Are Charm Bracelets Out of Fashion?

In short, no. The ultimate in customisable jewellery, charm bracelets make a personal statement about the wearer’s style and tell a story. This story has interchangeable elements which can reflect one’s mood; sentimental attachment, a cryptic message, or a whole new chapter, it is up to you. The bracelets generally come in silver and gold with relatively simple or highly elaborate charms set with precious gems. Traditionally worn on the wrist, they can also be worn on the ankle.

^{An Art Deco gem-set charm bracelet}

^{Sold for £6,500}

Charm bracelets have been around for thousands of years but early photographs of Queen Victoria wearing one made them fashionable and she was said to love giving charms as gifts. Wallace Simpson, doyenne of exquisite taste in jewellery, wore a Cartier diamond cross charm bracelet on her wedding day to Edward, Duke of Windsor, in 1937. Each cross, set with precious stones such as amethyst, rubies and blue and yellow sapphires, was engraved with a private message. Beautiful, luxurious, and extremely personal. Elizabeth Taylor, while first and foremost known for her diamonds, had a large collection of charm bracelets - one of them selling for $325 000 after her death.

^{Carl Bucherer - an Etruscan revival charm bracelet}

^{Sold for £4,500}

The launch of Tiffany & Co’s silver linked bracelet incorporating the Return to Tiffany tag in 1997 marked an explosion of modern popularity. Predominantly aimed at a younger market, the bracelet sold for $100 and was the de rigueur gift at sweet sixteen parties and bat mitzvahs.  The prices of the Tiffany pieces increased rapidly, removing them from the teen reach, but the gap was filled by Pandora who started selling charms in 2000, an extraordinary marketing success that shows no sign of abating.

Fast forward to the present, and the charm bracelet’s appeal is not waning and is not reserved for the young. A browse through the catalogues of Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Coach, to name but a few, illustrates that the charm bracelet is as current as ever and visible on the catwalks. Indeed, Glamour magazine said in September 2024 that jewellery trends are ‘a maximalists dream’ and no one could really describe these bracelets as minimalist.

^{Tiffany & Co. - a diamond-set heart charm bracelet in platinum}

^{Sold for £2,400} 

Charm bracelets make a lovely gift, but they can also be something to buy yourself, whether you want to buy one already put together or create your own.  Pre-loved bracelets can tell their own stories full of romance and mystery, becoming heirlooms to be enjoyed by future generations.

Should you wish to sell your piece at auction, Dawsons has experience of achieving excellent prices for charm bracelets and has sold a number in recent sales. With Christmas fast approaching, shortly followed by Valentines Day, now is the perfect time to sell (or buy) your charm bracelet.

Our team of trusted specialists are committed to achieving the best possible price for you at auction, linking your piece with a global audience through our bespoke marketing which creates a competitive bidding environment. We’re here to make it easy to sell your charm bracelet in one simple transaction; covering valuation, collection, logistics, marketing and sales.

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Is There a Market for Vintage Jewellery?

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How Do I Know if My Jewellery is Valuable?

Are you thinking of selling a charm bracelet?

With access to a global audience of more than 10 million bidders, Dawsons can secure the best price. 

Get in touch with an expert Valuer of confidential sales advice, we would be delighted to help you: 

0207 431 9445 / info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk