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Reading Room
History of Sterling Silver
Jewelry Charms
by: Martin Smith
Charms are also known as amulets and pendants. They are as popular today as
they have been throughout recorded history. Ancient Egyptians wore bracelets
with charms or amulets. They were used to protect against bad luck and evil
forces. They began with religious symbols and became a part of everyday
dressing.
Charms/jewelry were made of almost any material of value to people in their
time. Many were made of precious metal. Others were made with gemstones inlaid
in them or mounted with precious metals in the form of necklaces, crowns,
staffs, and bracelets. Queen Victoria gets the credit for popularizing jewelry
charms throughout Europe by wearing lockets or charms on her royal bracelets
America became enchanted with Charms around the time frame of World War II.
Soldiers returning from duty station brought with them various types of charms
or pendants. Today popular charms are made from Gold and Sterling silver. Other
materials are still used in the making of charms.
Sterling Silver Charms today represent as many things as there are interests and
personalities. Some charms or pendants represent the religious leanings of the
wearer. They also represent the interest of the wearer such a musical instrument
for a music lover, a pair of sneakers for a jogger, or ballet slippers for a
ballerina. Imagination is the only limit for what a charm can represent. Silver
charms are also used to commemorate life events such as births, weddings,
anniversaries, birthdays, or graduations.
Silver is a soft metal and its usage has been favored for centuries. It is used
to make charms often related to religious worship. Silver has been a symbol of
comfortable living. Sterling silver is much stronger than pure silver which is
harder to work with when making pendants or charms. Sterling silver is
approximately ninety percent silver. The last ten percent or so can be any one
of the following: copper, zinc, or nickel and is more durable than pure silver
but it still retains its inherent beauty.
Charms whether made of sterling silver or some other materials are often used to
represent the person who wears or carries the charm. As has been mentioned
however, they often represent the interests and personality of the wearer.
During war particular items are given to the soldiers who are going off to
fight. When a young teen-aged couple ’goes steady’ the young man generally gives
the girl his ring or something of particular value to him. The girls might also
do the same.
Charms have also been said to represent the particular spirituality of the
wearer. Many people wear plain simple crosses while still others will wear the
cross with the corpus - the body of Christ on it. Others wear saints medals.
Lockets are worn with images of loved ones inside. Once used to ward against
evil spirits, for good luck, and for protection in times of trouble charms have
come to be an adornment for the wearer. Charm bracelets are gifts that keep on
giving. A charm is often given for birthdays, graduations, a dance recital, or
sports victory. They make wonderful gifts for young girls that will grow with
them. There are charm necklaces as well.
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Martin Smith is a freelance writer providing advice and information on a
variety of products. His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched
resource. Drop by the site for more information if you have time !
http://www.1st-4-jewelry.com
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