Nobody thinks about wearing a story on their wrist when they wear a charm bracelet. But, this little piece of jewelry has a rich history. The next time you eye one in the store, or you’re thinking about what to wear for a night out on the town, consider this:

From 4500 to 2300 BC

Charm bracelets date back to Neolithic times, when men selected an unusual piece of bone shell, stone, or wood, and transformed it into something they could wear. Usually, this meant placing it on a leather thong.

From 2300 to 700 BC

During this time, charm bracelets were known as amulets or talismans. They were associated with magic, mystique, and spirituality. Early charms during this period were made from lapis lazuli, rock crystal, and semi-precious stones or gems. The Babylonians are believed to be the first people to wear charms on their wrists from around 700BC.

In Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt is inherently mysterious. We often associate the Egyptians with intelligence and ingenuity. During this time, Pharaohs and the wealthy adorned charms. The first recognizable jewelry appeared in 3000 BC, and were worn on the head and neck. Classic symbols and charms like the Ankh represented the force of life. The Eye of Horus was said to protect its wearer in life and death, especially the afterlife.

From 750 BC to 475 AD

During the Roman Empire, an amulet or charm bracelet was used to signify one’s own life. For example, early Christians wore the “ichthys” (a symbol of the fish) to signify that they were followers of Jesus Christ.

The fish symbolized the feeding of the five thousand by Jesus on the Jordan River.

From 1066 to 1485

During this time, English Kings, Queens and knights often wore amulets and charms as protection. The period is known for its belief in witchcraft and wizardry. A lot of people during this time were concerned about magic and mayhem that could befall them by their enemies. People of this time hoped that charms, prayer, and incantation would save them and protect them.

From 1300 to 1600

During the Renaissance, lucky charms and amulets weren’t as popular. This was the dawn of the age of reason and the Enlightenment. Books, science, and math were replacing mysticism and superstition.

Charms were remnants of an uncivilized past. But, gemstones and charms still retained importance among the wealthy, since it signified their family name and lineage. To the masses, however, they did remain somewhat popular as there was very little in the way of education and superstition was still a part of many people’s lives.

Industrial Revolution – 1750 to 1900

During the industrial revolution, only wealthy individuals could afford custom jewelry and charms that were made during this time. However, it wasn’t long before technology advanced to the point where precious metals could be mined efficiently, allowing the middle class to own and wear charms which, only a decade ago, would have been unaffordable.

The shift actually began in Britain, spread to most European countries, and eventually to America.

1945 to 1950

By the end of World War II, soldiers were ready to come home. But, they didn’t want to come home empty-handed. So, they purchased handmade jewelry as souvenirs for their loved ones and family. Local craftsmen would carve wooden or metal souvenirs as gifts. Often, these gifts were replicas of common items in the local area.

Soldiers would also have “dog tags” made for them and, over time, this gave way to small celluloid or acrylic charms packaged in cereal packets, gumball machines, and packets of sweets.

Today

Today, we enjoy all sorts of charms and bracelets. You can buy sterling silver charms and charm jewelry from commercial operations like Bedbathandbeyond.com and your local jeweler.

From vintage pieces to modern and contemporary, charms and bracelets have been a part of not just American history but of world history. Today, you can wear a story on your wrist – something that, at one time, wasn’t possible.

What’s your story?

Molly Powell is a stay-at-home Mom who discovered blogging several years ago. She writes on a range of topics usually revolving around family life and the home in some way.

Winter can be a tricky time to clothe your toddlers and through the years I’ve managed to learn from the many, many mistakes that I’ve made. Whether it is snow, rain or freezing temperatures that you are contending with, there are pitfalls all over the place when it comes to your delicate and excitable child. Soaking clothes, cold feet, runny noses and crying children due to the cold, I’ve had it all so here are a couple of tips to keep the kids warm, dry and still looking good.

Boots With a Drawstring

  

Wellies and insulated boots are perfect for this time of year but the only downside I’ve experience is the boots coming off, resulting in wet feet and wet stuff getting in. My advice would to be buy boots with a drawstring at the top, not only will it keep them from coming off during play, it will stop water and snow getting in and it also keeps their feet warmer by insulating them. Most clothes shops offer these style boots in some cool designs and for me they are a must.

A 2-Layered Coat

It may be cold when they go outside, but after running about for an hour your toddlers temperature will rise. Inevitably they want to discard their coat. Buying a 2 layered coat means that they can take off the top layer and still be protected. These coats are also great if the weather is cold but not freezing, simply remove the inner layer and let them go out with the top layer on. Problem solved. It does however give them more things to lose but it’s a chance worth taking.

Give Them a Choice

  
Involving your kids in the decision making process for winter clothes, especially scarves and gloves, will be fun and hopefully give them a little more pride in what they wear. Now, I don’t suggest giving them carte blanche over the process but a good idea is to pick 3 or 4 designs out and let them decide between them. Fashionably speaking, scarves, hats and gloves look really cool on toddlers and can really help their outfit too whilst being very, very functional.

Gloves That Attach

I can’t even begin to count the amount of pairs of gloves that have ‘disappeared’ mysteriously over the years and so gloves that are attached are vital. You can buy gloves that either attach with a cord to each other, running around the back of your child. Alternatively, and my preference, is to try and pick a coat that has gloves attached at the bottom of the sleeves. This way, when they take their gloves off, they are still with them and are convenient to put back on again. The only worry then is that they don’t lose their coat…