Charm bracelet: Difference between revisions
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This contemporary Italian Charm Bracelet features the preferred mega-size of 18mm squares and was created by Gigliotti. She originally designed and hand-painted each pattern for her commissioned wall mural in the medium of batik on ceramic tiles entitled "Celebration." |
This contemporary Italian Charm Bracelet features the preferred mega-size of 18mm squares and was created by Gigliotti. She originally designed and hand-painted each pattern for her commissioned wall mural in the medium of batik on ceramic tiles entitled "Celebration." |
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<ref>http://www.paintedcharms.com/images/bracelets-italiancharm-lg.jpg</ref> |
<ref>http://www.paintedcharms.com/images/bracelets-italiancharm-lg.jpg</ref> |
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To insure the durability of each design component, Gigliotti had them digitized and then permanently printed onto each of the stainless steel interlocking charms to create a totally unique bracelet. These stainless steel square plates were prepared with a special white printing surface, and the actual application of the design was printed by the method of dye-sublimation (a professional art printing process that is described well at <ref>http://www.dyesub.org/</ref>). |
To insure the durability of each design component, Gigliotti had them digitized and then permanently printed onto each of the stainless steel interlocking charms to create a totally unique bracelet. These stainless steel square plates were prepared with a special white printing surface, and the actual application of the design was printed by the method of dye-sublimation (a professional art printing process that is described well at <ref>http://www.dyesub.org/</ref>). |
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--submitted by Carol Kanga, fine artist |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 18:44, 17 April 2010
A charm bracelet is an item of jewelry worn around the wrist. It carries personal "charms": decorative pendants or trinkets which signify important things in the wearer's life.
Charm Bracelet History
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The wearing of charms may have begun as a form of amulet to ward off evil spirits or bad luck.
In ancient Egypt charms were used for identification and as symbols of faith and luck. Charms also served to identify an individual to the gods in the afterlife. Medieval knights wore charms for protection in battle. Charms also were worn in the Dark Ages to represent family origin, religious and political convictions.
Charm bracelets have been the subject of several waves of trends. Queen Victoria wore charm bracelets that started a fashion among the European noble classes. Soldiers returning home after World War II brought home trinkets made by craftsmen local to the area where they were fighting to give to loved ones, American teenagers in the 1950s and early 1960s collected charms to record the events in their lives. Although interest and production waned through the latter part of the 20th century, there was a resurgence of popularity after 2000 and collectors eagerly sought out vintage charms. Due to the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, the fashion in winter 2006 was bracelets with little charms of swords, crosses and skulls.
European charm bracelets
Since 2002, a new trend for European charm bracelets has emerged in both Europe and North America. These modular bracelets consist of a chain onto which different beads or 'charms' can be put. The charms are made from gold, silver or Murano glass and are interchangeable to allow the wearer to create their own look.
They appeal to diverse customer base due to the wide range of beads available. The silver beads available start from approx. £15 ($30 US) and the range extends up to gold and diamond beads at £300 - £400. The beads can also be worn on necklaces and matching rings and earring are also available to make a complete set.
Originally introduced by Danish jewellery company Trollbeads in 1976, this style of bracelet grew in popularity and today there are many brands available. In the UK the most successful brand of European charm bracelet is Pandora and Lovelinks, though Biagi, Zable, Reflections by SimStars, Chamilia and Trollbeads are also very popular in the US.
This current fashion for modular jewelry builds on the success that 'Add A Bead' jewelry had in the 80's.
Italian charm bracelets
A charm is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as a small ornament usually (dangling) from a bracelet or chain. However, the authentic Italian Charm Bracelet is configured differently. While each charm is separate and interchangeable, it lays flat against the wrist and is interlocking to the next charm, similarly to an expansion band. A charm-link connecting tool is available to change the charms, but fingers seem to work just as well.
For reference and comparison, the average Italian charm measures only 9 mm x 9 mm, with a tiny decorative area of 7.8 mm x 5.3 mm or, at best, the smaller charm is 10 mm x 9 mm, with an imaging area of 8mm x 5 mm. Both of these small sizes are used for an 18-piece bracelet. In contrast, the 18 mm square mega charms assemble to create a 9-piece bracelet. This larger area is perfect for intricate designs in stunning detail, as seen in the bracelets of artist Joanne Gigliotti.
This contemporary Italian Charm Bracelet features the preferred mega-size of 18mm squares and was created by Gigliotti. She originally designed and hand-painted each pattern for her commissioned wall mural in the medium of batik on ceramic tiles entitled "Celebration." [1] To insure the durability of each design component, Gigliotti had them digitized and then permanently printed onto each of the stainless steel interlocking charms to create a totally unique bracelet. These stainless steel square plates were prepared with a special white printing surface, and the actual application of the design was printed by the method of dye-sublimation (a professional art printing process that is described well at [2]).
References
- Example of Italian Charm Bracelet
- History of Evil Eye Bead Charms and Charm Beads
- History of Charms and Charm Bracelets
- About.com: Italian charm bracelets
- Website with meanings of popular charms
