Charms and Charm Bracelets: The Complete Guide

by Joanne Schwartz

Virtually every American woman has a charm or two tucked away somewhere or has inherited a charm bracelet from a relative. Charm collecting has grown into a competitive and popular pastime with an international following. Consider the evidence - eBay lists over 20,000 vintage charms and bracelets daily, and prices for older pieces continue to escalate. This is a much-needed, comprehensive and entertaining guide to charms and charm bracelets, profusely illustrated with over 300 color photographs. It shows the wide variety of styles ranging from gold to plastic and from the 19th century to the present. Readers will learn to date and determine the value of charms and appreciate their history and uses over the years. Collectors, dealers, jewelry and fashion historians, and appraisers will enjoy the many beautiful examples. This new book is a great help for jewelry collectors everywhere.

Genres: Jewellery, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 2004

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though this book is subtitled "The Complete Guide," it should have been appended "to Vintage Charms and Bracelets," because it really only discusses the history of charms and bracelets and how to tell vintage charms from reproductions. I was looking for a more extensive discussion of individual charms and their meanings. Lovely and extensive photography throughout of vintage bracelets and individual charms.

[Joanne Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most comprehensive book for collectors of vintage and antique charms. Thoroughly researched, with excellent photography.