Charm History

Charms of some description seem to have been around almost as long as humanity. It seems to be a natural result of a belief in powerful gods, demons and spirits. Charms were an attempt to tap into the power of the good spirits or elements whilst keeping the malevolent ones at bay.

Pugster Ancient Cave Painting
Mega Stainless Steel Theme Art
Italian Charm Link

There is evidence that ancient people used some form of jewelry as far back as the stone age. It's difficult to be certain of the meanings this had for a pre-writing people, however it would seem unlikely that in such inhospitable times much energy would have been wasted on something purely decorative. Prehistoric people couldn't simply pop down to the local store to buy a new charm for their favourite bracelet! Everything had to be laboriously hand made.

Early Period

Earliest charms tended to be made from stones or bone. Later this developed into the use of gems and other stones. This tradition is still alive today, particularly with the interest in birth stones.

The word talisman derives from the late Greek telesma which meant "religious rite" and hence "consecrated object". In earlier times the separation between religion and magic was less clear than it is now and magical talismans often reflected the local gods.

Charms have often had a martial connection. Even the prehistoric hunt was in many ways a battle between man and beast. Warriors throughout the ages have worn a variety of symbols - often religious - in the hope of gaining strength, protection and courage.

Modern Charms

During the Renaissance period the wearing of charms became less common. In those enlightened day they were seen as remnants of primitive suspicion. However popularity returned during the late 19th and early 20th century. The reason for this was our old friend Queen Victoria of England.

Victoria was one of the most popular monarchs of all time. Where she went, what she did and what she owned the people wanted to go, do and buy. It was the Queen who started the modern fashion for charm bracelets. The Queen's charms usually consisted of items connected to her family - photographs, locks of hair, etc. These could be seen as a form of sympathetic magic, although that description is unlikely to have amused Her Majesty.

The other major wave in charm popularity occured at the end of the Second World War. Soldiers returning from far away battlefields would often bring back with them local trinkets. The fact fact that the soldiers were returning home at all was enough to give such items an air of good fortune. Smart jewelers began to create home made versions and before long they were being mass produced as an essential fashion accessory.

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