The Wonder of Italian Charms
Posted by myarticlenetwork on January 3, 2010
Italian charms are modular jewelry that can be designed to fit the personality of anyone that wears them. The style began in the late 1980s in Italy. The bracelets became so popular that soccer players wore bracelets sporting their country’s colors. By the early 1990s, American tourists to Italy brought the trend back to the United States.
An Italian charm starter bracelet consists of 18 blank individual rectangular links. Standardized sizing allows for each piece to be interchangeable with any Italian charm. Unlike traditional charm bracelets that dangle off a chain, the Italian charm bracelet allows for a complete look that can be changed depending on the wearer’s mood and/or changing interests.
Charms can represent anything that the wearer chooses. However, the most common charms are representations of an individual’s hobbies, interests and profession. The links are interchangeable so that each bracelet can be as unique as each individual.
A traditional link of an Italian charm bracelet consists of a rectangular piece of stainless steel on which the design is soldered or etched onto the surface. Recently, Italian charm makers have begun making full color charms using an enamel process. This process is very expensive though so it is reserved for charms that will sell in large quantities. However, many charm wearers wish to have specific charms made that express the uniqueness of the individual wearing the bracelet. Therefore, as the popularity of Italian charms has increased, manufacturers of the charms have had to find quicker and less expensive means of creating charms.
Laser technology has been found to be an inexpensive yet reliable method of creating charms. This type of charm is manufactured by a laser permanently etching the design onto the surface of the steel. Laser charms are the least expensive charms to purchase. However, laser technology has also allowed for individuals to customize a charm to their specific instructions. Custom charms are a bit more expensive but not totally unfordable.
A more expensive method of customization involves the use of photography. A photograph can also be used to create a charm by using two methods. The first method mounts a photograph onto the link and then seals it. The second way is dye-sublimation. This method transfers the colors of the photograph to the link.
The popularity of Italian charm bracelets has expanded the use of the modular links to other various items. Now, links can be seen on various types of jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, keychains and anklets.
