Charm Bracelets Are Back—And That's Something To Celebrate

Charms are a trend as old as time here in the South. Our Mamas had them, as did our Mamas’ Mamas, and so on. Many of us have been lucky enough to have charms passed down to us to pair with ones of our own, telling stories that span generations. And to our delight, they’ve once again taken hold of the entire fashion industry.

Meaningful Charms

Hart Hagerty, founder of jewelry brand HART, introduced charms in 2019 and noticed a significant shift in sales during the summer of 2020. “People were going through transitions," she explains, “and I think they were drawn to the meanings and making a talisman they could wear to help them get through that transitional time.” 

Jane Winchester Paradis, founder of jewelry brand Jane Win Jewelry, notes that though it may sound obvious now, this wasn’t always the case: “In the past, we collected charms from travels, some were gifted, and together they became something we shared to tell a story. Today, it’s more intentional—people seek out charms that express a moment in time, an emotion.”

This concept is actually nothing new, Hagerty says. “People have always had sacred objects they carry with them to make them feel closer to God, protect them from evil, or inspire good luck.” In a time where we’re all working to curb our consumption, this intentionality also encourages responsible engagement in something inherently frivolous. 

Charms for Style

That doesn’t mean it can’t be fun—after storytelling, charms are all about styling. “Mixing and matching various shapes, sizes, and materials can create an eclectic look,” advises Maya Brenner, founder of her eponymous jewelry brand. Winchester Paradis agrees with this approach, emphasizing that more is more and there are no rules when it comes to charms.

Charm Bracelets vs. Charm Necklaces

Hagerty has noticed a specific appetite for charm necklaces versus bracelets: “We live in a culture that is social media driven, and there’s a lot of focus on the upper part of the body.” If we’re going to make a statement, we’d rather people be able to actually see it, whether in a selfie or a meeting on Zoom.

However they’re worn, whatever they mean, we celebrate charms because they celebrate us: our accomplishments, our feelings, and our personal styles. And who couldn’t use more of that?