Long before the likes of Pandora, Tiffany, Thomas Sabo and what have you charm bracelets, there has always been this what I call as a ‘chinese’ charm bracelet. It’s ‘chinese’ because the trinkets or ornaments on the bracelet seem to be of those auspicious Chinese symbols.
I was a kid at age 5 or 6 when I first fell in love with this charm bracelet. I have never owned one back then. My parents could ill afford to buy us anything that cannot fill our stomachs. It was my eldest sister who was privileged enough being the first born who given a charm bracelet by my late grandmother.
Secretly, I had always admired and definitely jealous of my eldest sister because of the bracelet. I was the youngest of the 4 sisters and anything I own back then was the hand me downs. Every now and then, I would bug my sisters to let me feel and touch the ornaments and admire how cute they were, hoping that someday my sister will get bored of it and pass to me!
Not one to be left missed out, I had made my own ‘charm’ bracelet using raffia string knotted together as the bracelet and plastic beads as the ornaments strung onto the bracelet. I would proudly wear it and imagine that it was equally beautiful to what my sister has.
Many years down the road, this childhood dream was fulfilled when I came across this bracelet again at a goldsmith shop. The ornaments and intricate workmanship were so appealing and brought back fond memories of my yearning to own one. Needless to say, I bought the bracelet without hesitation!
The decorative trinkets on the Charm bracelets are meant to signify important things in the wearer’s life. So, what is so fascinating about this ‘chinese’ charm bracelet? For a start, there are 8 ornaments on this gold charm bracelet that I have. 8 has always signify good wealth for the Chinese. The 8 ornaments are made up of a kettle, pagoda, bell, bird’s cage, abacus, wulou, iron and guitar. Now, what does these items signify is still a mystery to me but they are the cutest things ever!
My favourite charm is the kettle…see the detailed workmanship!
I love the iron and abacus too!
Whats your ‘charm’?
