Italian Charm Bracelet

Every year it’s the same drill: the Christmas decorations go up ever closer to the Halloween decorations just barely coming down!

The next thing you know, it’s Thanksgiving.

Then it’s the time for good cheer, for gathering our family and friends together and for celebrating the many joys of the season.

That’s when the morning paper weighs a ton because of all the sale circulars for the mother of all shopping days, Black Friday.

Sure, there are good deals to be had, but oftentimes getting to those deals requires dragging yourself out of bed at oh-dark-thirty so you can join the rush for the much-desired loss leader at your local retailer when it opens before the birds even start chirping.

Of course, the Internet has changed all that. It’s now quite possible (and even feasible) to make it through your entire shopping list without leaving the comfort of your warm, toasty home. You can even find some excellent deals that way.

But there’s still one problem with this comfy scenario: what do you get for that person who seems to have everything? What do you buy, other than clothes, for that person who is into fashion? What do you get for someone that really loves something personal? All these, and more, are where Italian Charms come in quite perfectly.

Italian Charms make great gifts for moms, dads, friends, and more. There are literally thousands and thousands of designs to choose from – and with many priced under $10, you’re sure to find something to fit your budget (OR, you can afford to get a few!)

As far as styles, you can select one designed for the person that collects a particular theme, like elephants, cats, angels and many more. Even better yet, you can get a Custom Laser Italian Charm or a Custom Photo Italian Charm!

These custom Italian charms allow you to choose your own name, phrase, or picture and have it placed on an Italian Charm – what better way to give a fun, fashionable, and most importantly, a thoughtful gift!

Italian Charms?

Ok, here’s the “brief” in case you’re new to the Italian Charm craze. Charms and keepsakes have been around for thousands of years, but it was not until the 20th century that charms became decorative fashion jewelry.

In 2001, fashion industries made it popular once again to wear charm bracelets. Since then a huge flood of styles and brands have entered America and most all of them have been accepted with open arms. Walk thru a crowd of people and you are almost sure to see a few bracelets, most of which have precious memories captured inside.

While traditional charms dangle, Italian charms feature individual pieces soldered flat onto the surface of a charm link. These flat, modular pieces form an Italian charm bracelet when they are hooked together.

Here’s the best part: since Italian charms have standardized sizing, they are compatible across brands!!

Building a Bracelet

The standard sized Italian charm is 9mm, which is measured diagonally across the piece. However, Italian charms are also available in small (5mm), large (13mm) and mega (18mm) sizes. Usually it takes around 16-18 charms to build a full bracelet.

When looking into purchasing Italian charms, you will come across the term starter bracelet. You will need to begin with a starter bracelet, which consists of eighteen blank links. In order to create a personalized Italian charm bracelet, these blank links are replaced, one by one, with selected designs of Italian charms.

The best bet is to replace around 3-5 of the blank links with Italian Charms – this will make a nice-looking Italian Charm Bracelet. Or, just start with 1 or 2 as a gift, and you’ve given someone a new collectible hobby!

Getting Started – Choose a Theme!

Italian charm collecting is similar to creating a wardrobe that is thoughtfully put together to reflect your personality and taste. Before you begin purchasing individual charms it is a good to decide on how the pieces will work together. You will want to choose a theme for your bracelet. This theme could be anything – a list of family names, pictures from a vacation, animals, hobbies, or anything that you think fits!

You may want to focus on one color or even color combination. With so many choices available in charms, you can get as specific as you’d like with your theme. Another idea is to make a keepsake bracelet that tells your life story. With this kind of a theme, your charms can be selected or even custom made to commemorate achievements, and various aspects of your personality and life.

Where to Buy?

Purchasing Italian charms on eBay is exciting because there are thousands from which to choose. Often times you’ll find quick-selling auctions that start as low at $0.99, at the same time, finding some of the most beautiful and high-end Italian Charms on the market.

And with that, Happy Holidays and Happy Charm Shopping!

Getting Creative with Italian Charms

Buying birthday gifts is tough! We want to give the perfect gift. Sometimes we just don’t know what to buy. This is what I faced this year as my long-time friend Amy’s birthday approached. What to get her? What to get her!

Amy’s favorite thing in the world is her little pug, Fluffy. She loves that dog! She also loves Italian charms. I thought to make her a Fluffy-themed Italian charms bracelet with custom and pre-designed Italian charms. As I was choosing Italian charms for Amy’s bracelet though, I had an Italian charms epiphany: Amy would love an Italian charms collar for Fluffy!

I picked Italian charms with doggies, ordered Italian charms with Amy’s pictures, Italian charms with Fluffy’s pictures, Italian charms with Amy and Fluffy together. I also bought standard Italian charms to fit the doggy theme. The collar was packed with photo Italian charms, laser Italian charms and painted Italian charms. It was beautiful! It was a blast!

By the time I put the Italian charms collar together I was really excited. The Italian charms looked great! What’s better, Amy loved Fluffy’s Italian charms collar and Fluffy did too. She said it was the perfect gift! Ooh the things you can do with Italian charms: the possibilities are endless!

Since I just made my own traditional charm bracelet, I thought I’d make my own charm ring too!

A charm ring is a great way to accentuate a charm bracelet or charm necklace (yes you can make a charm necklace). A charm ring is also quick and easy to make.

Lets get started!

Charm Ring Supplies

You’ll need some supplies before you begin making your charm ring. These include one spool of 18- or 24-gauge wire, needle nose pliers with cutter, small jump rings, assorted charms, beads or buttons and a ring sizer if you want that perfect fit. Although sterling silver wire is preferred for your charm ring, it isn’t necessary.

Directions for Making a Charm Ring

To begin, cut off an 18-inch piece of wire. To shape the charm ring’s base, you can use either your finger or a ring sizer. Wrap the wire around four or five times to create a charm ring band.

• For a thicker charm ring band, use a longer piece of wire.

Next, straighten the end of the extra charm ring wire. Position the raw end of the wire at the top of the charm ring’s base. Wrap the extra wire around the band of the charm ring to cover the raw wire end and pull it tight.

Straighten the remaining wire of the charm ring tail. If you want dangling charms on your charm ring, feed the wire through the small jump ring. Secure it to the top of the charm ring so the jump ring stands upright.*

• Make sure the wire end is wedged between wire layers so you don’t get pricked while wearing your charm ring.

Your almost there! You can already see how pretty your charm ring is going to be!

Finally, add beads or charms to small head pins. Attach the head pins to the jump ring by bending the wire over the jump ring with needle nose pliers. For a wilder charm ring look, add lots of charms. For a cleaner charm ring, use fewer.

There you go girls. You just made your own beautiful, homemade charm ring!

• If you don’t want a charm ring dangle, just feed the wire through a bead, button or charm of your choice.

About Laser Italian Charms

Crafted from stainless steel, laser Italian charms provide an elegant twist to Italian charms.  Custom laser Italian charms are created from stainless steel bracelet links engraved with symbols, artwork, text or phrases.  Because the dark grey etching stands in striking contrast to the shiny steel, these Italian charms have crisp, detailed images and text.

The Creation of Laser Italian Charms

Laser Italian charms are created using a special engraving machine.  In this process, stainless steel blank links are “burned” with images or text. A special coating is then applied to the laser Italian charms and sealed with a laser beam.  Because the artwork and text is etched into the steel itself, laser Italian charms are not only unique and beautiful, but durable as well. 

Custom Laser Italian Charms

Custom laser Italian charms are made just for you.  With custom laser Italian charms, the images are of your choosing. As long as they’re simple enough to fit on the laser Italian charms, any letter, symbol, phrase or image can be used in the creation of your custom laser Italian charms*.  These unique laser Italian charms are a great way to express yourself and your personality.  Laser Italian charms offer countless ways to share who you are and what you love!      

There are many unique and beautiful custom laser Italian charms to design.  Although laser Italian charms feature hundreds of sayings and names, custom laser Italian charms make your jewelry even more special!

*Copyrighted text, logos or images cannot be lasered onto custom laser Italian charms unless you own the rights and provide proof of their ownership.

Italian Charms Starters & Accessories

Accessorizing your look with Italian charms has never been easier. Sport your Italian charms on a classic Italian charms bracelet or have fun exploring new styles! Italian charms add panache to key chains, cell straps, watches and necklaces. Which will become your favorite? 

Italian Charms Bracelets

Begin by creating your own signature Italian charms bracelet. With a starter Italian charms bracelet, getting started is simple and fun. A starter consists of a standard sized bracelet made of 18 blank links. As your collection of Italian charms grows, swap out blank links for personalized Italian charms. Blank tiles can be used to stagger Italian charms and add a clean look or an entire bracelet can be created from Italian charms. To get this look, simply select as many Italian charms as will fit your wrist. Have a blast with the endless possibilities of Italian charms bracelets!

Italian Charms Key Chains

Add some personality to your key set!  A key chain is ideal for the Italian charms beginner. An Italian charms key chain is a great way to get started and enjoy your Italian charms every day, Veterans will love the versatility!  Italian charms can be swapped between bracelets and key chains. Show your style in every season with an Italian charms key chain to reflect holidays or your favorite sports team.

Italian Charms Necklaces 

Show off your favorite Italian charms on a necklace. Dangling like a pendant, the Italian charms can be switched to suit your mood. Italian charms necklaces are a great way to draw attention to that special Italian Charm or make a strong, stylish statement.  Birthstone Italian Charms are striking on a necklace, and fun designs make a great conversation piece.

Italian Charms Cell Straps

Face it: Your cell phone goes everywhere with you - so should your favorite Italian Charms! Each Italian charms strap loops onto your phone and comes with one blank link. Adding your own style is easy when you hook as many Italian charms as you’d like onto the starter link. Accessorize with an Italian charms cell strap and make your phone truly unique.

Italian Charms Watches

Go beyond the Italian charms bracelet! Italian charms add inspiration to your wrist watch with these special designs. Each Italian charms watch features fourteen blank links that can be swapped with your personally selected Italian Charms.

Whatever your Italian Charms style, have fun!  There’s a world of Italian charms out there just waiting to be explored!

Crafted from stainless steel, laser Italian charms offer a sophisticated twist on the Italian charm. Featuring a crisp look and clear design, laser Italian charms add extra personality to your look. Symbols, letters and sayings are just the beginning! Laser Italian charms offer countless ways to express who you are and what you love.

Laser Italian Charms Image Types

Say anything with laser Italian charms. Laser Italian charms feature your favorite funny or inspiring saying. Laser Italian charms reflect most every hobby, interest, career or personality. Laser Italian charms capture your world perfectly.

Standard Laser Italian Charms

Standard laser Italian charms feature blank stainless steel links lasered with an image or text. After the application of a special coating, the laser Italian charm is sealed with a laser beam which burns the image or text onto the charm. This process gives laser Italian charms their sleek, sharp look.

Custom Laser Italian Charms

Sometimes you want a personalized laser Italian charm. Customized laser Italian charms offer that individuality. These laser Italian charms are created in the same manner as standard laser Italian charms except the image “burned” onto the stainless steel charm is the customer’s chosen design.

What Can Be Lasered onto a Laser Italian Charm?

Any letter, symbol, phrase or image can be burned onto a laser Italian charm provided it’s simple enough to appear clearly on the charm. Copyrighted text, logos or images cannot be used unless the customer owns the rights and provides proof of their ownership. For example, an owner of a company has the right to create a laser Italian charm featuring the company logo.

Laser Italian Charm Text Limitations

Laser Italian charms are a standard 9mm sized Italian charm. Each charm accommodates a maximum of 23 characters. Choose from stock fonts and the font will be sized according to the number of characters ordered. Although standard laser Italian charms are available featuring hundreds of sayings and names, customized orders make your charms even more special!

Get a Custom Laser Italian Charm for Under $10!

Nothing celebrates your personality quite like photo Italian charms. These unique Italian charms express your interests, passions and personality with crisp, bright pictures. The eye-popping style of photo Italian charms feature actual photos under a clear enamel overlay. Stainless steel creates a sparkling backdrop to add shine and luster. The luminous effect makes for a truly standout accessory!

The Making of Photo Italian Charms

Like standard Italian charms, photo Italian charms are set on 9mm stainless steel backing. Instead of hand-painted enamel plates, photo Italian charms have a plate displaying a miniature photo set on stainless steel. 

Each manufacturer of photo Italian charms uses a different process. I like to buy my photo Italian charms from a specific manufacturer because their unique method ensures top quality images.  Their photo Italian charms boast high resolution images that, when enlarged, remain crisp and clear!  A specially designed photo printer prints the images on Kodak photo paper. Once sized they are affixed to a gold plated charm backing set on stainless steel. With other methods, discoloration of photo Italian charms commonly occurs over time. This special process guarantees the photo Italian charms will not become damaged at any point.

Types of Photo Italian Charms

There are two basic types of photo Italian charms. With the first, an actual photograph is printed and sized to an Italian charm. With this type, an image is either photographed or purchased by the manufacturer.  Photo charm images can also be drawn by in-house artists and printed with the same techniques described above. These images appear cartoon-like and two dimensional. With this technique, photo charm possibilities are infinite. Similar to laser charms, names and phrases can be drawn onto photo Italian charms but printed in color to enhance the unique style. 

Styles of Photo Italian Charms

Create a themed charm bracelet when you choose from hundreds of photo Italian charms. Select from popular categories of exotic animals, pets, nature, patriotic, hobbies, artwork, characters and many more. Mix and match! Have fun browsing the endless options to personalize your photo Italian charms.

Custom Photo Italian Charms

Photo Italian charms are available in hundreds of styles and designs. Still can’t find the photo Italian charms you’re looking for?  Photo Italian charms can be created from your own personal photographs! Customize your photo Italian charms to show off images of friends, family and pets!

Nothing celebrates your personality quite like Italian photo charms. These unique Italian charms express your interests, passions and personality with crisp, bright pictures. The eye-popping styles of Italian photo charms feature actual photos under a clear enamel overlay. Stainless steel creates a sparkling backdrop to add shine and luster. The luminous effect makes for a truly standout accessory!

Making Italian Photo Charms

Like standard Italian charms, Italian photo charms are set on 9mm stainless steel backing. Instead of hand-painted enamel plates, Italian photo charms have a plate displaying a miniature photo set on stainless steel.

Each Italian photo charms manufacturer uses a different process. I like to buy my Italian photo charms from a specific manufacturer.  Their Italian photo charms have high resolution, crisp and clear images.  A special photo printer prints the images on Kodak photo paper. The Italian photo charms images are then affixed to a gold plated backing set on stainless steel. With other methods, discoloration of Italian photo charms can occur.  This special process guarantees the Italian photo charms stay beautiful!

Types of Italian Photo Charms

There are two basic types of Italian photo charms. With the first, an actual photograph is printed and sized to an Italian charm. With this type, an image is either photographed or purchased by the manufacturer.  Italian photo charms can also be drawn by in-house artists and printed with the same techniques described above. These images appear cartoon-like and two dimensional. With this technique, Italian photo charm possibilities are infinite. Similar to laser charms, names and phrases can be drawn onto Italian photo charms but printed in color to enhance the unique style.

Styles of Italian Photo Charms

Choose from hundreds of Italian photo charms to create a themed Italian charms bracelet. Select from popular categories of exotic animals, pets, nature, patriotic, hobbies, artwork, characters and many more. Mix and match! Have fun browsing the endless options to personalize your Italian photo charms.

Custom Italian Photo Charms

Italian photo charms are available in hundreds of styles and designs. Still can’t find the Italian photo charms you’re looking for?  Italian photo charms can be created from your own personal photographs! Customize your Italian photo charms to show off images of friends, family and pets!

Crafted from stainless steel, Italian laser charms offer a sophisticated twist on the Italian charm. Featuring a crisp look and clear design, Italian laser charms add extra personality to your look. Symbols, letters and sayings are just the beginning! Italian laser charms offer countless ways to express who you are and what you love.

Italian Laser Charms Image Types

Say anything with Italian laser charms. Italian laser charms feature your favorite funny or inspiring saying.  Italian laser charms reflect most every hobby, interest, career or personality.  Italian laser charms capture your world perfectly.

Standard Italian Laser Charms

Standard Italian laser charms feature blank stainless steel links lasered with an image or text. After the application of a special coating, the Italian laser charm is sealed with a laser beam which burns the image or text onto the charm. This process gives Italian laser charms their sleek, sharp look.

Custom Italian Laser Charms

Sometimes you want a personalized Italian laser charm. Customized Italian laser charms offer that individuality.  These Italian laser charms are created in the same manner as standard Italian laser charms except the image “burned” onto the stainless steel charm is the customer’s chosen design.

What Can Be Lasered onto an Italian Laser Charm?

Any letter, symbol, phrase or image can be burned onto an Italian laser charm provided it’s simple enough to appear clearly on the charm. Copyrighted text, logos or images cannot be used unless the customer owns the rights and provides proof of their ownership. For example, an owner of a company has the right to create an Italian laser charm featuring the company logo.

Italian Laser Charm Text Limitations

Italian laser charms are a standard 9mm sized Italian charm. Each charm accommodates a maximum of 23 characters. Choose from stock fonts and the font will be sized according to the number of characters ordered. Although standard Italian laser charms are available featuring hundreds of sayings and names, customized orders make your charms even more special!