Charms are back in fashion.

Whether you wear them on a bracelet as a pendant or simply want to start a collection, there is something for everyone. You can collect in themes which can make a stunning bracelet for example, cat related items, or just collect ad hoc when something takes your fancy. Many charms open on a hinge to reveal a hidden item inside, others have moving parts for example, wheels on a car. There are many vintage charm designs available mainly from the sixties and seventies which offer an amusing insight into the times.

Choose your charms carefully and buy from a trusted source where the dealer is knowledgeable about the product. Look for a full guarantee on your purchase and expect to pay a small fee for good packing and postage. Always check the sellers feedback to get a picture of what to expect.

 If you want to attach charms to a bracelet it is essential you either have them soldered in place by the small 'jump link' or alternatively use a 'split link' this is like a miniature key ring link (a sprung double coil). The quality and detail of a charm does vary so photos of the charm are important in making a decision. The best charms are three dimensional and solid rather than flat stampings or lightweight holloware which the high street chains delight in passing off. Welded Bliss charms are original models and therefore retain all the detail which make these charms so unique and fun to collect.

Italian charms are a modular system of regular shaped flat charms which slot into a fixed design bracelet, and are not dealt with in this guide. American charms can be similar to their British counterparts but perhaps with more obvious stateside influences. There are also many British 'Americana' charms available, for example the Statue of Liberty opening to the Empire State Building.

 You first need to decide on silver or gold. Silver is considerably cheaper than gold if you are budget concious. Silver charms start at a few pounds and may cost rather more for heavier, more complex, detailed or rare charms. The price of gold charms will be affected more by the weight but the other factors still apply. Silver charms may be hallmarked but typically they are unmarked or stamped with the word 'sterling' or marked 925 (the sterling silver purity number) Heavier charms are more likely to be hallmarked either on the jump link and sometimes on the body of the item. Hallmarks are of neccesity small (so the item is not damaged at the assay office) and may not always be immediately apparent. All new silver items must be hallmarked under current British law if the weight is above 7.78 grams. Gold items must be hallmarked if above 1 gram in weight.

Welded Bliss have the UK's largest range of charm models around 700 different charms. They are all available in Silver, yellow, white and rose (red) gold in 9 and 18 carat. Also available are charm bracelets and split links in silver packs of 10, and 9ct gold packs of 4.

The following guide is useful if you want to know more about gold: 

WELDED BLISS GUIDE TO GOLD - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

To browse many interesting and affordable charms why not click the following link: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Welded-Bliss_

A nicely detailed pocket watch charm from weldedblissauctions.

Essential for any White Rabbit.

The loveable and comical Smash Robot from the 1970's