What are charms: how to collect and wear them

A bit of history from the first pendants to the present day

The general public has known about charms for a long time. Archaeologists claim that the first pendants for wrist accessories appeared on planet Earth more than 2000 years ago. Ancient charms were made of clay, stones, bones and were small figurines of animals and human household items, which ancient people endowed with great magical power.

In Bronze century, charms have already acquired a more modern look. Jewelry began to be cast from bronze and other alloys. They were decorated with turquoise, rock crystal, amber and other precious or ornamental stones. However, such products, of course, could only be afforded by wealthy people. The common people simply could not afford these trinkets.

In Egypt jewelry charms were also very much in demand. They received special honor from magicians and sorcerers. It was believed that due to certain charms, you can increase the birth rate, attract crops, change the weather. Such bracelets were worn even on the hands of dead people so that they could continue their existence in another world without any problems. Egyptian charms were made of gold. It is said that some of the technologies of those times have been preserved and are still in use today.

A bracelet with charms can be a very original and fashionable gift that will appeal to your girlfriend, dear daughter or the best wife in the world.

Modern world I remembered about charms not so long ago, but today such a bracelet can be found in the arsenal of every self-respecting fashionista. This happened thanks to the famous brand Pandora, which in 2000 presented a collection of bracelets with charms. Beads could be easily changed, giving your product a special style - this became the main idea in the jewelry environment. The idea was a dizzying success in the Danish market, then the demand for the product spread to the United States, Germany, Australia. And after 2004, the whole world already knew about these jewelry.

How to put together a Pandora charm bracelet

You don't have to be a great scientist to figure out what the word "charm" comes from English from the word charm, which means charm or charm. In English, beads in the plural are called charms. But the charm bracelet is called “charme”.

Despite the fact that the Pandora idea is a self-assembled jewelry that you can decorate to your taste, we will share some secrets with you. These few ideas can help you make just such a bracelet that will be envied.

Components of Pandora bracelets and their names

Basis - This is the largest part of the bracelet, similar to a metal rope that is fixed around the wrist.

Stoppers (or clips) - these are charms with which you can divide the bracelet into zones. This type of product is made of two halves, which close into one bead. Clip-stoppers are installed on special thickenings of the base.

Pendants - these are charms that are strung on a bracelet with a ring, and the main element of the product hangs down. Pendants are divided by theme and material (silver, gold or jewelry).

Separators - These are small narrow elements that resemble rings or washers. They are used as accessories to highlight or shade large charms, set accents or fill free space.

Connecting chains - these are the protective elements of the bracelet, which are worn on the accessory on both sides of the clasp. The chain serves as a kind of fuse in case of accidental opening of the lock. There are two types of chains: screw-on and clip-on.

The right base for a bracelet

The first thing you need to start assembling the bracelet is choosing the base. Most girls prefer the silver option. However, today in the assortment of Pandora jewelry you can find a wide variety of options. These are the bases from:

• precious metals (platinum, silver, gold);
• textiles;
• skin.

Leather products can be found in a wide variety of colors. This includes calm tones (brown, black and white) and bright colors (red, green, yellow, blue).

A properly selected base for a bracelet is a guarantee that you will be comfortable when wearing an accessory, otherwise it will just annoy you.

When choosing a base, consider some nuances:

1. The length of the metal bracelet should exceed the circumference of the wrist by 2-3 cm.
2. If you prefer leather bracelet option, it must be borne in mind that the material over time from operation may stretch, therefore, its length should not exceed the volume of the arm by more than 2 cm.
3. When choosing also consider the thickness of the hands. For girls with a thin brush, delicate leather products are more suitable. But for ladies with a magnificent strong hand, jewelry with a metal base is more suitable in style.
4. And the last tip: choose decoration for every daythen you better take silver bracelet. It will be worn for a long time and will not require a huge amount of care. But the festive option for the exit can be bought from leather or textiles.

Choosing charms

Putting charms on a Pandora bracelet should be based on the general rules for compiling a competent image of any accessory:

1. Charms should be chosen from one theme. For example, you should not combine sports charms (balls, rackets) with romantic hearts, strollers or snowflakes if there is no reason for this combination.
2. Do not overdo it with the number of charms on one bracelet. Such jewelry will be completely uncomfortable to put on, and the beads will interfere with the bending of your arm. Therefore, you should still leave a small free distance between the charms and the clasp of 3 ... 5 cm. But leather bracelets are generally recommended to be worn with only 5 ... 7 beads.
3. Color charms and their inserts should choose based on the palette of your clothes, shoes or bag.

PANDORA bracelet assembly method

There are several simple methods for assembling a Pandora bracelet. Let's take a look at some of them.

1. On a bracelet one pendant is worn in the form of, for example, a wing, a dolphin or a heart. And on the sides of it, two large beads are put on, which set off the main pendant in color. And that is all. It looks modest, but very attractive. Such a bracelet can be safely worn on one hand with a watch.
2. We string two stoppers that visually divide the base into three parts. Stoppers are recommended to choose the same or similar in color and shape. Further, on each section of the bracelet, the charms should be repeated, creating a single pattern. The pattern can be made consistent or symmetrical so that the picture looks harmonious. You can complement this bracelet with a pendant, which will be located in the center of the accessory.
3. If you want to create a wide bright accessory, but all the charms do not fit on one string, buy yourself a few basics. In order for everything to look stylish, it is recommended to wear from three to seven bracelets on one hand. Charms are recommended to be placed in this order. On the lower bracelet, you should wear the heaviest beads, which attract more attention, and it is better to leave the pendants at the top.

The meaning of charms

All Pandora charms can be divided into eight thematic groups:

1. Home (family);
2. Faithful friends;
3. Love;
4. Wind of wanderings;
5. natural wonders;
6. Professions and hobbies;
7. Fruits, animals, insects and flowers;
8. Fairy tales and characters;
9. Signs, events, numbers, amulets.

Pendants from the first group symbolize parental love, mom and dad, family comfort, warmth, understanding care. In this category you will find charms named: Perfect Home, Mom, Father's Love, Family Ties, Angel, Beloved Granddaughter, Mom's Pride, Family Tree, Stroller , "Beloved Daughter", "Bride and Groom".

By choosing charms according to a certain principle, you can even compose a message to the person to whom you are going to present the accessory as a gift. Think about it.

Decorations are included in the second group with the names: "Star of Friendship", "Best Friends", "Friends Forever", "Loyal Heart", "Girlfriend", "Strong Friendship". These magnificent products are usually bought in pairs for two people. If you present such a present to your best friend, it will demonstrate your relationship to a person, care, love and the fact that this little man occupies a large and important place in your life.

To the third group include charms that are usually given with bracelets to a beloved woman - these are charms under the names: "Blossoming Hearts", "Crown", "I love you", "Tree of Love", "Key to the Heart", "Castle of Promises", "Princess" .

Charms "Wind of Wanderings" usually bought as souvenirs on trips. Usually such pendants are brought from various cities of the world. The group includes products with the names: "Camera", "Sea World", "Statue of Liberty", "Sunset", "Eiffel Tower", "Starfish", "Globe".

Jewelry from the fifth group represents various wonders of nature. This category includes decorations: "Galaxy", "Clover", "Flower Fairy", "Sparkling Leaves", "Star".

Charms can be presented as an excellent birthday present for an employee. For this, there is a separate category of jewelry called "Professions and hobbies" . Here you will find such charms: "Dollar", "Anchor", "Shell", "Sewing Machine", "Machine".

Charms from category "Fruits, Animals, Insects and Flowers" - these are "Sakura", "Kangaroo", "Giraffe", "Peacock", "Owl", "Butterfly".

Did you know that since ancient times peacocks have meant well-being, material wealth, health and happiness, so such amulets were very popular among the ancient Greeks and Egyptians.

В "Fairy Tales and Characters" there are magnificent pendants that can be given to both girls and girls: "Minnie Mouse", "Unicorn", "Princess Frog".

"Signs, events, numbers, charms" . These are Clover, Maneki-neko (Japanese sculpture that brings good luck to its owner), Hotei (a symbol of material well-being), Horseshoe, Dreamcatcher, etc.

How to clean Pandora charms at home

Pandora charms are usually made of sterling silver and should be cleaned according to the rules for caring for silver jewelry. We can offer you several simple and safe ways that you can easily organize at home.

Method number 1: use toothpaste

One of the simplest and easiest methods for cleaning silver jewelry is rubbing it with regular toothpaste.

What to cook:

• toothpaste;
• a few flaps of soft cloth (you can use the material for wiping glasses from dust);
• warm drinking water;
• sheet of white paper.

To clean jewelry, it is best to use distilled water without any impurities, if any.

What do we do:

• initially separate jewelry with stones from pure silver products;
• it is better to clean beads with inserts by another method, which we will tell you about below;
• soak silver pendants in warm water;
• then apply a little toothpaste to the cloth;
• gently polish all charms with toothpaste;
• rinse the beauty again in warm water;
• wipe with a cloth;
• lay them out on dry paper and let them dry.

Method number 2: washing in soapy water

It is better to wash jewelry with inserts with ordinary soapy water, as not all stones will be able to endure contact with various cleaning products.

What you need to implement this method:

• grate some laundry soap or buy regular baby liquid soap without aromatic additives;
• prepare a few pieces of soft cloth;
• prepare a sheet of white paper and a clean container.

Step-by-step instruction:

• dilute soap (2 teaspoons) in warm water (half a liter);
• we lower all silver jewelry into the solution, products with inserts can also be washed like this;
• take out the beads in turn and gently polish with a soft cloth;
• rinse jewelry in clean warm water;
• blot excess moisture with a dry cloth;
• lay out on a sheet of white paper and let dry completely.

Remember, jewelry should never be rubbed with sandpaper or picked with sharp objects (awl or needle). You can cause scratches on the product, which will later be very difficult or simply impossible to remove.

Method number 3: using an eraser

Another very simple and completely harmless way of cleaning is polishing with a regular eraser. To do this, buy the softest white “trowel” on the market, which is easily wrinkled in your hand. Remember that rough erasers cannot be usedas they can leave noticeable scratches on the beads.

To clean, take the eraser in one hand, the jewelry in the opposite and rub them together. Dirt and stains should come off the silver easily. After that, you can rinse the jewelry in warm, clean water in order to remove the remaining gum. Let the products dry and you can continue to wear them.

If you have tried all the methods of home cleaning and none of them helped, then you should not reinvent the wheel, but should go to a jeweler. This specialist will clean your product using special tools. Usually this service is inexpensive.

How to store and care for Pandora bracelet charms

If you are very fond of this type of bracelets, then you must remember a few simple rules regarding the care of the product:

1. Despite the fact that the manufacturer guarantees us many years of operation of their accessories, remember that such jewelry does not like moisture, perfume, soot, sand, dirt. Therefore, if you go to workouts or like to visit the pool, then it is better to leave the bracelet at home in a cozy box. Also, do not drag jewelry to barbecue or sauna.
2. Precious and even semi-precious jewelry requires care. Therefore, spend at least one hour a year on your favorite jewelry and clean it using the methods described above.
3. And in order for your products to delight you for many years with brilliance and beauty, they must be properly stored. Buy a lockable box for your jewelry, which, even if accidentally dropped on the floor, will not lose its treasures. Dust, moisture and other dirt that can harm the appearance of your products will not penetrate into such a cozy house.

How to open a charm bracelet

Pandora bracelets are available with several types of locks:

• bolo - this latch connects the flexible edges of the bracelet with an original lock that resembles a tie clip;
• carbine - this is a fairly simple type of fixation, which can be easily removed by moving the latch;
• cylindrical p-lock "barrel" - opens with a proprietary Pandora key, which must be purchased separately from the accessory. This lock resembles a threaded nut, so it seems to beginners that you can open the mechanism with a simple unscrewing, but this is not entirely true. The p-lock is very reliable;
• p-lock "heart" Pave heart - this is the same principle of fixation as in the previous type of mechanism, but it opens a little more difficult.

Is it possible to open a p-lock bracelet without a key?

Yes, it's not hard to do. The following items will help you:

• a plastic bank card, it is advisable to use a non-working one;
• nail file;
• metal ruler;
• mediator (finger substitute for playing the guitar);
• thin coin.

If you need to open the lock, and you have all the listed items to choose from, then the easiest way to work with a card. This item will not scratch your bracelet clasp, as can happen with the other items listed. The thickness of the card usually matches perfectly with the lock slot of the product. Insert the corner of the card into the slot and gently push the plastic inward, the lock should snap off without any problems.

Usually, girls do not look for a replacement key for their bracelet, but use their fingernails, but remember that this way you risk damaging your finger in the most inappropriate place for a manicure.

How to open the Pave heart lock

Open p-lock "heart" Preferably with a proprietary key only. It is very difficult to cope without a master key, because due to its shape it is not always possible to separate the edges of the lock the first time either with a card or even with a fingernail. Therefore, it is for this accessory that jewelers recommend not saving, but purchasing a special key.

If you still had to work without a key, then be very careful, as you risk scratching the metal surfaces of your precious product.

How many facets does facet charm have

Find official information about how many facets Pandora charms can not be found. And this is understandable, each manufacturer protects the secrets of its production in order to be unique in the market. And those who are very curious can count the edges manually if they have such charms on hand. We can definitely say that faceted charms in the shape of an oval or heart have more than 50 facets.

But for the processing of small crystals that are inserted into jewelry in the form of a scattering of stones, a 17-sided cut, and not a 57-sided one, like diamonds. Experts say that due to this, it is possible to significantly reduce the cost of the entire product.

How to wear: recommendations

Today, Pandora bracelets have gained worldwide recognition among fashionistas, so they are worn with almost any type and style of clothing. These decorations are applicable both for an evening out under a luxurious cocktail dress, and for a regular trip to the store.

The main rule when choosing Pandora for clothes, it’s not to overdo it with accessories. You should not cling a bracelet with charms, a watch and a few other items on one hand, especially if they are not matched in style. A huge amount of beauty will overweight your image and make it overly bright, which is not particularly welcome in modern fashion.

Also remember that if you pick up a watch or a ring for Pandora, then they should harmoniously match in color. For example, a silver tassel accessory will not go well with yellow gold rings. A similar remark can be made if you are going to wear rings with inserts and a bracelet with stones. The palette of crystals should have no more than three colors.

So, we hope that after reading this article, you have become much more aware of the bracelets and charms under such a famous name as Pandora. And your work on reading this amount of information was not done in vain, because any girl who considers herself a clan of fashionistas should have this accessory in her arsenal today. And if you don’t have this yet, then perhaps our article will tell you what you can buy for your beloved for the next holiday or even a birthday.