Charm Jewelry Decoded: What Your Favorite Symbols Actually Mean

For some, charm jewelry feels playful and nostalgic — as a child of the '90s, my interlocking Italian charm bracelets were the epitome of cool. To others, a charm is an incredibly meaningful heirloom or symbol, serving as an identity marker in the form of a bracelet, necklace, earrings, or a ring. It's something many find comfort in during times of uncertainty, not unlike the current pandemic. Zodiac signs, birthstones, and initials are among the most popular charms for jewelry, but styles designed with religious, protective, or astrological symbols have proven particularly popular in recent seasons. As women increasingly seek out purchases with a more personalized feel, understanding the history or inspiration behind certain charms can connect the wearer to what they ultimately buy.

Colette Steckel, founder and designer of Colette Jewelry, created her latest Santos y Cielos collection as an ode to her father — she designed medallions for him to wear for luck and protection before his passing. Afterward, the collection came to life with each charm, necklace, bracelet, and ring serving as a protective talisman with ancient symbols of protection and luck. Incorporated throughout are horseshoes, figs, and evil eyes. "Many of the pieces are an homage to my faith, with handmade components that have small saints, angels, and other religious motifs," she tells The Zoe Report.

Steckel says many people view jewelry as armor, protecting against harm and are part of every person's story when collected over time. "Now, more than ever, I see charms as a token of resilience, reminding us of our strength, and that there's always a light at the end of the tunnel," she says. "I'm a firm believer that there's a higher power that influences our lives, and these pieces are meant to bring us closer to that and give us a sense of comfort that someone or something is keeping watch over us."

A deep connection to nature has long served as a point of inspiration for jewelry designer Cathy Waterman. Growing up among the redwood trees in California, she tells TZR of the peace and inspiration she finds from her natural surroundings. As such, many of her designs are literal interpretations of the natural world's beauty, while others are more abstract, like her Tree of Life pendant, which symbolizes life, family, generations, and growth. "I'm humbled by the beauty and ferocity of nature," Waterman says. "I see patterns of leaves and petals when I close my eyes. I'm happiest and the most inspired when surrounded by nature."

Personalization, charms, and layering are at the core of the fine jewelry line Jemma Wynne, co-founded by Jenny Klatt and Stephanie Wynne Lalin in 2008. "People are looking for personal jewelry pieces they can connect to, and that tell their story. That's the fun with charms ... they are buildable, collectible, and more often than not, symbolize a major milestone or special significance in one's life," Klatt says.

As symbols of empowerment, the designer says charms remind people who they are and what they've been through, be it a heart, a lucky four-leaf clover, a birthstone, or a moon. They're also an element of personalization that consumers crave — a charm can be tied back to a symbol that feels special or particular to them. As for styling, Klatt finds an effortlessness to the look of layered charms, particularly when paired with today's more relaxed wardrobes. "We call it T-shirt jewelry because that's how they look best, with your favorite worn-in tees and tie-dye!"

Whether you're browsing for a gift, craving some embellishment to personalize chain necklaces, or simply here for the knowledge, keep reading to learn the meaning behind some of today's most popular charms, as explained by Steckel, Waterman, Klatt, and additional jewelry designers. If you're ready to make a purchase, the edit ahead will undoubtedly satiate your desires.