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!

Jewelry which is termed ‘vintage’ includes many decades or eras. Each era has many different designs. These eras include Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro.

Georgian Jewelry (1714-1837)
Georgian jewelry is handmade, making the quality of each piece variable. Needless to say, Georgian jewelry is very rare. Often featuring nature-inspired designs such as leaves and birds, Georgian jewelry frequently includes precious stones.

Early Victorian, Romantic Jewelry (1837-1850)
Like jewelry of the Georgian era, early Victorian jewelry features nature-inspired designs. Frequently, these designs would be delicately and intricately etched into gold. Lockets and brooches were popular everyday jewelry during the early Victorian era whereas colored gemstones and diamonds were worn during the evening.

Mid-Victorian, Grand Jewelry (1860-1880)
Because the Grand or Mid-Victorian era corresponded with the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, many jewelry pieces have solemn, grave designs. Known as mourning jewelry, the pieces feature heavy, dark stones. Jet, onyx, amethyst, and garnet are frequently found in jewelry from this period. The jewelry also became especially creative during this period. More colorful designs were born featuring shells, mosaics and colorful gemstones.

Late Victorian, Aesthetic Jewelry (1885-1900)
During the Late Victorian or Aesthetic period, jewelers used diamonds and feminine, bright gemstones such as sapphire, peridot, and spinel. Star and crescent designs as well as elaborate hat pins were also popular.

Arts and Crafts Jewelry (1894-1923)
Due to the Industrial Revolution, many jewelry designers rebelled during the Arts and Crafts era, returning to intricate jewelry designs and handmade craftsmanship. It was common for jewelry of this era to be simple in pattern, made of colorful, uncut stones.

Art Nouveau Jewelry (1895-1915)
Designed by Rene Jules Lalique in France and other jewelers in America, Art Nouveau jewelry features natural designs such as flowers and butterflies.

Edwardian Jewelry (1901-1910)
The Edwardian era was born when Queen Victoria died and her son Edward became king. During this period, expensive gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies and elaborate designs were the fashion.

Art Deco Jewelry (1920-1935)
Influenced by African, Egyptian and Japanese themes, Art Deco jewelry is famous for its geometric designs, sharp lines, and bright colors. Bakelite, celluloid, enamel and doublets were used frequently during this era. Necklaces were long and bracelets were worn many at a time. Amber, Venetian and glass beads, and amber were worn as well as chokers.

Retro Jewelry (1940s)
Inspired by Hollywood, Retro jewelry is colorful, bold and elaborate. Commonly worn were large cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces and charm bracelets.

Whatever vintage jewelry you choose, whatever era you prefer. Vintage jewelry is a great way to spice up your style and get creative!

Once you get comfortable with assembling an Italian charm bracelet, the process is quick and simple.  To begin, you may want to use a tool to hold the links open while adding an Italian charm to your Italian charm bracelet. Tools designed for Italian charm bracelets are available, but a nail file or another strong, small tool will also work well.

Begin with either a starter Italian charm bracelet or a partially assembled Italian charm bracelet. The Italian charms are attached to a loop on the back of the Italian charm bracelet. In order to add the Italian charm, you need to expand the Italian charm bracelet links outward, pressing down with your thumb to keep it in place.

First, hold the Italian charm bracelet in the palm of your hand leaving your index finger and thumb free. Grasp the opposite end of the Italian charm bracelet with the other hand and pull to stretch the links. The links will not break! This exposes the hooks to which the charms are attached.

Press down firmly on the Italian charm bracelet with your left hand to hold the links open. For a first time starter Italian charm bracelet you’ll begin at the last link on the right side. The link opening is on each Italian charms left side. Slide the Italian charm onto the end of the Italian charm bracelet while holding the link open.

Italian Charm Bracelet: Removing Links

To remove links, hold the Italian charm bracelet in your left hand. Allow your index finger and thumb to remain free. Grasp the opposite end of the Italian charm bracelet and pull outward.  Your hands should be horizontal. Loops on the back of each charm link allow you to hook charms on or off.  Using your right hand, slide the charm to the right then push the right link toward the bottom to remove it. The charm will slide downward and then off your Italian charm bracelet.

Rearranging Italian charm bracelets is fun.  Have a blast!

While considered a “standard size” Italian charm, Super Link Italian charms are twice as wide as standard 9mm charms. With the same height as standard charms, super link Italian charms are a long horizontal piece. Super link Italian charms are also easily linked with standard charms. In contrast to double link Italian charms which feature two separate pieces creating one design, super link Italian charms are one solid piece the size of two charms links.

Super link Italian charms are a great way to spice up your Italian charm collection!

The sizes of super link Italian charms allow for more detail and design on the charm as well as a varied look for your bracelet. Super link Italian charms are an eye-catching way to display your birthstone or zodiac sign. Their shape is also perfect for license plate Italian charms, showing off your home state!

If you love Italian charm bracelets as much as I do, you’re sure to love super link Italian charms too!

Pugster Inc. contributed custom made jewelry to celebrity gift bags at the NBC/Universal 2006 Pre-Emmy party hosted at the Beverly Hills Spago at 8PM

Pasadena, CA, August 26, 2006 — Pugster Inc., a fashion jewelry company, took part in the NBC/Universal’s Pre-Emmy Party for the 2006 Emmy Awards.  Pugster brand products were included and distributed to celebrity performers and presenters in the annual, nationally televised film event. The Italian charms and pendants that were featured at the event are all available on the Pugster web site at http://www.pugster.com/.

The Pre-Emmy party began at 8PM at Spago’s in Beverly Hills.  Although the party is a newcomer to the Emmy scene, it’s become the place to be the night before the Emmys according to Variety.  Attending the party was NBC head honchos and stars including winner Mariska Hargitay, nominee Glenn Close as well as Eric McCormack, Hugh Laurie, CCH Pounder, Zach Braff among other celebrities.

In recognition of excellence within the various television genres, the Emmy Awards are administered by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.  Over 12,000 members of the Academy cast a ballot in their field of expertise.  Emmy awards are a symbol of peer recognition.

Conan O’Brien hosted the 2006 Emmys.  Winners included Mariska Hargitay of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Julia Louis Dreyfus of The New Adventures of Old Christine, Keifer Sutherland of 24, Tony Shalhoub of Monk, Jeremy Irons of Elizabeth I, Alan Alda of West Wing and Megan Mullally of Will & Grace.

About Pugster® Inc
Founded in 2002, Pugster is the number one online retailer of Italian charms at http://www.pugster.com/. Pugster (eBay ID: pugster888) continuously ranks as the number recipient of positive feedback on eBay with over 1.2 Million positive reviews since June 2004, according to Novato Technology.  Pugster also carries a full line of trendy fashion jewelry, including brooches, rings, pendants, watches, earrings, bracelets, and more.

For more information about Pugster Inc., visit http://www.pugster.com/.

Caring for your Italian charms is easy! By taking a few simple steps you can ensure a long life for your Italian charm collection.  Italian charms made from high quality stainless steel won’t tarnish with daily wear. However, oils from your skin and exposure to dirt or even hairspray will eventually dull the appearance of your Italian charms. Keep your Italian charms looking great with regular cleaning.

What to Do:

• Clean your Italian charms once a week by gently wiping it with a soft cleaning cloth. This will help your Italian charms maintain their sparkle and gleam. A simple jewelry polishing cloth is perfect for this purpose.
• When you’re not wearing your Italian charms, store them in a separate container from other jewelry. This will prevent the Italian charms from rubbing against other jewelry and becoming scratched. Try storing your Italian charms in soft jewelry or plastic bags.  I think the best place to store Italian charms is in an Italian charms display.

What to Avoid:

• Avoid showering or swimming with your Italian charms.
• Keep your Italian charms away from chemicals or cleaning solvents. This means, if your Italian charm bracelet is going to get wet when you wash dishes, remove it.
• Remove your Italian charms while participating in sports. Italian charms are durable but avoiding any rough contact will preserve the life of your bracelet.
• Take special care when wearing, or cleaning, a dangling Italian charms. The dangling pieces are strongly adhered to the Italian charm, but remain especially delicate. Handle with extra care to avoid damage to these fun styles.

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!

Before modern Italian charms were created with flat links, Italian charms bracelets featured dangling Italian charms with designs and symbols. The fun, nostalgic style of dangle Italian charms revives the popular Italian charms bracelets of the past. Dangle Italian charms go as far back as the 1950s and even Queen Victoria’s England!

Dangle Italian charms do differ a bit from the Italian charms of yesterday. Dangle Italian charms begin with the modern modular charm piece. Like other Italian charms, the piece is embellished with a hand painted, laser or photo design. Then, a dangling piece is affixed to the Italian charm on a loop creating dangle Italian charms. The “dangles” are securely attached to the charms but hang freely to create a cheerful style. The added accoutrement of dangle Italian charms really plays up the Italian charm’s design and theme.

Wear dangle Italian charms for a festive look at the holidays, celebrations or special occasions. A dangle Italian charms bracelet truly adds flair and retro style to any ensemble. Also, get creative when you mix and match standard Italian charms with dangle Italian charms for a unique look!

The best way to display your collection of Italian charms is by wearing your Italian charms! You can enjoy your Italian charms on bracelets, cell phone straps, necklaces and key chains. However, when your collection grows large, you may need to find new ways to display your Italian charms.

Have you ever thought of displaying your own Italian charms collection? Well Italian charms display cases are available in many designs to suit your style. Fill your Italian charms display with seasonal, holiday or birthday Italian charms.  Italian charms displays are a great way to show off those Italian charms you love but can’t wear year-round.

There are many things you can do with your Italian charms display.  Display a specific theme of Italian charms. Then, if you want to change the look of your Italian charms bracelet, you can select from your own selection of Italian charms to create that special combination. Another idea is to keep a display case of Italian charms that you intend to give as gifts. When a birthday or holiday approaches, your Italian charms display case is ready with a collection of charms to choose from.

Italian charms display cases are a great way to show off your favorite Italian charms at any time!