How To Select The Best Charms For Your Bracelet

Knowing the various pros and cons of different types and styles of charms is important in selecting charms for any charm bracelet. Not all charms are made the same or are even designed in the same fashion however most are very durable and can easily stand up to typical wear without any concerns.

In general there are three different types of charms that can come in a variety of types of metals. The most common are gold charms and silver charms, and both can be found in the three different general categories.

The first category of charms are those that are considered to be 3-D charms. Three dimensional refers to the fact that the charms are like a statue or sculpture and have depth and width as well as height. These charms are very lifelike in appearance and are amazingly detailed in most cases. Three dimensional charms can be solid, semi-hollow or completely hollow in design.

Flat charms are often disc or round shaped, but they can really be in any shape at all. Many charms of states, provinces, countries or even events or activities are flat charms with a stamped design. Flat charms can also be engraved with personal messages, as can some of the 3-D varieties.

Hollow charms are like three dimensional charms except instead of being solid metal they are actually hollow in the center. They can also be filigree types of designs where the center hollow area is clearly visible in the design of the charm. Semi-hollow charms have thicker structure with only the very central body of the charm actually fully hollow.

Within the different styles of charms there are also movable charms. These are charms that are designed to have some natural movement within the charm itself. These can be hinged 3-D charms that open to display designs within the charm or they can be charms with actual moving wheels or other design parts.

Scissors, wagons, pots and pans, stoves or clock types of charms can all have specific moving parts. There is some additional care needed when wearing or cleaning movable part charms since the hinges can become damaged if the charm is pulled or snagged.

Generally 3-D charms will be the heaviest, especially when they are solid. The charms that are the lightest are the fully hollow or flat charms, both which are durable and very strong. Some of the larger hollow charms can be pushed out of shape with weigh being pressed down on the charms, but this rarely occurs with regular wear.