My Vintage Charm Bracelet

[fafa]

Charm bracelets never caught my eye until I came across the Show Me Your Traditional Charm Bracelets thread. After drooling over everyone''s beautiful bracelets, I started to browse whatever information related to it online. I also borrowed a book called The Charm of Charms from my local library. I spent hours on ebay to look for ideas. It becomes my new obsession. At first, I planned to start a bracelet with antique charms (mostly watch fobs and slides from the watch chain) because of my love for antique jeweleries. Then I fell in love with vintage mechanical charms. I really like the cute tiny charms with movable parts. After I won a vintage 18k starter bracelet on ebay, I bought 5 charms within a month. They are from ebay, pawn shop, and estate sales.

Here''s the starter bracelet.

 

[fafa]

I bought this charm from a British seller. It was attached to a session of a 3" long gold chain. I guess it was part of a watch chain years ago. It has a stamp "15" on it. The ball charm was tested to be at least 14k. I really like the old gold look on this charm. The color is more rosy than the other 14k charms on my bracelet. I don''t know what to do with the chain though. My jeweler said she can cast it and make a necklace for me. I may do that some day in the future.

 

[fafa]

A close up shot to show the details of this charm. The ball is about 1/2". I really admire the workmanship in the old days.

 

[fafa]

This 14k cuckoo clock is too cute to pass. The weights slide up and down and the pendulum swings. The best part is that it cost me less than $40.

 

[fafa]

When I was young, I thought riding ferris wheel with my lover is romantic. For some reason, I forgot about it when I was dating and my husband is afraid of height. I think my childhood dream will never come true. Whenever I see this charm, it reminds me of my silly thought as a child.

This 14k charm has spinning wheel and flipping seats. Most of the enamel on the seats were gone except the red one.

 

[fafa]

As a stay at home mom who cooks on a daily basis, I think this 18k house charm suits me very well. The house opens to show a pot hanging in the middle. The pot swings when I move. Love the detailed gold work on this charm.

 

[fafa]

.

 

[ma re]

Absolutely beautiful pieces!

 

[fafa]

I wanted to add some color to my bracelet and I found this little charm around St. Patrick''s day. It is 14k. The enamel is transparent. I don''t know if this is the right word to describe the shine on it. The vines and part of the leaves are in deeper green.

This is the last charm for now. I will continue to collect charms with a slower pace. Otherwise, I will be broke very soon. Anyway, my hunt for these charms was very enjoyable. It''s my mission to look for quality charms at a bargain in the future.

 

[fafa]

This is how it looks like with all the charms.

 

[fafa]

.

 

[fafa]

hand shot

 

[fafa]

the other side

 

[fafa]

Date: 4/1/2010 8:15:15 AM
Author: ma re
Absolutely beautiful pieces!

Thank you Mr. ma re.

 

[AGBF]

fafa-Your bracelet is really unique. It is clear that from the beginning you have been searching for only the most special charms...and that you have succeeded in your search! I love the movement; the hidden inner parts; and the detail of the charms you have found. I love the house with the pot inside and the ferris wheel, but my favorite is the magnificent cukoo clock! The detail on that is really incredible. They don't make charms like that anymore! Thank you so much for starting a thread!

Hugs,
Deb/AGBF

 

[Fly Girl]

Gorgeous charms and an awesome bracelet, fafa! Thanks for the pictures.

 

[jewelerman]

your choice of bracelet and charms really make a beautiful combination!This is my favorite link for a charm bracelet.

 

[Gayletmom]

Just beautiful, fafa. It is comforting to know that someone else has been bitten by the charm bug. I love what you have collected. Please keep us posted as you find more goodies.

 

[PumpkinPie]

that''s a great charm bracelet!

 

[Rachel9]

Oh Fafa what a beautiful bracelet!

 

[fafa]

Thank you AGBF, Fly Girl, jewelerman, Gayletmom, Maevie, and Rachel9 for all the nice words. I have so much fun working on this on-going project.

 

[Dandi]

My goodness fafa, it looks fantastic! I can't wait to see what else you add to your already gorgeous bracelet! The charms you already have are awesome

 

[Imdanny]

Date: 4/1/2010 8:15:15 AM
Author: ma re
Absolutely beautiful pieces!

Yes, I agree. I especially like the house.

 

[monarch64]

Love your bracelet Fafa! Thank you for sharing!