Finding the ideal present for the lady in your life can be a tricky experience. Flowers and chocolates are typical gifts but sometimes you want to find a token of affection that will last for years to come.

A unique piece of jewellery which is as individual as the recipient can offer the perfect solution. From necklaces to earrings, there are plenty of different pieces to choose from. A charm bracelet is an especially good choice for those who like to reflect their personal style through jewellery pieces as individual charms can be added over time.

Friends, family members and loved ones can buy new charms for other special occasions like birthdays and Christmas. The flexibility of adding more charms means the bracelet can grow with the wearer over time, making the piece even more special.

There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of charm designs to choose from so you can be sure the bracelet is as individual as the person wearing it. From animal symbols to birthstone charms, charms are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and metals so there really is something for everyone.

Charm bracelets are not a new phenomenon and have been around for longer than you may think. Charms can be traced back as far as the Neolithic, or New Stone Age, era when stone tools would have been used to carve any unusual pebbles or pieces of wood that had been found.

Jewellery pieces with precious stones are popular today but have been around since the age of the Egyptian Pharaohs and it was during this epoch that charm bracelets and necklaces first appeared.

Ancient Egyptians believed charms, typically made of precious stones and metals, protected the wearer from any evil. Charm wrist and neck bracelets were also symbols of wealth and status and the wearer’s social standing could be gauged by looking at the types of charms they had.

During the time of the Roman Empire, Christians would use charms to identify themselves to other Christians to gain entry into worship activities and gatherings.

In the Middle Ages charms were commonly spotted amongst royalty, mostly used by knights and kings. Charms were worn on belts to represent family origin, political standing and profession.

Moving forward to the early 20th century, the bracelets of Queen Victoria sparked the next surge in popularity of wearing charms. During Victorian times charm jewellery changed from being practical pieces to decorative fashion items. Small lockets, glass beads and family crests that hung on bracelets and necklaces were hugely popular.

Similar charms can be found on the market today. Chamilia beads are made from sterling silver and glass and offer colourful additions to any charm bracelet.

A charm jewellery revival in 2001 made the bracelets and trinkets even more popular than ever so there are various ways in which you can say something special through jewels, gems and trinkets.