The Meaning Behind Charms: Telling Your Story Through Jewellery
For me, collecting charms is like building a personal story—one that reflects your memories, passions, milestones, and everything that makes you unique.
Each charm you add becomes a little chapter: a token that marks a moment in time, a feeling, or a piece of who you are. Whether it’s to celebrate a birthday, graduation, or simply something that brings you joy—like a paint palette for an artist or a palm tree for a beach lover—your charm collection becomes a wearable diary of your life.
All quotes from “Charming: The Magic of Charm Jewelry by Deborah Alun-Jones and John Ayton”
What I love most is that charm bracelets, especially when made with vintage charms, feel so personal and meaningful. They’re not just accessories—they're a living, evolving expression of you.
My Charm Bracelet: A Story in Silver
One of my favourite pieces I’ve created is this charm bracelet—a visual, sentimental map of moments that mean something to me. I used hand-selected vintage pieces, each chosen with intention and heart. Every charm has its own little story, and together, they reflect parts of my personality, memories, and mindset.
Some of the charms I chose:
Ladybird – for good luck and joyful energy
Teddy bear – a sweet nod to childhood memories
Moon – for trusting my intuition and inner guidance
Dragon claw – to represent embracing my power and strength
Cherub – a symbol of love and divine protection
Terrier – my ride or die with a tail (a tribute to my dog!)
Snail – a gentle reminder to slow down and stay present
Dice – for rolling with life’s chances and taking risks
Key – representing new beginnings and unlocked potential
Each time I wear it, I’m reminded of where I’ve been and what I value. That’s the magic of vintage jewellery—it carries stories within its design and continues to gather meaning as it’s passed on or worn.
Charms with Deeper Meaning
So many charms also carry deep symbolism and folklore. They've long been worn for protection, luck, and spiritual connection—serving as personal talismans that bring meaning, comfort, and magic to the everyday.
Here are just a few more of my favourite vintage charms and what they represent:
“The sheer variety of charm designs available means that each one of us can create a distinctive story according to our own interests and achievements, and the people we know and love.”
⭐ Star
To me, stars represent hope, guidance, and a touch of the divine. They’re a reminder to follow your dreams, stay true to your path, and that there’s always light to be found—especially in the dark.
🧲 Horseshoe
A timeless symbol of luck and protection, the horseshoe’s U-shape is thought to hold onto good fortune and ward off negativity. Its crescent shape also mirrors the new moon—a powerful sign of new beginnings and fresh starts.
👁️ Evil Eye
A powerful charm rooted in ancient tradition, the evil eye is believed to protect against negative energy, jealousy, and misfortune. I wear mine as a little shield—something to keep me feeling grounded and safe.
🍀 Four-Leaf Clover
A rare find in nature, the four-leaf clover is all about good luck. Each leaf is said to represent hope, faith, love, and luck—making it a joyful, uplifting charm to carry through life.
🗝️ Keys
I adore key charms—they're rich with meaning. They're said to lock out negativity and unlock new opportunities. For me, they represent freedom, transformation, and the exciting feeling of stepping into something new.
👼 Cherub
Cherubs are such sweet, romantic charms. They symbolise love, innocence, and divine protection. I love them as tokens of comfort and a reminder of unconditional love—whether from a partner, family, or the universe itself.
🐞 Ladybird
Traditionally seen as a bringer of good luck, the ladybird charm is believed to attract prosperity, happiness, and success. In old folklore, it’s even said to absorb illness or misfortune, offering a tiny, protective presence.
🐉 Dragon Claw Holding Orb
This is one of the most mystical, eye-catching vintage jewellery designs I stock. The dragon claw holding a gemstone orb symbolises strength, protection, and ancient wisdom. I love how the meaning evolves depending on the stone—whether it’s grounding like onyx, or energising like garnet.
“Charms are building blocks for a myriad of different life stories—no one the same.”
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Whether you’re creating a charm bracelet to mark your journey, layering gold jewellery with a symbolic pendant, or choosing a piece for someone you love, charms are such a beautiful way to celebrate life’s moments—both big and small.
I hope you find something in the collection that speaks to your story.
With love,
Emily