My favorite type of bracelet to wear is a charm bracelet. Charms have a long history by themselves, but charm bracelets were most popular after World War II and into the 1950s. Several years ago, NPR did a piece on Tracey Zabar's book "Charmed Bracelets" - check out the All Things Considered interview here when you have a few moments.
So, why do I love charm bracelets? They jingle. They tell a story. Sometimes the charms are articulated - the kind with moving parts. They can serve as a remembrance of people or places. They can be fun, kitschy, or just plain wacky.
Here are a few of my own charm bracelets....
I like to call this one "Song and Dance."
While not a charm bracelet in the truest sense, it does have dangle-y bowling charms and a nice solid-sounding jingle. I wear this one a lot.
This is my absolute favorite charm bracelet.It's got four articulated charms and even a tiny bullet!
I love this "Lie Detector" with the little arrow that spins.I started collecting charms from Vermont a few years ago, so I can make myself a charm bracelet in honor of a state that I love to visit and in which I was married. I still need lots more, in particular a maple leaf charm. Here are the ones I have so far...
Squirrel, bear, pinecone, moose, and Bennington Battle Monument.Okay, now it's your turn. Tell me, what piece of jewelry can't you leave the house without? Do you have a favorite bracelet or necklace or earrings?
