How to Buy Heart Charm Bracelets for Valentine's Day

The custom of wearing charm bracelets dates back thousands of years, and though the materials and designs on them have changed, the concept itself has never gone out of style. Charm bracelets are the gift that you can build upon long after Valentine's Day, simply by adding new charms or swapping old ones for new. Charm bracelets run the gamut from high end fashion to fun costume jewelry.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Engraver

1. Explore different styles of bracelet chains to buy for your Valentine. Big, oval links are gaining popularity with charm bracelet designers. You will see such bracelets adorned with one heart charm gracefully hanging from a link.

2. Buy charms that represent what hobbies the recipient likes or the work that she does. Explore the many heart charms you can add to a bracelet. A popular choice is the "I love you" heart-lock that fastens just like a real lock.

3. Go with a classic heart-tag charm bracelet in white gold or sterling silver. Check out rolo-link bracelets that have a heart-shaped tag dangling near their clasps. Consider having text engraved on the tag or leave it as-is if it holds a high-end jeweler's emblem.

4. Get the right length charm bracelet. A bracelet should be at least 7.5 inches in total length, but some women like 8- or 9-inch bracelets. With a charm bracelet, you do not want it to fit the wearer too tightly or the charms will not hang appropriately on her wrist. Keep in mind that many dealers will add on custom links for special orders.

5. Allow for a sense of playfulness when you shop for charm bracelets. Fill a jewelry, candy, or hat box with a couple of whimsical charms, bracelets and accessories. Buy some fun Valentine's Day bracelets that have five or more alternating solid and open heart charms, and others with two-toned charms and links.

6. Investigate some of the more casual looks for heart bracelets. Charms can hang from bangle-style bracelets and silk rope bands, too. All of this variety will certainly show your flair for gift giving and how much you truly care.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider a charm bracelet as a Valentine's Day present for a young girl. Be certain that the bracelet you are buying is sized right for a child. Kids' bracelets are usually 5 to 6 inches in length.