There is a great deal of satisfaction in producing your own jewelry and hand made jewelry is truly unique, because no two products turn out exactly alike. So if you like to undertake craft projects, either to give as presents or just for the fun of it, then here is an idea for you.  I’ve focused on heart bracelets as a starting point but it is simple to take this idea and then to use it to produce differently-themed charm bracelets or other items, for example.

First of all, here’s what you will need:

I already had some of the items below (for example, tin foil and the regular oven) but I  shopped at Wal Mart and Michaels (the latter has many outlets in Florida, where I live – you may find different suppliers close to where you are, of course) to collect the remainder:

• 1 chain bracelet large enough to fit the wrist of the wearer (about 7″ or 8″ usually)
• Bakeable modeling clay (I used Sculpey Pluffey white)
• Small rolling pin
• Wax paper, glass board or tin foil to work the clay on
• Small heart shaped cookie cutter
• Picture nail to make hole in clay
• Oven
• Acrylic Paint (I used Folk Art Apple Red and Folk Art Extreme Glitter Rose)
• Small paint brushes
• Clear glaze
• 7 or 8 Small crystal beads to intersperse with the hearts
• 3mm round acrylic rhinestones – 2 for each heart
• Jump rings to attach the charms and beads to the bracelet
• Pair of needle nosed pliers

And here are instructions on how do it:

1. Work the clay and roll out to desired thickness
2. Cut out 8 – 10 heart shapes using cookie cutter
3. Make hole near the top of heart shape for the jump ring to fit through
4. Follow the instructions on the clay packet for baking the heart shapes
5. When cool, paint with your chosen colors. I found it easier to hold them flat with the picture nail while I painted the edges and one side of heart then allow it to dry thoroughly before turning it over and painting the other side.
6. Allow each coat of paint to dry before applying the next coat. (If you don’t want to add the rhinestones you can add your own painted design at this stage.)
7. When the paint is completely dry finish the hearts off with a clear glaze
8. Glue a rhinestone jewel to one side of the heart charms. Allow to dry thoroughly before gluing one on the other side.
9. Attach the charms and beads to the chain starting with one colored heart shape, then a crystal bead, then the other colored heart. Carry this pattern through until you have completed your bracelet.

Your heart bracelet is now ready to wear or place in a suitable gift box to give as a present.

Although this bracelet is filled with heart charms (we’re biased!!!) there are lots of other shapes you can use to make more bracelets. Just let your creativity take over – use your ideas to make charm bracelets or something even more unique – and have fun!

European charm bracelets are becoming increasingly popular world wide. Although they are called charm bracelets, they are different than the gold or sterling silver charm bracelet that we traditionally see: these are really modular bracelets made up of different beads threaded onto either a gold, silver or leather rope bracelet or anklet. There are many different brands of beads on the market such as Biagi beads, Pandora, Trollbeads and Chamilia to name just a few.

Carlo Biagi jewelry is just one company that sells the products to create a truly unique piece of jewelry, whether that is a bracelet, anklet or necklace. The wearer can create a piece that reflects her individual style and character by choosing from the huge inventory of beads the company has to offer.

Biagi Silver European Bead Starter Bracelet with Bead Clasp (8 inches)

Just like traditional “dangly” charms there are beads that represent special occasions such as graduation, wedding, birthday or to celebrate a birth, together with others depicting hobbies, vocations, love and anything else you can think of. But, unlike traditional charms bracelets that don’t tend to have a lot of brightly colored charms, there are lots of brightly colored Murano glass beads and Swarovski crystal beads to choose from to add an extra dimension to the bracelet.

Another feature of Biagi beads is the introduction of what they call charm carriers. These are beads with a hoop that allows you to attach a traditional dangly charm with a lobster claw to your European bracelet. The company sells a selection of these charms so you can have a truly authentic Biagi bead bracelet or you can choose charms from other sources as long as they have a lobster claw clasp to fasten them to the charm carrier.

But Biagi jewelry was not the originator of the European charm bracelet. Trollbeads were the first to create these bead bracelets and the name came from the fact that the original ones resembled troll faces (trolls feature a lot in Scandinavian folklore).

4 Murano Beads with Solid Sterling Silver Core for European Charm Bracelet

Their beads are handcrafted and depict such diverse subjects as mythology, nature, fairy tales and love. They too use precious metals, gemstones, pearls glass and crystals in their designs.

Other popular brands of European charm bracelets are Pandora and Chamilia. Like Biagi and Trollbeads they also offer a huge range of different beads to choose from whether they are for a young girl, a teen, a Mom or a Grandma.

Like traditional jewelry such as a gold or sterling silver charm bracelet these can be built up over time making them an ideal gift as friends and family can add to them over time. If you choose one of the designer brands, the basic bracelet and charms will carry the name of the company on it so you know that what you are getting is authentic. But you don’t have to stick with beads from one specific designer to create a bracelet as most of them will fit each other’s, making them truly flexible.

As with other designer products, buying the real thing can be beyond some people’s budget. If this is the case but you really like these bracelets then don’t worry as there are lots of less expensive versions available and most of the beads are compatible with the more expensive versions. This also means that you can mix and match designer and non designer beads depending on your budget and choice of charms.

Pandora Charm Compatible Swarovski Crystal Birthstone Bead Fits Pandora Bracelet

The wearing of charms has been around for centuries and the fashion for charm bracelets has never really fully faded away since Queen Victoria popularized them in the 1800s. As with lots of jewelry trends, the styles have changed over time, hence the growing popularity of the European and Italian charm bracelets over the last few years. With the increasing number of charm designs around and the fact that a charm bracelet is such a customizable piece of jewelry I think that this is, like heart jewelry, one item of jewelry that will never fully go out of fashion.

The promise ring is not a new phenomenon, it has been around for centuries. It was originally given as a token of commitment by a boyfriend to his girlfriend as a “promise” of marriage when they could afford it. Although this tradition is still being followed, today promise rings are also being given and worn to cement many different promises made between two people. And the increasing popularity of them means that there is a huge variety of designs to choose from, whether you are looking at the whole range or whether your goal is something narrower such as cheap promise rings or promise rings for men.

10K White Gold Diamond Promise Ring, Crossover Band

Probably the most widely worn promise rings are those given for romantic reasons. Before he is ready to take the step of looking at engagement rings, let alone diamond or cubic zirconia wedding rings, a  young man may wish to give a promise ring to his girlfriend to signify that he wants their relationship to be exclusive. The message given with the ring could be that in the future he will replace it with an engagement ring or that he will remain faithful to her or that he will always be there for her. These promise rings are especially significant if the young couple are going to be apart for a period of time, such as when they are going away to college or for their work. It is a constant reminder of the promises they have made to each other.

Exchanging promise rings is also an ideal way for a couple in a long term relationship who do not want to go down the traditional marriage route, when they wish to show that although they don’t have the traditional wedding band on their finger they are in a committed relationship and not available. There are lots of retailers offering matching promise rings such as the Claddagh ring or the Jane Seymour open heart collection to name just a two examples.

Three Stone Diamond Heart Shape Promise Ring in Sterling Silver ( Sizes 4-9)

Although a promise ring can be worn on any finger on either hand, usually those representing romantic, everlasting love promises are worn on the ring finger of the left hand. Many societies believed that a vein in this finger is connected directly to the heart, which is a symbol of love, therefore any ring given as a token of love should be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.

But a promise ring is not just given for romantic reasons. Many parents give a chastity or abstinence promise ring (also called a purity ring) to their children to symbolize a promise made by the child to stay pure until their wedding day or to refrain from drinking, drug taking or smoking. They also make a great friendship rings. The gift of a promise ring is a way of cementing a friendship forever whether you see each other every day or live a continent apart you are promising to be there for each other.

There are lots of different designs and price ranges available when it comes to choosing a promise ring. They come in all precious metals such as silver, gold, white gold and tungsten and the ones for women often have stones in them.

Infinity Diamond Promise Ring in 10K White Gold, Size 7

If you are looking for one to give as a precursor to an engagement ring, there are lots of heart shaped designs to choose from with birth stones or even diamonds if your budget stretches that far. When choosing a ring for a man a plainer design ring would be more appropriate as most men prefer not to wear rings with stones in them.

One thing to remember if you are giving a promise ring to someone is to make sure that they understand what the promise is so that there is no misunderstanding. Giving a written note with the specific promise spelled out that can be read before the gift is opened will prevent any heartbreak.

Personalised Family Tree Dangle Necklace and Jewelry Box Gift

If you are struggling to think of a gift to give those special people in your life, then why not consider an item of personalised jewellery? Choosing a piece of personalised jewellery as a gift for someone will show that person that they are very special to you. There are lots of items of jewellery that can be personalised so pick the one that you think is most appropriate for the individual you are choosing it for, whether that is Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, teens, children or a close friend.

When thinking about giving jewellery as a gift, especially personalised jewellery, it is the females in our life who we normally consider as the recipient. Perhaps the most obvious ideas are a diamond ring or a pearl necklace. But the men in your life need not miss out even if they don’t usually wear jewellery, whether it’s heart jewellery, gold jewellery or whatever. Perhaps the most obvious items that spring to mind are identity bracelets (these could be engraved with his name or initials) or a pendant that could have a name or personal message put on it. However, some men would definitely not consider wearing either of these items but most men wear watches so this may be a good choice. You could have a special message engraved on the back of it to make it a more personalised gift. If they are professional men who wear a suit for work then a pair of cuff links or tie clip with their initials on them would make a nice gift.

Finding a suitable piece of jewellery for the ladies on your list is a much easier task no matter whether they are seven or seventy. So let’s consider some of the things that are available. For young girls, and maybe even young teenagers, a gold or silver necklace or bracelet with their name spelled out in letters on it is something they will love to wear. For an older teen a signet ring or a charm bracelet or heart earrings with her initials and her birthstone inset into it is something she may like.

When looking for something for your Mom or Grandma, a locket necklace is an ideal gift. Not only can you have it inscribed with a special message, or the birth dates of her children or grandchildren, you can add a family photograph inside so that she will always have the reminder of her family with her.

If the gift is for a wife or girlfriend then a really romantic gift to give her would be a heart charm bracelet with memorable dates and personal messages engraved on each heart charm. Another good choice would be a ring or necklace with both your birthstones inset into it and a romantic message such as “I love you” inscribed on it. But really any piece of jewellery that you can have a personal message put on to it will show that you have given a lot of thought into choosing the perfect gift for her.

But personalised jewellery does not have to be something that is engraved with messages or initials. Selecting an item of jewellery that reflects the interests or hobby of a friend or relative is another way of personalising a gift. For instance, if you have a friend who loves to buy shoes, or loves to shop or collects handbags (I have friends that love all these things!) then you could give her a necklace, earrings and a bracelet with the relevant charms attached to them. They are sure to make her smile and it will remind her of just what good friends you are because you know the things that make her happy.

Yet another great idea for personalised jewellery is to make it yourself. This would be a truly unique gift as there would be no other piece like it. You can buy jewellery making kits from craft stores or online retailers. For the more adventurous and artistic these stores sell all the equipment and books you need to help you create your individual design of earrings, necklaces and bracelets. But if you don’t feel confident enough to make your own jewellery then you could always look at craft fairs or on the Internet for handmade jewellery. You may even be able to have a design of your own made up.

So if you are looking for a unique gift for a man or a woman, take a little time to think about their personality – then do a bit of research and you are sure to find the ideal piece of personalised jewellery for them.

Twilight the Movie – Lion and the Lamb Half Heart Necklace Set

Do you remember when you were a teenager and what fashions and jewelry styles were de rigueur? Was it the mod or hippie era of the nineteen sixties or the disco era of the seventies or the new romanticism era of the early eighties or a later decade? Whenever it was, long ago or only recently, there have been very definite styles in fashion and jewelry, whether it was the mini skirt and large geometric shaped plastic jewelry popular with the mods in the 1960s or the Ugg boots and best friend half heart necklace that are popular today.

It was not until the late 1950s and early 1960s that teenagers really came into their own. Prior to this the clothes they wore, the films they watched and the music they listened to was very similar in style to that of the older generation.

UGG Womens Roslynn Boots – Black 8

This all changed when rock and roll music became popular with the younger generation and a so called “generation gap” emerged because their parents did not approve of their teens’ taste in music and dances. The marketing people were quick to pick up on this and suddenly there was a whole new range of films and products aimed at them. Instead of being mini adults they were able to express their identity not only through their music and films but also the clothes and accessories they wore.

My teen years were spent in England during the nineteen sixties and what an exciting time it was, London was where the mini skirt and geometric designs of the mod era originated (Mary Quant) and new groups such as the Beatles, Herman’s Hermits, the Rolling Stones and many others were bursting onto the music scene. I remember wearing mini skirts, knee length boots, hipster flared trousers, hot pants, lots of eye make up and false eyelashes, bobbed hair and big chunky geometric jewelry. One of the mod fashion icons of the day was Twiggy with her cool, chic style and this was the style I favored as I loved getting dressed up and looking smart when I went out. Although I definitely loved the look of the era I never slavishly followed fashion, preferring to add my own individuality to my look.

From the mid sixties another fashion style, imported from the West coast of America, influenced my teen years. This was the hippie style with it’s flowing skirts, peasant blouses, Jesus sandals, long hair and jewelry depicting the peace sign or heart charms representing love or flowers hung on leather straps used as either necklaces or bracelets. Although I adopted some of these fashions into my wardrobe they weren’t really the sort of outfits you wore to the clubs we used to frequent in a big city in England.

Since the emergence of “teenagers” as a separate entity, i.e. no longer a child but yet not an adult, the world of fashion, music and film making has recognized the fact and trends have followed on a regular basis. The hippie and mod fashions of the sixties extended into the “disco” era of the seventies but with the addition of platform shoes and afro hairstyles.

By the late seventies and early eighties some teenagers were into shocking and raging against the establishment and this is when the punk rock bands and their outrageous fashion burst onto the scene. Gone was the smart, clean look and in its place came multi colored Mohican haircuts, for both male and female, scruffy, dirty looking T shirts and jeans and Doc Marten work boots. Body piercing became ever more popular and jewelry ranged from leather collars or thick wrist bands with studs or spikes to razor blades or pull tops from cans hung on chains, not a piece of heart jewelry or other sentimental stuff in sight!

The eighties and early 1990s brought the glamor back with the arrival of the new romantic bands and their flamboyant fashions. This was very much a retro era in fashion with frilly shirts and blouses, glamorous outfits and make up not just for the females but for the males as well. Princess Diana was very much a fashion icon for this particular era, with fashion style from the pearl chokers she popularized to her signature hairstyle that many girls wanted to copy.

Every teen thinks that their fashion statements are different than the previous generation and in some cases they are, especially when you contrast the punk style to the fashions both before and after it. Today’s teenagers are no different and, like previous generations of teens, have very definite ideas on what is cool and what is not whether that is music, clothes and jewelry. However I think some fashions come round again over time. For instance the mini skirt is very much a part of the modern miss wardrobe – the only difference is that it is much shorter than in the nineteen sixties. And the same can be said for jewelry styles such as heart jewelry which was very popular during Victorian times and is now very fashionable with women of all ages. The teenage girls that I know love to wear jewelry and heart bracelets and pendants are definitely a favorite with them.

So even though Ugg boots and half heart necklaces may sound like a strange combination of style items, there have certainly been even more oddities of fashion that have preceded them!

14k White Gold Diamond Heart Ring (1/10 cttw, H-I Color, I2 Clarity), Size 7

Have you ever been stuck for a unique gift idea for those special days such as an anniversary, birthday, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day for the special woman in your life?  So why not give her a beautiful piece of  heart jewelry?  Because heart jewelry is so versatile, it can be worn everyday for any situation, whether that is popping to the grocery store, going to work, attending a swanky party or meeting friends for lunch, so it makes the ideal present.

On your next wedding anniversary a heart pendant necklace would make a perfect gift for your wife.  Gold and sterling silver are both fine choices.  Not only will it show her how much she still means to you but she will be able to wear it every day and it will remind her of the special relationship you two share.  If you get it engraved with a special message personal to you both, that will be  a demonstration to her of all the time and thought you have put into choosing a special gift for her – and, although you don’t perhaps tell her as often as she would like, how much you love her.  Every time she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror or touches her neck it will bring a smile to her face as she thinks of you and remembers special times you have shared and continue to share.

There are many occasions on which to give a piece of heart jewelry to your daughter and a delicate heart bracelet would be appropriate for any of them.  The first one that springs to mind is her birth and a heart bracelet with her date of birth and her birthstone on it is something she can treasure forever.  Or how about a silver charm bracelet for her “sweet sixteen” birthday?  When she is all dressed up to go to her prom a gold heart bracelet to complement the gorgeous dress she is wearing will make her truly feel like a princess.  Or giving her a heart bracelet on her graduation day will show her how proud you are of her achievements.

Valentine’s Day is traditionally the time that lovers want to express their feelings for their significant other, obviously with a gift that symbolizes love – whether that is red roses, heart shaped candy or perhaps a cute soft toy.  Giving your loved one an open heart ring would convey in a very clear way exactly how much you love her.  For the guy who wants to let his girlfriend know he is committed to her but not yet ready to get engaged, a heart shaped ring given as a promise ring would leave her in no doubt of his fidelity.

On Mother’s Day we all sometimes struggle to think of that special something for the best Mom in the world.  If you ask her what she wants she will frequently say that there is nothing she needs so, often, we search the stores for a sweater or top or purse that we think she might like.  Getting her a piece of heart jewelry will surely put a smile on her face and show her just how much you love her.  A silver heart locket engraved with a special message and containing a family photograph is something she will not only treasure forever but will proudly show off to her friends.

For birthdays and Christmas you can’t go wrong if you choose to give heart jewelry, especially for a close friend.  There are lots of different pieces in the stores but a pair of silver heart earrings will show your feelings for her as a friend and you can be sure they will complement the other jewelry in her collection.  Whether she prefers stud earrings, hoops or dangly styles there are lots of designs to choose from.

So no matter what the occasion or the age of the recipient, if you choose a piece of heart jewelry it will show your wife, daughter, girlfriend, Mom or close friend how much they mean to you.

“Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye”

And it was actually Margaret Wolfe Hungerford under the pseudonym of ‘The Duchess’ who wrote in 1878:

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”

What does all of this have to do with a ruby heart pendant?  Simple, really – when you see someone wearing one, it is hard to know which the true beauty is, the bewitching smile on the face of the girl or the woman or the beautiful ruby heart pendant on a glimmering gold chain so proudly displayed.  A shimmering ruby heart pendant worn proudly around the neck enhances the beauty of any lady. Her winsome smile is directed outward to the world around her and backward for the person who gave her this treasure. This heart jewelry brings good luck and health to both the person who wears it and the person who gave it for whatever occasion.

These special pieces of jewelry are so much more than precious gems and metal; they surround the person who owns one with love, energy and self-confidence.  They represent fine examples of heart necklaces and readily complement other heart jewelry pieces such as heart bracelets, heart earrings and heart brooches. There are three perfect occasions that immediately spring to mind as the ideal time to give a ruby heart pendant necklace: these are to commemorate a special event, a gift to oneself as a symbol and a bequest. Choosing the right ruby to accentuate that special heart jewelry is easier than you might think.

In general, fine gems and jewelry have been given for centuries on momentous occasions. These could be a congratulation of a job well done, graduation, birth of the child or grandchild, wedding, anniversary, birthday or divorce. Whatever the occasion, it will be a milestone in the life of the receiver. Forever after, that piece of exquisite jewelry, the ruby heart pendant, will be a reminder of the event, the person who thought enough to give the gift and the feelings that went with it. Each time it is used to adorn the chest of the lucky woman, the ruby heart shaped pendant will caress the skin or blouse like the physical supporting touch of the giver.

One does not need to wait for someone else to purchase an exquisite piece of jewelry. It is simply a matter of going to a jewelry store and buying the ruby heart pendant that makes the eyes glisten. Folklore has ruby as the stone of prophecy and loved by gamblers, whether these are gamblers of life or gamblers of chance. This stone fetches wisdom, happiness and health to the wearer and symbolizes success and integrity.

Mature women often gaze upon their treasure trove of jewelry and gems and picture their lovely young daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughters wearing proudly each precious piece, including these heart necklaces. These women of wisdom can take their time in matching each gem to the temperament of the receivers. Which lovely woman deserves the flash and fire of the blood red stone set in the ruby heart pendant? There will be one that is perfect for this ornament and will receive it in a personal bequest at the right time.

There are only a few things the purchaser needs to know about these precious gems. Many gemstones are called genuine and are treated by enhancing the stone’s color usually by heating them creating a deeper, richer hue. This is part of the normal process of polishing and finishing these stones. Natural gemstones have no human interference except for the cutting and polishing.

The ruby’s value is determined by the 4 C‘s. These are cut, color, clarity and carat. The cut is the most important as it brings the life to the stone. The color is made up of three components, which are hue, tone and purity. Clarity has to do with the clearness of the stone; almost all stones have some natural imperfections. Carat is used to determine the size; larger stones are usually more valuable. A few minutes spent reviewing these 4 C’s with a professional jeweler will complete the necessary education required to make a wise selection.

Maybe you want a simple pendant or you prefer something even more elaborate, such as a heart locket with rubies encrusted.  Why not take a look at some examples the next time you are buying for yourself or for someone special and imagine how even more wonderful such an addition would make the lucky wearer?

Why choose a sterling silver heart necklace?  There are many reasons why one should choose a sterling silver heart necklace over other options in necklaces. To begin with, these necklaces are less expensive than other necklaces such as those made from gold. The heart shaped pendant is ideal to be given to one’s beloved since women have been found to fall in love at first sight with a sterling silver heart pendant necklace. If maintained properly, sterling silver retains its charm and beauty for years. In addition, even if the silver is tarnished after years of wear, one can easily get it polished and make it appear as new as it was in the beginning.

There are many designs available within these heart necklaces. For example, there are double heart pendant designs in which two intertwined hearts, symbolizing the love between two souls, are asymmetrically interconnected. Now, with a sterling silver heart charm necklace, one can also personalize the pendant by getting one’s own and one’s beloved’s name engraved on each of the hearts along with birthstones. Another beautiful design is the one where a solid heart dangles through a hollow heart. With this pendant, one can easily adjust how deep the solid heart drops on one’s neck.

In addition to these popular designs, one can also find a number of sterling silver necklaces of different lengths with a pendant decorated with different stones. Though depending on the stone used, these necklace pendants will cost you more; they are worth considering because of their sheer timeless beauty.

Whom would these necklaces suit?  Heart sterling silver necklaces are meant for both adult women and teenage girls. Since sterling silver has an elegant white shine, these necklaces would suit females of all skin colors, whether white, dusky or dark. These necklaces are perfect for not only big parties and events, they can even be worn to casual dates and parties and even to office as well. These pendant necklaces go well with all kinds of dresses as well, be it an expensive evening gown or a casual party dress.

If you are a male and are looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry to give to any woman in your life, be it your mother, wife, girlfriend or daughter, then you need not look further than these sophisticated heart shaped silver necklaces and pendants. Not only will the woman you give the necklace to be pleasantly surprised and genuinely grateful for your gift, even you would feel a sense of satisfaction seeing the heart shaped mark of your love and affection adorning her beautiful neck and bringing a smile to her face.

Where should you buy these necklaces?  You can easily buy a beautiful heart pendant and sterling silver necklace as well as other types of heart jewelry from a jewelry store. However, a better place to look for it is the web, because it will allow you to check out the available products at different sites and compare prices. Many companies will offer you a 30-day money back guarantee on your purchase, so it is also safe to buy a pendant necklace online. Buying online will also avoid you moving away from the comfort of your own home, as the necklace would be delivered at your doorstep in a couple of days.

So take a look at the sterling silver heart necklace choices you have the next time you decide to buy and do yourself a favor!

A heart bracelet today symbolizes friendship and love. Even little children enjoy making these excellent examples of heart jewelry for one another, but what they do not know is the history they are taking part in while they do so. These heart charm bracelets have a richer symbolization than may at first be apparent, and that is true whether it is a gold or a sterling silver charm bracelet or some other precious metal that it is made out of. Let us take one bead at a time and look at where the popularity of heart bracelets originated.

Understanding what a “charm” bracelet is helps in tracking down its origins and putting a heart charm bracelet into context. A charm is a personalized pendant that signifies an important event, person, or relationship. Generally, charms take the form of what they are representing. Some are obvious with animals, hearts, or names and others hide the true meaning with special symbols. These charms, however, did not originally start on people’s wrists.

In ancient times, charms were worn to signify “higher” beings or processes like pleasing the gods, warding off evil, and gaining entrance into the afterlife. Charms at this time were usually worn as pendants, amulets, and rings. As time went on, eventually these charms changed their meaning and their positioning. The bracelet was born around the middle ages and was worn by nobles and knights to signify rank and family. One of the best know “pioneers” of wearing bracelets was Queen Victoria. She would wear things like silver heart bracelets, not for symbolism, but because she liked the look. Typically, only members of royalty or the extremely wealthy had the money or desire to wear such a decoration, but for a few commoners, these bracelets were “to die for”.

The average Joe on the street saw and adored the charms worn by the upper class men and women of society. This adornment turned led to innovation, as they then fashioned their own jewelry from what they had seen. Out of simple string and beads, they would construct their own bracelets. These rickety poor man’s bracelets helped change the meaning and use of the charm bracelets. After no time at all there were artisans who specialized in constructing these bracelets and beads and this is the origin of today’s bracelets.

Today’s charm bracelets can be used for anything from casual jewelry through to fine pieces fit for formal occasions. Especially among teenage girls, these bracelets have been taken to a completely new level of meaning. Friendship heart bracelets come with a heart divided into two halves of a whole. They can be put together to form a full bracelet, or worn in parts to show the connection of friendship. Another favorite type of bracelet that is popular in the same way as a heart bracelet is the initials bracelet, where you can wear your own initials or the initials of a special boyfriend or girlfriend. These bracelets also make very good gifts for adults as well. Signifying a milestone in ones life, bracelets can mean the world to a person. This truly meets the definition of “It’s the thought that counts” and even the least expensive sterling silver example delivers a powerful message.

Many people will hold dear a little bracelet, over and above anything else in their house, just because of what it means to them. For example, in World War Two, soldiers would bring back charms for their wives to show them where they had been. These bracelets meant the world to the wives, by showing that their husbands not only served their country, but also made it back. For the wife who lost her loved one, a heart charm bracelet would also serve as a reminder of her husband’s sacrifice to keep his family and country safe. No matter what the size, shape or color, bracelets have a huge emotional impact, and especially a heart charm bracelet. They truly mean the world to people.

Thinking about these charms brings our personal world to the center. Everything we hold near and dear to us represented in this small package – memories, people, events, milestones, you name it. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a heart charm bracelet is forever.

Pretty Victoria’s Secret Red Rhinestone Heart Brooch

Large Sterling Silver Open Marcasite Heart Brooch Pin

What could be nicer than receiving a piece of handmade jewelry, particularly if it made especially for you, like a heart brooch? From little girls to grandmas, most women love jewellery whether it is given to them as a present or bought to accessorize a special outfit.  And heart jewellery seems to have a special attraction for both girls and ladies.

Below are two examples of how to make a heart brooch which are simple enough for even children to make.

A. Fabric Heart Brooch

First of all, what you need (all these items can be bought from a craft store):

1. Piece of fabric large enough to cut two heart shapes – felt is ideal but you can use any fabric
2. Permanent fabric glue such as Crafter’s Pick Fabric Glue
3. Permanent gem fixing glue
4. Pack of pin backs (you can use the rest to make other brooches)
5. Fiberfill for stuffing
6. Sequins, gems or glitter to decorate

Next, what to do:

1. Cut out 2 heart shapes of equal size from the felt or fabric
2. Follow the instructions on the fabric glue and glue the edges of the two heart shapes together leaving a small opening to allow you to stuff the heart
3. Leave the glue to dry before stuffing
4. Stuff the heart to the thickness you want – don’t overstuff – and then glue the opening together and allow to dry
5. Glue the pin back onto the middle of the heart using the gem fixing glue and allow to dry
6. Decorate the heart with gems, sequins or glitter glue

You can buy sheets of sticky back felt from craft stores which you could use for this project and would be ideal for younger children to use as it wouldn’t need padding.

B. Dough Heart Brooch

Another great way to make a heart brooch is to make it out of clay or dough.  You can either buy some modeling clay from a craft shop – make sure that it is the sort that will either “air dry” or can be dried in the oven – or make some dough using the recipe below.

First, what you need:

1. 1 cup flour
2. 1/4 cup salt
3. 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
4. 1 cup warm water
5. 1 teaspoon oil
6. food coloring
7. 1 package of pin backs (available at any craft store)
8. Sequins, gems or glitter to decorate, or watercolor or tempera paint and small paintbrushes

And what to do:

1. Put the flour, salt, cream of tartar, and oil into a pan and add the water a little at a time to make sure there are no lumps.  Add the food coloring a few drops at a time to achieve the color you want
2. Stir over a medium heat until the dough begins to stick together and come away from the side of the pan
3. Remove from the pan and knead until it is smooth
4. When the mixture is cool store it in an airtight container or a sealable plastic sandwich bag – the dough will keep for a at least a week
5. To make the brooch make a heart shape out of the dough then set aside to air dry.  This should take about 2 hours ideally leave it overnight to dry fully before decorating
6. Press the pin back into the heart before the dough is fully dry
7. When the heart is fully dry decorate with either sequins, gems or glitter or with paint

Because there will be dough left over you will have enough to make a heart brooch for Mom, Grandma and even for yourself.  Or you can use your imagination and make a flower, a butterfly or any other design brooch to give as a present.

So have fun making this heart jewelry – either a fabric heart brooch or dough brooch – and I’m sure whoever receives this as a present will know it was made with love.

I would choose a heart charm because it is such a versatile piece of jewelry.  If I added it to a chain to wear as a necklace it is suitable to wear every day with work clothes or at weekends with more casual outfits.  For more formal events it would complement other pieces of jewelry like earrings, watch and bracelet as well as the little black dress that most women have in their closet.  The look could be changed by having different lengths of chains to wear with different necklines.

Another way I would choose to wear it is by adding it to a bracelet and I particularly like a sterling silver charm bracelet.   This could be added to with either more heart charms – not necessarily just sterling silver, maybe some other types if they are complementary – or some of the other beautiful and unusual charms that are available.  If I chose to continue with a heart charm theme I may look for different styles of heart shaped charms like an open heart design, one with my birthstone set into it, perhaps a heart locket charm that could contain a picture of my family.  Or I might decide to collect all the same sort of heart charms to give it a more uniform look.

Alternatively, a heart shaped “I love New York” charm could be the first one on a charm bracelet that could be added to as a reminder of places and events that are special to me. Because I love to travel, finding charms of the places I visit would be a great reminder of the special memories I have from these vacations.  I would have charms of the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building in New York, and the Capitol and the White House in Washington DC.  Then there would be one of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and a casino in Las Vegas.  From trips to Europe I would add Buckingham Palace in London, the Acropolis in Athens and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, the list is endless. All of these and more would bring back the happiness I felt when vacationing in these places.

On the other hand, I might decide to choose to have a Disney heart charm and collect other Disney charms to make a fun charm bracelet.  As my favorite books as a child were Winnie the Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne, I would probably start my bracelet with a Winnie the Pooh heart charm and then add charms of all the wonderful characters in the books like Piglet, Tigger, Eyore, Owl and Christopher Robin just to name a few.  Of course there are lots of other Disney characters to choose from so you could make a charm bracelet with your favorites.

Then again, a heart charm commemorating a special event in my life could lead to a collection of lots of different charms charting other momentous occasions.  Some of the ones I can think of are: reaching the age of majority charm, a graduation charm, a wedding cake charm to celebrate marriage, a baby carriage or baby footprint charm to mark the birth of children, a silver wedding anniversary charm, a Mom charm or Grandma charm.  Everybody has different events in their lives and there are any number of charms  you can buy to celebrate them.

So you see, if I could only have one piece of heart jewelry I would have to choose a heart charm because there are so many ways you can add to it that will evoke lasting memories.  What piece of heart jewelry would you choose and why?

Back in the 1950s in the USA, when teenage girls and boys were “going steady”, quite often to show their friends and other people their relationship was serious the boy would give his girlfriend his class ring to wear on a chain round her neck. In a way this was a kind of promise ring as it was showing that the girl was involved with somebody and was not available for dating other guys. The next stage after the class ring would be the giving of a “promise” ring, especially if it was an open heart ring, to show that the relationship had moved to the next stage – exclusivity.   It all seems so formal and such a long time ago now, doesn’t it?

Promise rings are traditionally less expensive than an engagement ring and are still popular today to show your loved one and the world that you are committed to each other but are not quite ready for the next step – marriage. Choosing something like an open heart ring conveys the fact that you have let one very special person into your life. If you want to have matching rings then you should check out the open heart collection by Jane Seymour as they have a style for both men and women at very affordable prices.

A promise ring given as a precursor to the actual engagement ring can be worn on any finger but is most often worn on the ring finger of the left hand. It is usually moved to the right hand ring finger to accommodate either that beautiful diamond engagement ring or a wedding band. But promise rings are not just given as a precursor to “popping the question”. They can also be used to signify other promises. For example:

• Some teens are wearing promise rings or bracelets as a sign of chastity and purity – promising to retain their virginity until they get married.

• Young couples give and wear them to show monogamy – promising to stay faithful to that one person.

• As a friendship ring, especially the Claddagh heart ring, given to a close friend – promising loyalty, friendship and love.

• It can be a symbol of sobriety and abstinence – promising to remain sober or drug free or not gamble.

Although there can be any number of meanings to a promise ring, it is  still predominantly given as a pre-engagement ring. If you search on the Internet for promise rings you will find there are numerous outlets selling them in lots of different price ranges and designs. Lots of the designs feature hearts from simple silver heart rings to more elaborate styles with diamonds or other precious stones.

If you truly want to show that your hearts are entwined you might choose a double heart ring and then at a later date complement it with a double heart necklace or some heart shaped earrings. To make the ring even more meaningful to you both you might like to have the band engraved with both your initials or with a special phrase. Whichever open heart ring you choose, you can be sure that it will be loved and cherished for the rest of her life.

18k Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ruby and Diamond Accent Heart Earrings

When you want to express your appreciation for someone, words are not always enough to convey how much you value them.  Often it is nice to give them a gift to show them how much you care and a gift of jewelry makes the ideal gift for women of all ages.   Although heart jewelry is usually associated with love between a man and a woman, it is also ideal to give to others who you care deeply about such as a sister, daughter, Mom, Grandma or special friend.

There is an amazingly varied range of heart jewelry on the market to suit any style and virtually any taste.  Whether her style is traditional, contemporary, or maybe just young at heart, there will be a pair of gold heart earrings, a heart locket necklace or gold heart bracelet to precisely fit her style and taste.

Jewelry is particularly suitable to give to members of a wedding party.  For instance, a pair of gold heart earrings would be a very loving wedding treasure for the bride if given by her parents to show that although her heart now belongs to another she is still in their heart. A piece of heart jewelry is a thoughtful memento for a bride to give to her bridesmaids to say thank you to them for being such a special part of her wedding. For grown up bridesmaids an open heart pendant or sterling silver heart bracelet would make a lovely present.  And for the younger girls, a dainty silver heart locket or a silver heart charm with a fine chain or perhaps worn on a ribbon to complement their gown would fit the bill.

What better way to express your love and appreciation for Mom or Grandma than a gift of heart jewelry?  While a diamond heart shaped pendant would be ideal, there are a large selection of heart jewelry items which are far easier on the finances. Heart necklaces can be purchased in various metals, including yellow gold, white gold or silver and can be set with genuine or man-made gems. Since the choice is vast you’re sure to be able to find the perfect heart jewelry gift for those special ladies.  To ensure you get something that will complement her other pieces of jewelry take a note of the other jewelry she has in her collection to see which precious metal she usually wears.

The great thing about giving heart jewelry is that you don’t need a special day to give it.  It makes a wonderful “just because” or “thank you” gift.  If you have been going through a particularly difficult time and, say, your sister or friend have been there for you giving them a gift of jewelry will reinforce how grateful you are for their support. Practically all girls like earrings and heart earrings can easily be bought in silver or gold and can also be set with diamonds if you wish to be extravagant. Obviously you have to take into account the individual personality of the lady who will receive the surprise. Hoops and dangly earrings are great for the extrovert person whereas a pair of delicate stud earrings may be more practical for wearing to work. Take notice of the kind of jewelry she already wears as this can provide an idea of the colors and styles she favors.

A classic gold or silver heart design charm bracelet makes a magnificent gift for a young woman that she’s going to always treasure.  Most are sold with many charms actually positioned and this can be a great choice if you’re buying for a girl who wants to keep up with the latest trends.  The original locked heart is one “must have” adornment to the old classic form of charm bracelet in which charms are added gradually over a period of time. This particular approach makes it easy to buy further gifts for that girl later on because she would want to collect fresh charms to attach to her bracelet.

Finally, it doesn’t take too much thought to realize that an item of heart design jewelry can make the perfect gift when you want to show someone how much you value and care for them. Even here though the wide selection of items available can be so enormous that you need to give think carefully before deciding exactly what piece of jewelry you should get. While you cannot go wrong if you choose gold heart earrings, there are a limitless amount of other pieces of heart jewelry such as heart charms, heart rings and heart bracelets which will convey the message just as well.