Silver Jewelry Charm

Gold charm jewelry has been around since the superstitious days of Queen Cleopatra of the Nile or the covert era of the Roman Christians. Used for everything including the superstition of warding off evil spirits, silver jewelry charm accessories have entranced the general public of many bygone eras as well as today's fashion conscious consumer. Charms have existed since the early days of Egyptian royalty and have evolved over time to find a place in successive world wide generations as its popularity spread throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Today, Italy is at the forefront of the trendy piece of fashion accessory that no longer is used to ward of spirits but is produced to entice customers who have high style in mind.

Personal accessories that adorned many Egyptian Pharaohs and the wealthy elite displayed various charms. Originally used by many common folk to bring good or alternatively ward off evil, gold charm jewelry evolved from setting basic stones and semi precious gems into fancy, elaborate items. Charms were also used to show what status they had accomplished in this life by what type of elaborate settings or gemstones were used. Since the Egyptians rarely lived past their 40's, a heavy emphasis was placed on their place in the after life and attempt to control their fate through physical preparations was believed necessary. Charms were thought to be one such object that could be used to help the gods find them and take them to the proper place in life after death.

Rome was another place where this fashion accessory was more than just a necklace or a bracelet to the wearer. During the persecution of the Christians, many Christians would wear a silver jewelry charm piece in order to identify themselves. A 'fish' or ichthys was worn around their necks under clothing so that it could be pulled out anytime in order to show fellow Christians who they were. Wearing these charms became a practical item for many as Christians were careful in identifying themselves openly to the hostile Roman citizenry. "And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." (Philippians 1:28-29)

Charms were also used by Jewish scholars to encapsulate a small piece of paper within that had a part of the Jewish law written on it. From the earliest of its uses, charms had more of a practical use than an aesthetic use for many of its wearers. During the medieval era, many nobility as well as pheasants wore some form of gold charm jewelry or plainly made charms to help cast or break spells and supernatural powers that were believed to be affected by it. Others wore specially made charms to show a family heritage and position in life. It is said that during the later eras, interest in charms diminished because of the broader knowledge that was acquired through books that dispelled many superstitious notions. This personal decoration is not seen to become popular again in history until Queen Victoria revived it with her own special version of flamboyant accessories that caught on with the general public.

Queen Victoria, known for her different moods and her personal reflections of it in her jewelry, added charms to her collection. The charms were totally aesthetic in purpose and grew into a widely cherished item in the Victorian era. Pieces can be found today that reflect the style and trends of the day in silver jewelry charm accessories. No longer were charms reflective of either a superstitious or practical mindset, but became a piece of prized accessory in many women's jewelry boxes. Fine pieces of necklaces, bracelets and pins were part of the commonplace selection that was available in the Victorian era. Since that time, history recounts several swings in consumer interest in gold charm jewelry. Post World War II created a mood for special charms that could be given for remembrances of teen birthdays, love interests and for just about any occasion.

Many women carried their sweethearts picture in a small necklace or added a special charm to their bracelet in remembrance of a holiday together. A low ebb occurred in the demand for silver jewelry charm items throughout subsequent years, until another revival of interest in them occurred almost in conjunction with the preference for silver accessories of the last few years. The most notable influence on the charms as a major fashion accessory has been in Italy where famous designers have displayed modern, sleek charms in precious metals. Bracelets can be found that have links and interchangeable images that are in high demand throughout the world market among young and old alike. Some of the most popular charms that can be added to any linked bracelet or necklace piece are those associated with relationships or country loyalty. The American flag has seen a major surge in purchase for US consumers, but the heart symbol continues to be in demand world wide as the charm of choice for just about everyone.