The Wonder of Italian Charms

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.

Each bracelet consists of 18 interchangeable rectangular stainless steel links. The Italian charm starter bracelet consisting of blank links allows for a complete look. Each link is a standardized size, which allows for a multitude of companies to provide charms at various rates. Unlike traditional charm bracelets that dangle. The Italian charm bracelet is a modular unit that can be changed according to an individual's changing interests.

Charms may be used to represent anything. The most common charm representations are hobbies, careers, family, interests, etc. The modular nature of the bracelet allows for each individual to create a bracelet that is unique.

Charms were originally made by soldering a charm onto the bottom of the link. However, high quality charms are made through an enamel process. This process can produce charms in full color and provides for a wider variety of charms. However, the process is expensive, so it is reserved for the highest selling charms. The individuality of the bracelet, though, often creates a desire for more customized charms. Therefore, new, less expensive, methods for producing individual charms had to be discovered.

One method that has been found to produce charms less expensively involves laser technology. Lasers are used to permanently etch a design onto the surface of stainless steel. These charms are less expensive than the enamel charms. Laser technology also allows for the customization of charms. A fully customized and individualized laser charm can be bought between $15 to $20 a piece.

Further customization can be accomplished through the use of photographs. Photographs can be turned into charms through two methods. First, the photograph is mounted to the rectangular piece and sealed over. Second, the image can be transferred to the metal through a process known as dye-sublimation.

The trend of Italian charms has spread to other merchandise in recent years. The modular links can now be found on anklets, key chains, earrings and necklaces.