-
25
Aug
There are two basic ways that charm bracelets can be made. Both options produce very beautiful styles of bracelets, some which can be purchased complete with starter charms and others that come just as the bracelet. Charm bracelets that are made by machines are most commonly found with starter charms already attached while hand made bracelets typically only have one charm already present if they have any.
For those that want to create a very original, personal and unique type of bracelet, the best option is to design your own collection of charms. Charm bracelets can be purchased in either silver or gold, with the choice being based on what types of charms you want to add in the future.
Machine made bracelets are done in assembly line type manufacturing. Long lengths of chain are cut by machines to the desired lengths then the ends are soldered on. Typically these ends will be either spring rings or lobster clasps, but toggle types of closures are also popular.
After the ends are affixed to the bracelet by the machine, it goes through a cleaning procedure. It is submerged in jewelry cleaning fluid in large baths and then rinsed and tumbled in a special jewelry polishing process. This provides a dazzling finish to gold or silver charm bracelets.
Many types of gold charm bracelets and even silver are completely made by hand. These types of charm bracelets are very time consuming to create but are also each unique and just slightly different from any other. The jeweler or artisan adds each link and attaches them one at a time until the desired length of the bracelet is obtained. Ends are then soldered or attached by hand as well.
Handmade bracelets are less perfectly uniform than those made by machine, but each also has its own special charm and characteristics. Handmade charm bracelets can also be customized as to size, perfect for those that standard bracelets don’t fit.
Not surprisingly, charms themselves can be handmade like some charm bracelets or they can be mass produced through jewelry manufacturing by machines. Since handmade items tend to be more expensive, most charms in jewelry stores and online are machine made unless specifically labeled as made by hand.
Additional accent pieces such as gems, stone chips or even painted charms may be made by machine or the details added by hand. These are wonderful additions to charm bracelets that add color and dazzle. Choosing between machine or handmade charms and charm bracelets is a persona decision, but both make ideal gift ideas for any occasion.
Amber developed a passion for charm collecting since she was a child and is currently working at CharmsToTreasure. Looking for the perfect charm? Come visit our silver charms and gold charms collections => http://charmstotreasure.com

