Charm bracelet .A charm bracelet is an item of jewellery worn around the wrist.

It carries personal "charms": decorative pendants or trinkets which signify important things in the wearer's life. [The wearing of charms may have begun as a form of amulet to ward off evil spirits or bad luck. During the pre-historic period, jewellery charms would be made from shells, animal-bones and clay. Later charms were made out of gems, rocks, and wood.[1] For instance, there is evidence from Africa that shells were used for adornments around 75,000 years ago. In Germany intricately carved mammoth tusk charms have been found from around 30,000 years ago. In ancient Egypt charms were used for identification and as symbols of faith and luck. Charms also served to identify an individual to the gods in the afterlife. During the Roman Empire, Christians would use tiny fish charms hidden in their clothing to identify themselves to other Christians. Jewish scholars of the same period would write tiny passages of Jewish law and put them in amulets round their necks to keep the law close to their heart at all times. Medieval knights wore charms for protection in battle. Charms also were worn in the Dark Ages to denote family origin and religious and political convictions. Charm bracelets have been the subject of several waves of trends. The first charm bracelets were worn by Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, and Hittites and began appearing from 600 400 BC.[2] In 1889, Tiffany and Co. introduced their first charm bracelet a link bracelet with a single heart dangling from it, a bracelet which is an iconic symbol for Tiffany today. Despite the Great Depression, during the 1920s and 1930s platinum and diamonds were introduced to charm bracelet manufacturing. Soldiers returning home after World War II brought home trinkets made by craftsmen local to the area where they were fighting to give to loved ones. American teenagers in the 1950s and early 1960s collected charms to record the events in their lives. Screen icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Joan Crawford helped to fuel the interest and popularity of charm bracelets. Although interest and production waned through the latter part of the 20th century, there was a resurgence of popularity after 2000 and collectors eagerly sought out vintage charms. Inspired by to the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, bracelets with little charms of swords, crosses and skulls were introduced as a fashion trend during Winter 2006. European charm bracelets Since 2002, a new trend for European charm bracelets has emerged in both Europe and North America. These modular bracelets consist of a chain onto which different beads or 'charms' can be put. The charms are made from gold, silver or Murano glass and are interchangeable to allow the wearer to create their own look. These beads can be sculpted to simulate anything from animals to

people. There are literally thousands of beads available for these bracelets as beads can be created to reflect any interest or category. They appeal to a diverse customer base due to the wide range of beads available. The cost of the beads can be as low as $20 each. The price range can extend into the hundreds of dollar range since beads can be crafted of gold, platinum, and diamonds.

Coin-chain-char-bracelet

A Completed PANDORA Charm Bracelet Originally introduced by Danish jewellery company Trollbeads in 1976, this style of bracelet grew in popularity and today there are many brands available. In the UK the most successful brand of European charm bracelet is Pandora and Love-links, though Biagi, Zable, Reflections by SimStars, Chamilia, Soufeel, Novobeads, Oriana, and Trollbeads are also very popular in the US. A key feature of the actual beads is that they are compatible with all major bead bracelet manufacturers. A Novobeads bracelets can be worn on a Pandora bracelet and vice versa. These bead bracelets are fully customizable as the clasps for the bracelets and necklaces are not included when purchased. There are many options for these as well. There are even options for anchor slides which help secure the bracelet. This current fashion for modular jewelry builds on the success that 'Add A Bead' jewelry had in the 80s. Italian charm bracelets Main article: Italian charm bracelets A charm is a small ornament usually dangling from a bracelet or chain. However, the Italian Charm Bracelet is configured differently. While each charm is separate and interchangeable, it lies flat against the wrist and is interlocking to the next charm, similarly to an expansion band. A charm-link connecting tool is available to change the charms, but fingers seem to work just as well. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charm_bracelet Slap bracelet

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Slap bracelets A slap bracelet (or snap bracelet) is a bracelet consisting of layered, flexible stainless steel bistable spring bands sealed within a fabric or plastic cover. The bracelet can be straightened out, making tension within the springy metal bands. The straightened bracelet is then slapped against the wearer's forearm, causing the bands to spring back into a curve that wraps around the wrist, securing the bracelet to the wearer. [edit]History Invented by Wisconsin teacher Stuart Anders and sold under the brand name "Slap Wrap",[1] the slap bracelet was a popular fad among children, pre-teens andteenagers in the late 1980s and early 1990s and was available in a wide variety of patterns and colors. The bracelet was banned in several schools following reports of injuries stemming from improper use.[2][3] The bracelet was later reintroduced with a plastic spring, but there were still reports of injuries.[4] More recently, slap bracelets have been used as Trouser clips - worn on the lower legs of cyclists to prevent trousers from being tangled in the gear system. They are also used instead of a baton in long distance relay races, such as the Ragnar Relay Series http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slap_bracelet TENNIS BRACELETS Tennis bracelets, also known as diamond line bracelets, are thin, elegant pieces of wrist jewelry that feature a symmetrical pattern of diamonds. Unlike charm bracelets, they lack pendants or mementos. According to numerous web sites, such as Professional Jeweler Magazine and Normans of Mosman, tennis star Chris Evert was known for her diamond line bracelets. She lost one during the 1987 U.S. Open, and the game had to be temporarily halted while she prowled the court for it. The "tennis bracelet" incident sparked a new name for the item, as well as a huge jewelry trend. Following in the footsteps of the great Chris Evert, last year Serena Williams wore a customdesign Harry Winston tennis bracelet at the U.S. Open. According to the press release, "Winston added an extra secure safety clasp to the bracelet to make sure the flexible and fluid piece will stay securely on Williams' 7 and one-half inch wrist." http://ask.yahoo.com/20030509.html

Types of Bracelet Clasps

There are many types of bracelet clasps. There are many types of bracelet clasps available in the world of jewelry. Some are just used for their function, while others are designed to complement the bracelet. It can be important to consider the type of bracelet clasp a piece of jewelry includes before purchasing it

1. Hook and Eye Clasp

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The hook and eye clasp is recommended for heavy, bulky bracelets. It includes a hook on one end of the bracelet, and a loop called an "eye" on the other. To secure the clasp, the hook is placed through the eye. The better-functioning clasps contain a hook that is bent properly to keep it from slipping out of the eye. The eye can come in many shapes; a common one resembles a figure eight. Lobster Clasp

The lobster clasp is among the most popular closures for bracelets. It looks similar to a lobster claw, and works with a spring mechanism that can be opened by the push of the lever. It secures the bracelet by linking with a loop at the the opposite end of the piece. The lobster clasp is known for its

strength, which is why it is commonly used in all types of jewelry. Due to the way they function, it can be difficult for some people to open and close them with one hand. Magnetic Clasp
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Magnetic clasps are a newer why to keep bracelets secure. They are easy to use, and involve two magnetic pieces that are attached to each end of a bracelet. Magnetic clasps are sometimes cheap and do not hold the jewelry together well, which may mean a misplaced bracelet. These are also not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or those who have pacemakers, due the the strong magnetic field they create. Spring Ring Clasp

A spring ring clasp is similar in function to a lobster clasp. However, the shape is different, as the ring is circular. The closure works with a spring mechanism and lever. Push down on the lever and insert the other end of the bracelet into the ring to properly secure it. They can be difficult for bracelet wearers because the ring has to be opened with one hand. Toggle Clasps

Toggle clasps are a popular choice with which to close a bracelet. They can be created in many designs and styles, enhancing the beauty of the jewelry. The toggle works by inserting a bar into a ring. The bar should be long enough that it overlaps the circle at both ends. If there is little overlap, it is likely to become unsecured http://www.ehow.com/list_6714166_types-bracelet-clasps.html 1. Toggle Clasp

A toggle clasp, also known as a bar and ring clasp, consists of a solid ring and a bar. The bar slides through the ring and secures the clasp. Toggle clasps can be used in almost any type of necklace or bracelet, although they generally work better with heavier pieces. Lighter pieces often do not pull enough to keep the bar up against the ring, and they can come undone.

2. Lobster Claw Clasp

Lobster claws are also another very popular style of clasp. These come from the distinctive shape of the clasp - elongated and resembling the shape of a lobster's claw. These clasps are usually very secure, and are suitable for most types of strung projects. They work well with lighter and more delicate pieces. They do require some type of jump ring or split ring for the clasp to latch on to, and you can also substitute a small loop of seed beads if no jump ring or split ring is handy. Lobster claw clasps are available in many different materials and sizes. There are also some beautiful decorative lobster claw clasps available from many findings companies such as Tierra Cast and Pacific Silverworks. 3. Box or Tab Clasp

A box clasp, also known as a tab clasp, consists of two pieces: a small tab and a round or square box component that the tab slides into and locks. Sometimes there is also a small hook around the opening where the tab slides into the box component to ensure that if the tab somehow manages to slip out, it will not fall apart. These clasps are made for both single and multi-strand projects, and they can be found with a variety of gemstones set in them. There also box clasps available set with Swarovski crystals and cubic zirconia in a wide range of colors. Box clasps are generally very secure, and can be used for a variety of beading and stringing projects. 4. S-Hook Clasp

An s-hook clasp consists of three pieces. An s-shaped component and two rings that slide onto either end of the "s" shape. S-hook clasps are generally better used for heavier pieces, because, similar to the toggle clasp, unless there is sufficient weight to keep the rings in place, the piece may fall off.

There are many different and decorative style of s-hook clasp available. You can find them with engraving, set with gemstone cabochons, and in a variety of precious and non-precious metals. 5. Slide Lock Clasp

A slide lock clasp consists of two bars, each with a set of loops on one side. The two pieces slide into each other and friction keeps them together. These clasps are very secure, and are ideal for multi-strand projects. Because the loops are spaced with a small gap in between each one, they are perfect for keeping several strands of beads from getting tangled when you are wearing your finished piece. Slide lock clasps can be found in both sterling silver and gold-filled metals, as well as set with Swarovski crystals, gemstones, and cubic zirconia. 6. Hook and Eye

A hook and eye clasp is very similar to an s-hook clasp, except it consists of only two pieces - a hook and a loop to which it attaches. If you use this type of clasp with a lighter-weight necklace (such as freshwater pearls, crystals or tiny gemstones), you will want to use a smaller size hook and eye clasp. Hook and eye clasps are generally easy to fasten, and come in a variety of styles, sizes and materials. There are clasps that can accommodate multi-strand as well as single strand projects, clasps set with Swarovski crystals and gemstones, and beautiful decorative clasps made to look like leaves, animals, and other shapes. 7. Magnetic Clasps

Magnetic clasps use an extremely powerful magnet to secure the two halves of the clasp together. Because this magnet is so strong, they are not recommended for use by anyone who has a pacemaker or other cardiac device used to regulate the heart.

Because they are so strong, they can be used in lighter and more delicate creations to ensure that they stay put. Some magnetic clasps can also be embedded into other materials such as polymer clay or beaded around to create custom clasps that will be a perfect accent to your beadwork or beaded project. These clasps are very popular, and can be found in a wide range of materials, sizes and shapes, and set with a variety of crystals and gemstones. 8. Barrel Clasp These clasps are also known as screw clasps, because one half of the clasp is threaded and the other acts as the receptor, similar to a nut and bolt. One of the pitfalls of these clasps is that while they may start out being very secure due to the screw-in nature of the design, over time, the threads may wear off, causing the clasp to fall apart and requiring replacement. One remedy for this is to attach the clasp using jump rings so that if the threads do wear off and the clasp needs to be replaced, it can be done quickly, using just a flat nose pliers. 9. Spring Ring The spring ring clasp consists of a round loop with a small tab on it. When you push the tab down, the loop opens up to allow a jump ring or other loop to be attached. Spring ring clasps are generally only for single-strand pieces, and usually do not work well for larger multi-strand pieces. They are excellent for use in lighter, more delicate designs made from small crystals, pearls and tiny gemstones. When purchasing spring ring clasps, it is best to avoid any clasp that is not made from sterling silver or gold. Spring ring clasps of lower quality tend to fall apart easily, so you want to make sure that you purchase the best quality clasp that you can. 10. Button Clasp Button clasps consist of two pieces. The first is a small tab with a thick ring in one end, and the other has a small ball attached to it. The ball snaps into the hole in the first tab to secure the clasp. I first saw these clasps a few years ago when I received my first catalog from Diane Hyde of Designer's Findings. Since then, I have seen them in many non-precious metals like copper and pewter, but none in sterling silver, gold-filled or vermeil. These clasps work well in smaller, lightweight necklaces and bracelets made from pearls, crystals or small gemstones. http://beadwork.about.com/od/otherresources/tp/all_about_clasps.htm

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VAN CLIFF AND ARPELS

Platinum and diamond Cambodian bracelet. 1938

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet Watch The Vintage Alhambra Bracelet Watch in rose gold and diamonds is an exquisite example of how Van Cleef & Arpels can combine the art of jewelry and watchmaking. It functions as both an exceedingly elegant bracelet and fine timepiece. The Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet Watch is powered by a Swiss quartz movement, keeping you on time wherever you take it. GRAFF

exceptionally rare combination of flawless white pear shape and marquise diamonds, expertly combined to create the most fabulous statement bracelet. 39 diamonds, 81.02 cts

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Swiss jewelry with charm: Piagets Possession Collection From white gold to emerald diamond jewelry the round features of the Possession collection imply the perfection of every material. This ring motif gives jewelry pieces their aesthetic form.

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