Wednesday 30 September 2015

A fine gold chain

60985_C15Understatement can sometimes actually be a powerful statement in style. A very fine gold chain worn alone shouts elegance rather loudly. Contrasting and following the neckline of a classic LBD it is sure to be noticed.


A figaro style necklace featuring one long link alternating with a number of short links is a classic example of a stunning thin gold chain that suits being worn alone. That’s not to say that a fine gold chain can’t be plain in design, round curb and diamond cut curb chains around 1mm wide can also  look great unaccompanied.


3 9ct Box Chain (MM-BOX-0001)-335A tiny pendant should draw the focus of the eye so this is where finding a suitable very fine necklace is important. The design of the chain should be simple to ensure the pendant is the focal point of the piece.


A simple single repeating design like a curb or box chain is well suited to supporting a small pendant. Box chains have a regular pattern that will not distract the eye and can be as fine as just 0.7mm in width, a perfect choice for displaying a gold set diamond solitaire.


 



A fine gold chain

Monday 28 September 2015

Charm Fittings

findingsThere are many ways of attaching charms to bracelets or necklaces. This article should guide you to make the best choice when choosing your findings (fittings).


Open Jump Rings

Most commonly when you purchase a charm it will be supplied with an ‘open’ jump ring. This is a small round ring of silver or gold that goes through a loop in the charm and through the link of the chain. It is easily attached by bending the ends of the ring sideways, slipping on the charm and chain and bending the ends back to touch. Always bend the link apart sideways so it looks like a small part of a spring, NEVER open it so the link looks like the letter ‘C” (it’s really hard to make it round again). It is however not secure and it should be soldered closed by a jeweller. If you don’t have it soldered, it may open if it gets caught on your clothing and you may lose your charm. Normally a jeweller will charge around $5 or $10 to do this for you.


Link Locks

If you are only buying one or two charms, it may be cheaper to use a link lock, rather than visiting a jeweller. These are an Australian invention that replace normal jump rings and can be fitted easily at home. Link locks open into a ‘C’ shape and are fitted to the chain and charm in the same way as a jump ring. The centre section has a small locking tab that holds the link lock closed securely and they are as strong as a soldered jump ring. At only 5.5mm long they suit small to medium chains. As they are quite small you may need a magnifying glass or better yet for hands free working, a pair of +4 reading glasses from the local chemist. There are simple instructions and diagrams on our website to help you.


Parrot Clasps

Sometimes you may wish to move your charms around on your bracelet or onto another charm bracelet. We can supply any of our charms with miniature parrot clasps, soldered to the charm. This is a secure way of connecting your charms and the easiest way to move them from chain to chain when the whim takes you. Of course you could clip them to your phone or anything else you want to add a little bit of bling to.


Sliders

A few years ago a number of companies (including Pandora) began selling snake chains that were designed only to take their own style of charm. These charms took the shape of a bead that the chain slid through and some chains had a number of small sections with thread so that some of the charms could be locked in place. Normal charms can’t be joined to these bracelets with jump rings as the links in the chain are not suitable. Sliders solve this problem, the charm is soldered to the slider and the slider joins onto the snake chain in the same way you would fit a bead shaped charm.


Closed Jump Rings

Many of the charms we have in our store also make great pendants to be worn on a necklace. As the jump ring on the pendant slides along the length of the chain and not through a link, a closed jump ring would be selected when the charm is purchased. Having the link soldered closed prevents the pendant (charm) from leaving chain unexpectedly. Generally the jump ring will be fine for small to medium chains up to around 4mm or 5mm thick. Please let us know if you have a larger chain so we can supply a larger size of ring to suit.


Earring Hooks

Many of the charms in our range of over 4600 different designs would make great earrings. It would be best to choose from charms that weigh less than 2 or 3 grams (a 5c piece weighs around 2.8g) so they are not too heavy. To create earrings from any of our charms, you can use Shepherds hooks. We have two sizes of hooks in both silver and gold to choose from.



Charm Fittings

Sunday 27 September 2015

Choking on a Necklace

open-jump-ringYou may not have noticed that the jump ring holding the clasp on your necklace or bracelet is not soldered closed. You may even consider it to be a manufacturing fault or a mistake.


There is a very good reason for this link remaining open however. A thick gold chain is very strong and would be extremely difficult to break by pulling it apart in your hands. Imagine what would happen if your were at work and got your necklace caught in a machine. You could be choked by your gold necklace chain.


The link that is unsoldered is relatively small and will open easily if enough (not a lot of) force is applied to it. This is done for safety reasons but it also means that playing a contact sport could cause you to lose your chain. It’s best to remove your jewellery before doing any physical activity where it may catch on something.


Every now and then you should inspect this link to make sure that it has not been stretched and opened up by having your chain pulled on. It’s easy enough to close it up with a pair of small pliers and will make sure you don’t lose your precious chain.


You may also notice that the chain in the photo is vermeil (gold plated). The 925 hallmark means the chain is made from sterling silver.



Choking on a Necklace

Thursday 24 September 2015

Birthdays

21-birthday-keyStatistics show that the number of births is highest around September and October. I wonder if that coincides with the Christmas holiday season and possibly the increased consumption of alcohol? This means of course that there are also more Virgos, Librans and Scorpios than the other star signs.


Maybe it’s your birthday at this time of year and you would like to celebrate with a new birthday charm or zodiac charm?


We have over 4500 styles of charms that are available in sterling silver and 9ct solid gold to choose from. If you wish to create a stunning charm bracelet there are many styles of solid silver and gold chains that suit. Choosing a heart shaped padlock is a great way to really add some flair to the bracelet that you can carry so many mementos of the best times in your life.


Why not drop by?



Birthdays

Medium Gold Chains

medium-gold-chainSometimes, you don’t want to make too much of a fuss over your appearance. A light dollop of make-up, a neutral colour for nail polish, and maybe just a lightly-patterned sweater. It’s one of those days where you want to look good, but you don’t want to go through your usual two hour hair and make-up session. There’s something missing, however. What jewellery piece will you wear today? It’s a simple choice: you grab a medium gold chain and place it around your neck, and you’re all set to go.


It’s a classic look, the medium gold chain. It’s sturdy enough to go with a casual outfit, but it’s not overbearing like the thicker gold chains are. This necklace has just the right touch of class to offset an outfit which would otherwise be too casual. Although women may get the most use out of a medium gold chain, men can certainly add it to their wardrobe as well. Medium gold chains are in the neutral jewellery zone, but depending on the style, some chains may be more masculine or feminine than others.


Take, for example, this gold cable chain from our medium selection. Cable chains in yellow gold tend to be more suited to men; the boldness of the rounded links and the yellow gold have a more masculine tone. Should the necklace metal be changed to rose gold, however, it instantly becomes more feminine. White gold is pretty up in the air; either sex can wear it with an outfit and have it look natural. Many of our medium gold chains fall into neutral territory, but chains like the figaro and several of the fancy gate chains look better on women.


One of the most beautiful chains in our selection is this fancy gate chain, which uses Celtic Knot links alternating with oval ones. The Celtic Knot is easily one of the most recognizable symbols in history, and variations of it have been around since 450 AD. Also known as mystic knots, Celtic knots represent timelessness and longevity of the spirit, as well as other more esoteric meanings. This particular knot is called the Sailor’s knot, otherwise known as the lover’s knot. It is made up of two separate knots intertwined. While typically seen with squared ends, the design seen here is inherently more graceful and tends to hang together better with the oval links.


Aside from the various gold chain designs, we have an excellent selection of clasps to fasten your chain, whether you’re using it as a necklace, bracelet or anklet. Most necklaces will come with either a parrot clasp or bolt ring for easy fastening, but should you wish to add a touch of design to your fastener as well, we offer several padlock styles to suit your needs. One of the finest padlocks we offer is this heart-shaped design, delicately engraved with floral and leaf designs. It’s perfect for figaro or belcher chains, though any style could also benefit from this as an addition. All gold padlocks come in yellow, white or rose gold.


If a simple design is what you’re looking for, we offer do-it-yourself link locks that you can bend into the shape you like at home. All you need is a pair of jewellery or regular pliers. The gold or silver metal is pliable enough for anyone to arrange the lock how they wish. They’re also a much less expensive option, so if you’re more focused on function rather than design, link locks are a viable and practical purchase.


As always, we promise you only our best when it comes to our jewellery selection. Our luxurious designs are sure to make your friends envious, especially when they see what good taste you have. Feel free to browse our medium gold chains here, or visit the rest of our site to see our full collection.


 


 


 


 


 



Medium Gold Chains

Monday 21 September 2015

Fancy Chains on Sale

fancyWe need to update our photos for our fancy antique, fancy link and fancy gate solid gold chains.


Our current photos are from the manufacturers catalogue and we want to take our own images to match the others we have built up over the past 12 months.


Until Sunday the 27th of September 2015, we are offering 15% off all of our fancy chain styles so we can take new photos.


Choose from yellow gold, rose gold or white gold or to create a truly unique necklace or bracelet, you can mix and match any colours of gold in your chain.


To activate the discount on our fancy chains, use the code “fancy” at our checkout.


Don’t forget to add a message clearly stating the colour(s) you would like for the links and clasp.


 


GM-ENG1-290

This chain can be made in all one colour, or you may prefer it to be yellow and white gold alternating long links with rose gold rings and a rose gold clasp. However you want it, we will create it – as each link is made by hand and then assembled by hand into a bracelet or necklace made to the length you desire.



Fancy Chains on Sale

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Thin Gold Chains

thin-gold-chainWhen asked to imagine the perfect necklace or bracelet, delicate gold or silver chains come immediately to mind. Carefully crafted and exquisitely designed, thin gold chains have a strongly feminine imagery. The Oscar runways have been overwhelmed with beautifully dressed women draped with fine jewellery, all of which are intricately detailed. Why do women choose this type of jewellery chain over others?


A look at the history of gold chains reveals the evolution of the design. Gold chains are generally made from a choice of three different gold metals: rose gold, white gold and yellow gold. Yellow gold is by far the most common, but both white gold and rose gold are on the rise. Gold’s quality is measured in “carats,” a unit of measurement that labels the level of purity in the gold. For example, 24 carat gold is the purest available, while 18 carat is 75% pure, and so on down. Most jewellery will have a purity less than 24 carat gold, as 100% pure gold is very soft and needs to be mixed with other metals to maintain its shape.


Although the thin gold chain drifted off the fashion radar screen to make way for thicker gold chains, the 70s brought this style back, sans the layering Chanel promoted and with a slightly chunkier design.


This particular type of chain works well with pendants to create a classy, feminine look. Whether used in a graceful bracelet or slim necklace, it radiates with beauty and charm. The chain styles most used for thin gold chains are the figaro, long curb and cable, though you could most certainly use styles like belcher or box chains.


Figaro, long curb and cable are more fragile-looking than their belcher cousins, but they’re equally strong, whereas box chains are significantly more delicate. These styles tend to go well with very light pendants or as a simple chain necklace or bracelet. The figaro, in particular, has a design that doesn’t really need anything added to it, but it’s fun to accentuate the chain with an eye-catching pendant. Otherwise, you can wear a simple thin gold chain with your favourite little black dress to add just a touch of extra colour and contrast. Layering several thin gold chains together also creates a dazzling effect, such as the one Chanel created with its collection of gilt chains.


A handsome charm bracelet or gold band is an excellent addition to an already stunning wardrobe choice. We have a fine selection of those as well. In order to qualify as thin gold chains, each has a width of anywhere from 1 to 3.9 mm. In our personal collection, we sell them starting at 9 carats.


Some of the world’s most notable women have found satisfaction in the simple beauty of a thin gold chain. The allure of gold and the graceful balance it adds to one’s wardrobe has men and women alike adding more of it to their collection. For many, it is an understated jewellery essential that will stand the test of time.


 


 


 


 



Thin Gold Chains

Antique Gold Chains

fancyThere’s something about antiques that peaks our interest. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia of centuries long past, or the memory of a precious heirloom from a loved one. Maybe it’s just a fascination with an anachronistic element of a time before we were born that we know little or nothing about. We imagine ourselves living in that time and experiencing the wonder of a century that is not our own. It’s why so many people find themselves enamoured with antique jewellery items, especially chains.


Many antique chains are modelled after the Victorian Era, which was named, of course, after Queen Victoria of England. Her love of jewellery items is what inspired the Arts and Crafts Movement from 1870-1914. However, it’s not just her love of jewellery that fuelled a new era of craftsmanship and décor. Queen Victoria, aside from collecting and curating her own jewellery collection, actually made some herself! She even gave jewellery as gifts to other nobles in the British Empire, and jewellery designers in England soon found themselves modelling their designs after her tastes.


Before Queen Victoria became queen, a popular jewellery item was the cameo. These cameo pieces were originally made by Italian artisans and became popular in Europe after upper class citizens brought them back from their tour of the country. Up until 1807, they had been carved from precious gems, which not only meant they were hard to make, but it also made them extremely expensive. These cameos would often be attached as charms or pendants to necklace chains. In 1807, jewellers began to use Conch shells to carve these cameo portrait pieces. The result was a pendant or charm that was easily affordable by not just the upper classes, but the rest of Europe as well.


With the Industrial Revolution came chain-making machines; these machines allowed chains to be produced on a wider scale, and like the cameo, they became far more affordable. After the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria began to wear only black jewellery as she settled in for an ongoing period of mourning. At this time, a span of new materials (such as fossilized driftwood) started being used for jewellery making. The Victorian Era is characterized by the unusual materials used for jewellery making, including chains. This makes the Victorian style truly unique, and it makes for some very fascinating designs.


One of these unique designs was the Albert chain, named after Queen Victoria’s late husband. It is, quite simply, a style of chain modelled after the one Prince Albert would wear on his waistcoat. At one end of the chain, a pocket watch would be attached; the other end had a “T” bar shape that would attach to a coat button hole. This attachment style is also used for bracelets and necklaces, with one end being the T-bar and the other being a large metal ring, just large enough to slip the T-bar through at an angle. This would hold the bracelet or necklace in place. A female derivative of this style of chain is called the Albertina chain.


Another style element particular to the Victorian era was the popularity of rose gold. It’s much like its yellow cousin, but the hue is tinted with a light blush colour. Rose gold was first used in Russia, but it soon spread to Europe. Rose gold gets its name from the styles of jewellery it was used in, namely carefully-crafted gold roses for rings and pendants. During the early years of the 20th century, platinum eclipsed rose gold as the metal of choice for jewellery and was used to create a new fad of geometric designs. Rose gold soon made its comeback, however, when wartime demanded platinum be used as a resource for building war materials.


Not only do antique chains look beautiful and unique, but the blush hue of rose gold adds a touch of femininity to any jewellery piece. There are many different styles of antique chains, and the variety of chains on our website is extensive. Take, for instance, our Berlin chain, which uses exquisite fleur de lis connectors and long, swirling carved beads. For a truly startling look of grace and femininity, try our Paris chain. Its delicate knotted chain and slim rectangular beads evoke images of Paris sunsets and dainty floral dresses. Though antique chains look best with rose gold, yellow and white gold are also available. Check out our selection and purchase your very own blast from the past. Were Queen Victoria alive today, we’re sure she would be delighted to see her inspirational designs sold en mass to true appreciators of fine antique jewellery.



Antique Gold Chains

Saturday 19 September 2015

Thick Gold Chains

9ct Round Curb Chain (HM-CUR-0005)-335Owning gold accessories has long been seen as an affirmation of one’s power and wealth. Streams of silver and gold have adorned the most famous among us, from royalty to movie stars, and the prestige these pieces bring with them can turn even the most apathetic eye. Women, in particular, have found jewellery indispensable to their wardrobe, but they aren’t the only ones who are able to enjoy this luxury. Men have long since worn jewellery as a fashion accessory, though there’s certainly more acceptance with women than there is with men.


Men’s jewellery is no modern invention. Although women are usually able to mix and match their jewellery at will, there are certain boundaries that men face. Men’s necklaces and rings tend to have more symbolism, and Cecil B. Hartley, author of The Gentleman’s Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness, insisted men out to have their adornments be not only pleasing to the eye, but functional as well. The watch chain had already been developed in the 18th century when changes in fashion, in particular the slimming of men’s pant designs, gave cause to this useful invention. Men could no longer keep their pocket watch in large pantaloons, so the watch chain became an essential.


Earrings never really caught on in men’s fashion, mostly because it was hard to justify a practical use for them. There is one piece of men’s jewellery that has withstood the test of time, though. The thick gold chain is still very much in use today. Some of history’s most recognizable faces wore thick gold chains to show off their power and nobility. Henry VIII, the Tudor King of England who is infamous for his unique way of ending his marriages, wore heavy gold chains on most or all of his outfits. The king’s love of gold and precious stones meant he had one of the largest inventories of jewellery in the kingdom, have of which he lavished on his wives.


Although no particular pieces can be directly attributed to him, several portraits exist showing Henry VIII wearing gold chains featuring precious gems. A portrait painted at the time of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon shows him wearing a gold chain necklace interspersed with onyx and pearls. These two gems, along with rubies, can be seen in several other portraits adorning thick gold chains. Two portraits by Hans Holbein the Younger show multiple gold chains worn, each of which is set with rubies, onyx and one or more strings of pearls. Henry VIII also owned multiple brooches, signet rings and a crown that carried almost 300 varying gems and weighed an astonishing 3.4 kilos (or 7 ½ pounds).


As thick gold chains are very masculine and show off one’s prominence, Henry VIII wasn’t the only male royal figure to have a vast collection of jewellery. The Collar of Esses, a livery collar from the Middle Ages, has been passed down to the male heirs of European royalty. This particular collar was a symbol of the House of Lancaster during the reigns of Henry IV, V and VI, and usually held a pendant called the Dunstable Swan Jewel. Several other livery collars that used thick gold chains have been seen in many European countries, such as the Cosse de Geneste or Broomcod, given to the English King Richard II by King Charles VI. This type of collar had been previously given to Chamberlain Geoffrey de Belleville by King Charles V, and was thus passed on many generations.


As prestigious as royal jewellery was, men’s jewellery today has evolved past being symbolic and functional to more of an accessory like women’s jewellery. Men’s jewellery tends to be of a bolder, simpler design without all the intricacy normally seen with women’s jewellery, but society has become much more comfortable with the idea of men accessorising in the same way the female population does. One place thick gold chains have found popularity is with hip hop culture.


It’s hard to think of a gangsta rapper without images of dangling gold chains flitting through our minds. Much like royalty, rappers show off their wealth and prestige with expensive gold chains, some of which are thick enough to be considered a rope rather than a chain. These chains are usually worn with pendants featuring dollar signs, Jesus figures and other more creative designs. Perhaps the most stunning gold chain worn by a rapper was from 2002, when rapper Nigo walked out on the streets with a $4 million dollar sign gold chain necklace. It weighed a whopping 6 ½ pounds when the chains and pendant were weighed together. Other famous rappers who went all out on million dollar chains include Lil’ John, Kanye West and Mike Jones, who put a 100+ carat diamond on his “Ice Age” pendant.


Here at Chain Me Up, we have a wide selection of thick gold chains that will turn heads whenever you walk in the room. They may not be the width of a boat rope, but we prefer to keep our chains more reserved than that while still making a statement. These chains start at a 9mm thickness and can go up to 17mm. The round curb chain is one of our most popular, but we also have several belcher, curb roller and fancy gate chains as well. Our designs will make sure you get the best value for your money, and your friends may just be jealous enough to ask you where you got them. Just send them our way; we promise only the best for our faithful customers.


 


 


 


 



Thick Gold Chains

Solid Gold Chains

9ct Round Curb Chain (HM-CUR-0005)-335

The history of gold is a long one, and jewellery-lovers have existed since the early days of B.C. It’s easy to see why the human race is so fascinated with gold. The glitz and glamour one feels when looping a delicate gold chain about their neck is enough to make you forget you’re not a movie star or posh celebrity. Add a couple diamonds, and suddenly you’re royalty. Whatever your particular taste or style, it’s important to know the different options you have for gold chains. Here are the basic types and variations.


Curb Chains


 The original curb chain was intended to be used for horses in their bridles. The links of a curb chain are flat and interlocking. When these types of chains were first made, the machinery used to produce them wasn’t advanced enough to make smaller curb chains, so the heavier, older style was intended for men. Eventually, as machines were fine-tuned to include smaller jewellery sets, styles for women emerged. There are different variations of curb chains, including Round, Long, Bevelled and Roller, which combines curb and belcher chain styles to create a unique design.


Diamond Cut Chains


A diamond cut chain isn’t necessarily any particular type of chain, but a process where the chain is cut using diamond precision tools so that it better catches the light, sending sparkling reflections off of it that resemble the glitter of diamonds. This cut, which is also called “diamond milling,” can be applied to any type of chain, so long as the surface area is adequate for the embellishments.


Figaro Chains


It’s not often that you find a chain named after an Italian opera, but The Marriage of Figaro sung its way into our jewellery stores in the form of an exquisite alternating link chain. Two types of Figaro chains that we sell are the 11 and 13. The 11 has an alternation of one short link and one long link, while the 13 has an alternation of three short links and one long link. Figaro chains can be worn by either men or women, but they are most popular with men in Italy where they originated and are often worn with cross or medallion pendants.


Belcher Chains


 The belcher chain has interlocking links that are the same size, but they alternate with every other link turned 180 degrees. The links are typically wider than they are thick, making this style more suitable to men. This chain type was invented in the very early years of the 19th century after English boxing champion Jim Belcher, who was England’s boxing champion from 1800 to 1805. Links can come in either round or oval shape, with round being the most popular.


Box Chains


 This chain uses square or rectangular links to give it its “boxy” appearance. Like the belcher chain, the links alternate with every other being turned 180 degrees. The box chain is made from rounded links that are flatted into square shapes and is also known as the book chain, briolette chain, square link chain or Venetian chain. When paired with a pendant, it makes an ideal jewellery piece for women, though men can certainly wear thicker styles.


Fancy Chains


 This encompasses any type of chain that is complex in style, design or shape. It is typically used as a decorative chain without the need for pendants, and it works well as a stand alone piece. Fancy chains are very feminine and can have a wide variety of link shapes used, such as hearts, Celtic knots or stars. Link chains, otherwise known as cable chains, are the most common type seen in jewellery and can be used with fancy interlocking links, as seen in our fancy link chains gallery. Both simple and fancy link chains use a uniform size for every link with each turned 90 degrees from the other.


Charm Bracelet Chains


You’d be hard pressed for a wrong answer when it comes to guessing this chain’s use. Charm bracelets do indeed have their own special chain, designed specifically for attaching charms to them. Because there needs to be enough room for the charm to latch on to, four link types are most suitable to charm bracelets: belcher, long curb, figaro and cable. Each link is of an open, solid design; this allows the charm to hang securely without dragging along the wrist or pulling the links apart with the charms’ weight.


There are hundreds of variations on chain types, but these are the base types you will find on our site. We offer a fine selection of gold chains, from thinner, more delicate lengths to thick, masculine ones.  Visit each section to pick out the right one for you, your spouse or your friend.


 


 


 


 


 



Solid Gold Chains

Thursday 17 September 2015

Charm Bracelet Chains

cbchains-335Charm bracelets are a popular way to show off your interests and hobbies with splendidly designed figurines and symbols. The nostalgic beauty of a charm isn’t only a modern notion, however. The history of charm bracelets dates back to the early years of B.C., and both ordinary citizens and royalty have found pleasure in the art of jewellery and charms.


Charm bracelets, known in early cultures as talismans or amulets, were used as far back as the stone age. Evidence has been found that cavemen created bracelets that they would adorn with shells or animal bones. Mammoth tusks could be used to carve ivory charms for these bracelets, such as the ones found in a prehistoric-era cave in Germany. Clay was also a common material used since it could be easily moulded and shaped.


The first recorded use of a charm bracelet is by the Babylonians in the year 700 B.C. using semi-precious gems and rock crystals. Often, the material used would have a special meaning or purpose. The ancient Egyptians used charm bracelets for what they believed to be magical properties that could ward off evil spirits or heal a sickness, among other things. Charms have always been associated with the spiritual or magical realms, and this is most definitely evident when looking at charms made by the Egyptians. The ancient Egyptians were also the first to use gold casting in jewellery making.


The symbolism of charms and charm bracelets also has its roots in Christianity, of all places. In a time when Christians were thrown the lions to be devoured because of their faith, fellow Christians had to come up with a way to non-verbally communicate their faith to one another. This was done by use of a fish charm. Curious thought it may seem, the fish charm was used because the Greek word for “fish” was an acronym of the word for “Jesus Christ” or “Saviour.” Christians had the habit of wearing other charms, as not to draw notice to a single symbol. Most of these were superstitious symbols meant to appease the gods that Romans would typically wear to gain favour.


Charms were, up until the Industrial Revolution, something only wealthy citizens and royalty could afford. Technology was limited, and the resources used for charm bracelets were hard to come by. Once mechanics had progressed to a level where these resources were made more easily available, middle class citizens were able to purchase them as well, and charms were mass-produced and sold in shops. It was at this time that charms became more of an aesthetic jewellery piece than a symbol or talisman.


Queen Victoria herself helped popularize the notion of a charm bracelet in the 1800’s by wearing lockets holding portraits and keepsakes from Prince Albert. Soldiers in World War II brought home charms from overseas, which further popularized charm bracelets in the United States. They had already been a rousing success in England, and soldiers would collect charms from each city they visited during their tour. Charms meant a reminder of a sweetheart back home or a buddy who had lost his life to the war, among other things.


Charm bracelets also have their place as traditional gifts marking a special occasion, such as a girl’s 16th birthday, graduation, or a woman’s upcoming nuptials. Other charms can be added later to celebrate other occasions, hobbies or interests. Some charm bracelets are passed down through several generations, but new charms are added each time, giving the bracelet a touch of both new and old. Passing the bracelet from mother to daughter is most common, but they can certainly pass from aunt to niece or grandmother to granddaughter.


We sell many different types of charm bracelets and charms for every walk of life and occasion, all made with exquisite yellow gold or sterling silver. Rose gold and white gold are also available and make an excellent addition to your jewellery collection. Charm bracelets are typically made with belcher, long curb, figaro or cable chains because of the inside link size. These chains use links that are larger and more open, making it easy to attach charms. Although other chains can be used for charm bracelets, we highly recommend these types to ensure your charms fit correctly onto them.


When ordering a charm bracelet, make sure you choose an adequate length, typically 2 or 3 cm longer than the measurement around your wrist to keep the bracelet from chaffing or pinching. Anything longer than this will simply fall off your wrist. Each bracelet comes with a standard parrot clasp, but if you’d like to tweak the design, other clasps are available. Charms that you select for your bracelet at the time of purchase can be attached for you by our service professionals, or you can choose to do it yourself.


The charms themselves are available in yellow, rose and white gold, as well as sterling or tarnish-resistant silver. We have anything from sports charms to religious symbols to quirky hobby charms. A horse and rider charm makes a great gift for the equestrian lover in your life. Do you have someone that loves cooking? Get them our cutlery charm to show off their love for fine dining and cuisine. There’s even a section of clothing charms for your fashionista friend.


We have thousands of charms to choose from, and you’re sure to find your perfect one amidst our selection. It doesn’t matter if you currently have a charm bracelet; pop on over to our charm bracelet section and purchase one that will be passed down for generations to come.



Charm Bracelet Chains

Tuesday 15 September 2015

Secret Jewellery Buying

giving-jewellery-as-a-giftHow do you buy jewellery as a secret gift for a loved one without them knowing what you are up to?


It’s not always easy when you may not know their size when buying a ring for example.


Sometimes the jewellery they wear is not their favourite design but they have a sentimental reason for wearing it, maybe they would prefer something completely different?


To make choosing a present a little easier and to improve your chances of finding the perfect gift we have prepared an article that covers many of the issues you may face.


Read more


 



Secret Jewellery Buying

Friday 11 September 2015

On-line Ring Size Checker

ring_sizes-600Our on-line ring size checker allows you to find out the size of your ring simply by holding it against your screen.


You first need to adjust the size of the image for accurate results.


Go to the on-line ring size checker page and drag the bottom right corner of the image so that your credit card fits exactly into the bottom box.


The coloured circle that just fits inside your ring is its size. Simple.


We are happy for you to share this tool with your friends, or you can add this checker to your own web-site or blog.


Don’t forget to checkout our range of around 350 stunning solid gold and silver rings for men and women.



On-line Ring Size Checker

Tuesday 8 September 2015

What"s a good length?

chain lengthsOne of the biggest problems people face when buying a necklace or bracelet is knowing how long the chain should be.


Bracelets need to fit over your wrist and be long enough to slide up your arm and down onto your hand, but how long is that?


Necklaces are normally chosen so the chain drops to a point on your chest that suits. It becomes more important when wearing a pendant to select the right length. All of our chains can be made to any length by request so your pendant sits exactly where you want it to.


Children’s jewellery has its own special complications. What will fit now won’t be long enough when the child grows up, but we have the perfect solution!


You can find all the details here.



What"s a good length?

Monday 7 September 2015

Seasons come and go

Tennis Player Charm (chr-0074)-750

It’s the time of year when some sports are winding down and other sports are about to take off for another season.


This makes it the perfect time to shop for bracelet charms or pendants so you or a loved one can show the world how much they love their sport.


Sports Charms for tennis, cricket, netball or football make great gifts for presentations at the end of a season for the captains, best and fairest awards or for each team member to have a special reminder of their season with the club.


All of our charms are available in solid sterling silver or solid gold so they will last a lifetime, and why wouldn’t you want the best?



Seasons come and go

Thursday 3 September 2015

Sport And Games Charms

Sports fans everywhere love to show off their team spirit. Their game rooms are usually decorated in sports memorabilia ranging from full-sized cardboard cut-outs of their favourite players, to headgear and matching snack food bowls. Some even go so far as to decorate their entire home with team colours and game merchandise, including sports themed Christmas trees during the holidays. It’s this love of the game that makes fans want to commemorate their favourite sport with sentimental pieces they can carry with them everywhere, namely charm bracelets.


Charms are a great way to show people your interests; with all the different types out there, there’s a charm for pretty much anything. Sports charms let you show off your passion with style. Although charms are typically thought of as female-only, the popularity of charms and sports jewellery appeals equally to men. The Super bowl Ring is one of the most well-known pieces of sports jewellery, and NFL players who are on the winning team each receive a ring as a sign of victory. Other sports that grant the winners commemorative jewellery include baseball, hockey and basketball.


Ages young and old can enjoy a sports addition to their charm bracelet. But what kind of charms are available, and what are the benefits of adding these pieces to your jewellery collection?


Types of Sports Charms


  • Active sports: These types of charms include the more well-known sports like football, baseball and basketball. Do you have a child who likes tennis? Buy them a tennis racket charm they’ll wear and love all the way to the big match at the championships. Football fans will love a cleat or helmet charm. There are even charms for sports like curling, fencing and diving.

  • Outdoor sports: These are the sports that find participants in the elements of nature. Activities like skiing and sailing have competitions for avid fans, so why not get your favorite sailor a boat or anchor charm? Surfers will feel a wave of pride when they wear their surfboard charm to their next championship, or they can simply show their love for the sport. A gold pair of skis or snowboard is a wonderful gift for your winter sports fan.

  • Fitness sports: Staying in shape doesn’t have to be all work and no play; it can be stylish and fun as well! Jazz up your morning jog with a charm in the form of a pair of tennis shoes, or if you’re more into yoga or weightlifting, a nice tatami mat or set of barbells is just as good. For the cyclist in your life, there are plenty of bicycle designs they’re sure to love.

  • Leisure activities: If you or your loved ones are fans of sports like scuba diving, fishing or canoeing, sports charms can be a great addition to your current charm bracelet. If you like to play table tennis from time to time, there’s a charm for that. Got a favourite hiking spot? There’s a charm for that too. Camp fire or tent charms are a nice reminder of all those outdoorsy vacations you took with family and friends. These charms make your bracelet collection playful and fun.

Benefits of Sports Charms


Show your team pride: Nothing says you’re proud of your team or sport like wearing it on your sleeve, or rather, your wrist. Everyone will know which team is yours when you flash your Wildcat charm with a smile on your face. You can also buy special charms for team player positions, such as goal keeper, coach or team captain. Your child will feel even more valued by displaying how they contribute to the team!


  • Accomplishment and reward: Add an extra reward on with the championship trophy you received. Sports charms can be a good way to remind you and your loved ones of accomplishments in a particular sport. Just as professional players display their championship rings or game trophies, you can also show off your achievements with a gold or silver trophy charm or team symbol. That game day win is made all the more special with an addition to your charm bracelet. It can even improve the wearer’s self esteem when they look at their bracelet and remember how well they did.

  • The love of the game: Sometimes, it’s just nice to show how much you love something. If you know someone who enjoys a particular sport or activity, consider gifting them with a charm that matches their interests. They’re sure to appreciate it just as much as they do their sport of choice. Charm bracelets make great Christmas and birthday gifts for kids of any age. Give your little princess a sparkling basketball charm so she can show off her team spirit to friends.

Chain Me Up offers several varieties of sports charms for every activity, and you’ll love our selection that includes all of your favourites. Anything from ballerina slippers to curling to basketball charms are available, so pick up a special gift for your sports fan today!


 


 



Sport And Games Charms