While it is difficult to find a true date or era that the charm bracelet was first created, this jewelry style probably dates back at lease as far as ancient Egypt.
During early periods, the charms or pendants were typically gems, rock, or wooden and were used by the wearer to either ward off enemies or reveal status within a civilization. As time progressed, charms became markers of milestones in a wearer's life.
While charm bracelets have been ever-present in more modern societies, their popularity faded after a boom in the 1950s. The bracelets saw resurgence in the mid-2000s (along with a variation, the Italian charm bracelet). Charm necklaces, where charms hang from a chain or from an open pendant, are also popular.
Today, you'll find an even greater variety of the bracelets, including leather cords that hold sliding charms.
The charm bracelet has withstood the test of time to become a classic gift, whether in bracelet or necklace form.
