Friday, January 29, 2010

A Charmed Life


Gold charm bracelet with charms from JE Caldwell (RIP)...

In my ongoing one-woman attempt to resurrect 1960, I submit Exhibit A: the charm bracelet.

Was there ever such an accessory wrapped within an entire culture? Was there ever such a lovely, gilded time when something so sweet, so optimistic, so idealistic was de rigeur? There indeed once was a time when we women were charming, witty and gay...and the omnipresent bracelet that dangled and tinkled at our wrists was but aural evidence. Individual golden charms, meant to signify special moments in our lives...soldered carefully onto the sunny chains that bound us to those existences. The sound of the clinking charms as old-fashioneds were raised to red-lipsticked lips and as children's heads were lovingly and distractedly tousled by manicured hands reinforced the overall impression that womanhood was rich, rewarding and, yes, charming.

Gold heart charms for marriage and children...

Yurman charm bracelet

Bring it all back,
ABL

6 comments:

Bethany said...

Love it! I'm so glad I stocked up on my DAR insignia before JE Caldwell closed.

uncoolmom17 said...

My parents bought bracelets and charms over the years for both of my grandmas. After their passing my sister and I each got one handed down to us. It brings back such great memories every time I look at it. It's a wonderful piece of jewelry that I will always cherish.

Her Preppiness said...

I love my charm bracelets. You are right. Bring them all back.

Anne Lake said...

I say wear 'em!

Jo said...

I've just stumbled upon your blog ~ it's lovely!

I have a charm bracelet that my parents started for me when I was just a little girl. I love it and wear it almost daily. I'm always getting compliments and questions. Each charm tell a little story of who I am and where I've been.

Jo

pve design said...

My Grandmother had our silhouettes on a wonderful bracelet and then my Mom inherited it and had the Grandchildren added. We like to call her "Mrs.T" as it is now a necklace. The lop sided arm became soar from all that lifting as the family tree grew and grew!
Love charms and monograms.
pve

About Me

My photo
Living well is the best revenge...and a choice we make every day. Join me as I celebrate the bounty of beauty in all its forms: fashion, homestyle, accessories and everyday richness...as I juggle the roles of Mommy, wife, daughter, dog mommy, creative director, Zumba instructor, volunteer...all with more than a passing glance backward to an old-school, classic time when style was a way of life