The most popular and fastest growing trend regarding jewelry today is that of Italian charms. The trend was started in Italy in the 1980s. It spread widely after soccer players were seen sporting the modular bracelets that represented their individual country’s colors. The trend spilled over to the United States in the 1990s by American tourists and has only spread like wildfire since.
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 reflect any part of your individual personality. However, the most general charms represent that of what the interests, hobbies and career of a person may be. Each link can be replaced so that the bracelet can reflect a person’s changing interest. Each bracelet can be created through any theme that the individual can imagine. Common themes include color and family.
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 provided this less expensive and quicker yet reliable form of production. Laser charms are produced by a laser permanently etching a design on the surface of the stainless steel link. Most laser charms sell for less than each. However, laser technology also provides a means of complete customization. Individual customized charms can be produced for to each.
Further customization can also be done for a slightly higher cost. This customization allows for a photograph to be used to produce a charm through two methods. In the first method, a photograph is mounted to the stainless steel and a seal is placed over the photograph to preserve it. The second method involves transferring the image to the surface of the link 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.
