Simply Charming: The Renaissance of Charm Jewellery

March 22, 2023

By Livia Primo Lack

5 min read

Never underestimate the smallest (and often most sentimental) jewels in your arsenal, notably the humble bracelet or pendant charm. These dangling adornments in gold and precious stones tell stories, evoke memories and present a splash of personality to the world. Let’s consider some examples from the designer jewellery spectrum, including a handful of new favourites contributing to the charm renaissance.

There are many important steps in a person’s life when building a jewellery wardrobe. As children, we often admire our mothers’ and grandmothers’ jewellery boxes, filled with jewels to be worn on special occasions or to add sparkle to an elegant evening outfit. These treasures are our first glimpse into the world of fine and high jewellery.

Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Spring 15 motifs long necklace in ose gold, white mother-of-pearl, carnelian and onyx

Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Spring 15 motifs long necklace in ose gold, white mother-of-pearl, carnelian and onyx

Next comes the first piece we own. Perhaps gifted on a special occasion. This piece is not the most exciting gift to unwrap at a young age, but it will become one of your most beloved presents with time. The first piece of jewellery we ever own is almost always a gift; more often than not, it is a charm or pendant. Whether jingling from a link bracelet or hanging from the end of a necklace chain, this small shimmering piece ignites our desire to start building our own jewellery collection.

Luisa Alexander Multicolor Butterfly charm in gold and mutlicoloured gemstones

Luisa Alexander Multicolor Butterfly charm in gold and mutlicoloured gemstones

 Robinson Pelham charms bracelet in gold, coloured gemstones and diamonds

Robinson Pelham charms bracelet in gold, coloured gemstones and diamonds

 Colette pendant in gold, enamel and pink gemstones

Colette pendant in gold, enamel and pink gemstones

 ITÄ charm in gold and precious gemstones

ITÄ charm in gold and precious gemstones

 Lionheart pendant in gold, moonstone and turquoise

Lionheart pendant in gold, moonstone and turquoise

 Natasha Schweitzer Lennox pendant in gold and pearl

Natasha Schweitzer Lennox pendant in gold and pearl

 Pragnell Rabbit pendant in gold and diamond

Pragnell Rabbit pendant in gold and diamond

 Simone Jewels pendant in white gold, emerald and diamond

Simone Jewels pendant in white gold, emerald and diamond

 Stone Fine Jewelry Spider pendant in gold and precious gemstones

Stone Fine Jewelry Spider pendant in gold and precious gemstones

 Theo Fennell Bee Mine Limited Edition Cross pendant in gold, sapphire, onyx and diamond

Theo Fennell Bee Mine Limited Edition Cross pendant in gold, sapphire, onyx and diamond

Charms and pendants are a form of self-adornment that date back millennia. First seen in 500-400 B.C., ancient civilizations wore them as spiritual talismans, believing they would protect the wearer from the evil eye and enemies. These pieces were fashioned with semi-precious gems such as lapis lazuli and rock crystal, which would then be carved with the symbols of gods and animals. The tradition eventually made its way to Europe, where in the 1890s, Queen Victoria and Victorian-era sentimentality brought charms back to the forefront. Pendants and dangling adornments could act as canvases for small portraits of loved ones and family members and even as keepsakes to remember important moments and places. The trend spread to the United States during the Second World War, and soldiers would return home with small souvenirs of their travels.

Ashley Zhang Dog Clip necklaces in gold and diamond

Ashley Zhang Dog Clip necklaces in gold and diamond

 Emma Fortune Heart pendants in gold, coloured gemstones and diamonds

Emma Fortune Heart pendants in gold, coloured gemstones and diamonds

 Model wearing GOOSSENS Talisman necklaces in gold and precious gemstones

Model wearing GOOSSENS Talisman necklaces in gold and precious gemstones

 Model wearing Gemella gold, citrine and blue topaz necklace

Model wearing Gemella gold, citrine and blue topaz necklace

 Model wearing Anne Sisteron gold, diamond and topaz Luxe Jolly Charm pendant

Model wearing Anne Sisteron gold, diamond and topaz Luxe Jolly Charm pendant

 Mystery Joy Charm bracelet in gold and lab grown diamonds

Mystery Joy Charm bracelet in gold and lab grown diamonds

  Marlo Laz Heart Charm Lock necklace in gold and diamond

Marlo Laz Heart Charm Lock necklace in gold and diamond

Charms and pendant-wearing soon hit global levels of popularity. Fine jewellery brands started creating charm bracelets and necklaces for the masses. Iconic brands such as Tiffany & Co. introduced its first charm link bracelet featuring the infamous single-heart charm. Today, charms and pendants have retained their popularity, especially to celebrate loved ones and important events.

Tiffany & Co. Classic Heart charm bracelet in white gold

Tiffany & Co. Classic Heart charm bracelet in white gold

 Annoushka My Life in Charms bracelet in gold, coloured gemstones and diamonds

Annoushka My Life in Charms bracelet in gold, coloured gemstones and diamonds

 Milamore Fire Opal pendant in gold and fire opal

Milamore Fire Opal pendant in gold and fire opal

However, brands worldwide are now creating them in a myriad of innovative shapes, sizes and patterns to display their unique design aesthetic. New York-based fine jewellery brand Foundrae has kept to this jewel’s holistic and spiritual history by creating pieces that promote mental and emotional health. Designer Annoushka Ducas has an entirely bespoke service dedicated to charm bracelets. Her My Life In Charms bespoke service allows clients to work alongside Annoushka herself and design a series of unique charms specific to their desires. Japanese jewellery brand Milamore adds a sense of whimsy to the charm. His series, crafted in 18k gold and diamonds, are beautiful works of art that take the shapes of animals such as goldfish and turtles.

Model wearing Foundrae neck and ear charms in gold

Model wearing Foundrae neck and ear charms in gold

With the whole of the natural world, as well as our imaginations for inspiration, it is clear that this timeless trend isn’t going anywhere. Every year brands are releasing more and more collections featuring charms and pendants. We cannot wait to see what they bring us next!

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