper and the bottom has an antiqued finish. Over time the tops will patina to match the bottom. No problems there really but the problem comes when silver and brass are mixed, silver and copper are mixed, or gold tone and copper or silver together. Metals oxidize at different rates of speed. While brass and copper can be cleaned in pieces together, bridge and costume jewelry often have copper that is plated with silver or gold. Frequent cleaning can strip your charms of their finish. Stay away from mixed metals in charm bracelets so that you can be sure that the patina will evenly occur. Hand polishing with cloth is the best method always for cleaning costume or bridge jewelry charms. Also note that gunmetal finish is likely to make jewelry look dull. It is better for Gothic and "dark moods" themes rather than girl stuff. Gun metal finish with silver also leaves a cheap look if not carefully designed. Also keep charm bracelets in a bag with a piece of chalk. It will extend the wear life. 

BALANCING -

Charms are cute when added to ends of bracelets or necklaces. There are some important factors in choosing charms for them. First of all charms need to be proportionate to the beads themselves or smaller. Bracelets are going in and out of pockets and getting banged on things. The last thing one wants is something the size of a golf ball swinging about their wrist. The best rule of thumb is 12 mm is the max, or about the size of a dime is max. They also should not hinder clasps or closures if you are adding them post production. In the above pic you can see two charms that are paired very well, because they compliment, not over whelm the original contents.

OUT OF BALANCE

Balance is also about colors, shapes, and sizes. Try to choose charms that will go together well. In this piece the charms are balanced in size and are asymmetrical in the upper and lower halves. The shapes though are  not the best. The four charms that are circular disrupt the heart shapes and filigree sliders. Also the handmade crystal charms would have been better placed last and all of the metallic charms to the center. 

Themes-

While most of us don't buy jewelry for people we really don't know, sometimes we need to be careful buying for those that we do. You probably would not buy this cameo for your uncle the carpenter, unless he really loved them for some reason... I have heard from many of my customers that they once said they liked something or did a hobby for a while, and then wound up with a pile of junk from that hobby they had no use for. For example people who play soccer might like soccer charms, but I would suggest going with mixed elements that show more than just the soccer aspect of your friend's hobbies. If your friend also bakes , plays tennis or sews, it is good to make a mix. This way they will have more than one reason to wear what you are giving them. If they quit soccer there are other things that they can still find relevant in their bracelet. 

KNOW YOUR ABS - OPPS!! ABCs! 

Proof reading is essential! Sometime manufactures make mistakes in spelling. Please also before you but name bracelets or letter charms be sure that they are correct. Some people go by nicknames or job titles such as "coach" or "boss", but that doesn't mean that they want to see that in their jewelry either. I had a friend that everyone called "Scooter" in high school. I though it was cute. He actually told me as adults that it was a put down he really hated. Who knew? Ask spouses and other close friends if you are unsure.. but no matter what be sure it is spelled correctly!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Like what you see? Here is the link to my online store for more items by me, J Dalton, International Artist. 


J Dalton Artist