Love the charm. Amazing service from Dilan, he was knowledgeable, professional and very efficient in responding to any questions I had. Will be purchasing again from him soon.
The Brief History of Charms
There is no other piece of jewellery that is able to encapsulate moments of time in a persons life than a charm necklace or bracelet. These prized tokens acting as souvenirs for achievements, romances, new beginnings and important moments reveal the passage of time to woman who wears her charms has taken so far. They also can mirror goals, superstitions and dreams and will tell mer of her tale as her life progresses.
Earliest Known Charms
So when did we begin wearing charms? The oldest jewellery known to man is estimated to be from 110,000 BC in Morocco, where drilled sea snail shells were discovered in an archaeological dig. These piece are thought to have been used as amulets for good luck and protection. After this other drilled bones and animal teeth were found in Czech Republic, France, Algeria, South Africa and Algeria. All of which are estimated to be from 92,000 BC to 28,000 BC.
LEFT, EGYPTIAN SCARAB TALISMAN. SOUCE: MET MUSEUM
Ancient Egypt
By 3000 BC, the wearing of charms was common in Ancient Egypt among pharaohs and the wealthy, both around the neck and on the wrist. They could even make up parts of large headpieces during this period. Ancient Egyptian jewellery designs were frequently based on scarab beetles, antelopes, jackals, tigers and birds. These animals carried deep importance across their civilisation particularly the scarab beetle. The scarab is considered to be one of the most powerful amulets depicting security, the sun, transformation and rebirth.
RIGHT: ASSORTMENT OF ANCIENT EGYPTIAN TALISMANS. SOURCE: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Roman Empire and the Middle Ages
Within the Roman Empire at its peak in 117 CE the wearing of charms continued and many Christians would wear a small, concealed fish charm to inform other Christians that they followed the same teachings without the fear of persecution.
Throughout the Middle Ages charms continued to become increasingly popular to be used as talismans and amulets for the superstitious when witchcraft and sorcery was feared. King and knights would also bring charms into battles believing it would bring them protection. Moreover, particular charms would act as tokens for identifying a persons, family, trade and political background. Charms dwindled in popularity as soon as superstitions began to fade. To continue displaying their fortune, wealthy people in society replaced their charms with jewellery and gemstones as their access to metals and precious stones began to grow from wider global trade opening up.
left: queen victoria's charm bracelet, source: royal collection trust
Queen Victoria
The popularity of charms had reduced significantly between 1300 and 1800. However, in the late 1800s, Queen Victoria started to wear them. She was an incredibly popular monarch and was able to influence trends. She kickstarted the next charm renaissance when she began wearing her charm bracelet and this spread across Europe. A distinct change here was that instead of wearing charms for luck or protection she was wearing them purely for fashion and this began the charm industry as we know today.
RIGHT: TIFFANY & CO'S FIRST CHARM BRACELET FROM 1889. SOURCE: TIFFANY & CO
Early to Mid 20th Century
As charms had becoming increasingly popular by the end of the 19th century this led to Tiffany & Co to introduce their first charm bracelet in 1889. The timeless design consisted of a single heart charm on a bracelet which is still available today.
By the 1950’s and 60’s charm had become widespread amongst the emerging teenage culture. A charm bracelet was a common gift on an 18th birthday. These would later be added to with additional piece on important occasions such life achievements, weddings and the birth of a child. Icons across the entertainment industry at the time such as Elizabeth Taylor also brought popularity to the charm bracelet. This period solidified the story of a charm bracelet being the story of its owner becoming a heirloom passing down by each generation.
Left: late 20th century charm bracelet. source: v&a museum
End of 20th Century
Across the 1970s and 1980’s, early to mid century charm bracelets had become valuable items to collectors. People had becomes less interested in buying new charms but instead finding ones with a story and legacy. Throughout the 90’s the trend of collecting old charms continued as the internet had made finding old pieces much easier.
Present Day
As we reached 2000 we saw the popularity of the charm resurgence we see today. Huge fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel had created their own charms, whilst also brands that focused solely on charms appeared such as Pandora. With mainstream recognition across the world the trend continues to the present as I welcome you my store Gold Charmer.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 5 / 5 from 82 reviews.
It was a smooth and easy purchase! Love the charm and the option to have a necklace chain with it :-)
Appreciated that the charm was in good condition with a jump ring and that Dilan explained the different versions of the Noah’s Ark charm. He also remembered my preferences for charm type which is really thoughtful. Thanks and will keep buying from Gold Charmer!
Great selection of charms, fast shipping, so communicative and patient and knowledgeable. Can’t wait to build my collection with Gold Charmer.
Such a Beautiful British passport charm! Arrived so quickly and beautifully packaged. Couldn’t be happier about it!
Dilan was super helpful and made sure I receive the pendant before my holiday. Highly recommend!
The Book of Life Locket Vintage Charm (375 9ct gold, made in 1959)
I purchased a 9k gun charm for my bracelet from the goldcharmer, Dilan!! It arrived in perfect shape because the packaging protected the charm and it arrived in a timely fashion coming from London. Dilan always has amazing charms and a large selection that he shares on Instagram! I ask a lot of questions and he is quick to respond to those questions! I wouldn't hesitate to buy from this seller! Thank you Dilan for finding all of these awesome charms for us that are making charm bracelets!!
Prefect transaction. Thank you for a wonderful charm.
The Hungry Cat in the Dustbin Vintage Articulated Charm (375 9ct gold, made in 1985)
I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! The queen chess piece is absolutely stunning and has such beautiful craftsmanship. It’s exactly what I was searching for. Dilan went above and beyond by helping me locate another charm I needed for my bracelet, and his kindness and communication made the entire experience a pleasure. Everything arrived safely and exactly as described. I’m already considering buying the matching king chess piece! 😩
Dilan once again has done it again. Finding the most precious and cutest vintage pieces. I cannot express how great he is at finding the best goodies for my collection and charm bracelets. Whatever you’re looking for, Dilan WILL find it. So in love with my lil sweet shop! I can’t wait to see what else he brings to his shop!
Dilan was incredibly kind and accommodating, even with my unusual request. He was flexible and happy to help, and I was able to get a truly unique charm. I would definitely love to purchase from him again!
The Timekeeping Hourglass of Eternity Charm (375 9ct gold, made in the 1960s)
Acquired on the piece from my favorite charm person as my collection grows with beautiful pieces. I can’t thank them. Enough shipping was extremely quick and greatly appreciated and I look forward to creating something beautiful. I recommend them highly.
Really lovely selection of charms - it made it very hard to choose which one to go for! Will definitely be buying another.
amazing!
Acquired another new piece completely over the moon with it. I can’t wait to start assembling either a new bracelet or a necklace. Look forward to collecting more. Thanks again for having such unique items.
I am delighted with my latest purchase from Dilan. Once again, everything was perfect from start to finish. I was so pleased to find another opening acorn and squirrel charm, this time in silver with beautiful enamel detailing inside. I gifted it to my mother for Mother’s Day, and it has now become part of our family’s story. My other purchase was a wonderfully detailed silver pendant depicting Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate her Silver Jubilee. I was proud to wear it recently when I visited the official centenary exhibition in London. Dilan was, as always, incredibly helpful throughout the entire process, answering my questions and ensuring everything went smoothly. My order arrived promptly, allowing me to enjoy both pieces for these special occasions.
I saw this little gem online from Gold charmer and fell completely in love since my new obsession is articulated charms I would’ve tried to open this one, but I was having a little difficulty. Needless to say the price was great. It was a wonderful experience and shipping was exceedingly quick considering it was from the UK coming to the US. I am so grateful. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Dilan was lovely to work with and very communicative throughout the purchasing process. I live in the states and hadn’t noticed my parcel “stopped moving” and Dilan reached out to inform me and to make sure it made its way to my door. His packaging is very secure and protective yet very aesthetically pleasing! I would recommend Dilan for your next charm purchase.
What a fantastic buying experience! The gold Swan charm is just perfect and as described. I absolutely love it! I am wearing it on a lovely gold necklace, it’s perfect. Dilan was great with answering my questions and kept me informed through out the whole buying experience. It was packaged very well for its long trip to New Zealand, Where it arrived safe and sound. It was packaged very well and arrived very quickly. I would definitely highly recommend and look forward to purchasing charms again from Dilan in the future. Thank you Jane:)
I am absolutely delighted with this beautiful opening acorn pendant. The craftsmanship is wonderful and the design — with the tiny squirrel hidden inside — is both clever and charming. It has quickly become a piece I truly treasure. This is my second purchase from Dilan, and once again he was fabulous — he found this pendant for me and immediately sent me a notification, knowing I had been looking for one like it. He was kind and responsive throughout the whole purchase, and the delivery was impressively fast. A truly excellent experience from start to finish — I couldn’t be happier.
ALWAYS AMAZING AND ALWAYS FAST! WITH THE MOST UNIQUE CHARMS.
Dilan has the most valuable charms for a great price. He use a tracked express shipping, what is safe and arrives really fast. The package is adorable and the hand written card a lovely addition. Thank you Dilan for your outstanding customer service!
As someone who is always on the hunt for rare vintage charms— Dilan had offered to keep an eye out for a charm I was looking for and even offered other alternatives! Within a few weeks, I get notified one had been found and if I’d like for it to be set aside for me! I was absolutely stoked and excited! Shipped it out extremely fast and arrived in such cute and secure packaging! Pleasure doing business. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
All the charms are absolutely beautiful so it took a while to narrow it down to this one! Dilan was so lovely to meet and chat to, and I would definitely love to purchase some more in the future.
ディラン、いつもありがとう！すごいかわいいです。I can always find the beautiful charms that I have wanted from your shop, amazing! The one I purchased this time was incredibly cute and practical
The Golden Whaling Whistle Charm (375 9ct gold, made in 1963) (whistle really works!)
It arrived very quickly and it’s a lovely piece.
The Golden Oriental Brisé Fan Charm (375 9ct gold, made in 1973)
Love my little charm.. 🐚
Lovely surprise from my son for Christmas 🎄 a Noah’s Ark charm from the 1950’s
I have 3 beautiful silver charms from here. I was really amazed with how each piece was so intricate and so unique, nothing like the kind of jewelry you can find in stores today. For example one of the pieces I got was an abacus with beads that actually slide! I also loved looking at the little church that opened to show people inside, and the piggy bank that could also be opened. If money was no object I'd buy them all! I'm really happy with each of my pieces and highly recommend taking a look for a gift or for yourself. I'll be having a hard time actually gifting the charm I bought for my friend and not just keeping it for myself!
It was my first time ordering and it certainly won’t be my last. There is lovely selection of charms to suit all price ranges. The horse charm I got is the perfect addition to my collection. I can tell Dilan really prides himself in showcasing each piece to the highest standard. Happy days! :)
Dilan is the best he sourced me this bible charm and I could not be happier. It has real pages within the charm. LOVE IT
Great quality charm, fast delivery and very shiny packaging. Thanks so much!
O produto é lindo e o atendimento muito rápido e muito personalizado. Foi uma boa experiência.
Another beautiful addition to my charm bracelet. Dilan is a lovely person. He offers best quality charms to incredible prices. The shipping was super fast. I would always buy from him. Thank you so much Dilan!
The Articulated Crazy Cuckoo Clock (9ct 375 gold, made in 1972)
Love them
I really don't know what to say about Dilan. The most unique charms with history. I get the most rare so far and going... thank you and keep doing that amazing work.
Another splendid addition to my charm bracelet. The charms of Dilan, are always in very good condition and very fairly priced. I love to buy from him! Thank you again Dilan!!🔥🔥🔥
The gold acorn pendant I ordered from Dilan has finally arrived! 💛 It is absolutely beautiful — exactly the kind I have always wished to have for my gold necklace, and I think it suits me very well. Although the package was slightly delayed in the post, Dilan was wonderfully kind and responsive throughout the process. Now, I can truly enjoy my new jewel. Thank you, Dilan, not only for the lovely packaging and your thoughtful message, but also for this charming pendant and all your kind help. I will treasure this little acorn whenever I look at it or wear it. ✨
Amazing crown piece love all the charms i got so far. Thank you Dilan for all the amazing charms.
こんにちは♪ 購入から受け取りまでスムーズでした。もちろんチャームもネックレスも美しく大切に丁寧に取り扱っているのが伝わります。ディランのゴールドチャーマーおすすめです。また、リピートしたいと思います（╹◡╹）I am so lucky and happy that I found and purchased these beautiful jewelry from Dilan, Gold Charmer. ディラン、ありがとう！
The Delightful Golden I Love You Charm by Georg Jensen (9ct 375 Gold 1969)