What is Todays Hottest Jewellery???

Undoubtedly the hottest products in jewellery today are charm beads. The success of this product over the past four years has been simply staggering. Such has been the impact of charm beads that no serious jewellery retailer can be without them. And yet the whole phenomena still seems to have by-passed a large number of people. How can this be?? Lack of information? Too much information?

The concept really is very straightforward. Here is my no-nonsense guide to charm beads & to starting your own charm bead collection.

So, what is a charm bead bracelet? Quite simply, a charm bead bracelet is a unique jewellery system allowing wearers to change and customise their bracelet. These modular bracelets consist of a thick chain onto which different charm beads can be put. These charm beads are made from gold, silver or Murano glass, and are interchangeable, allowing the wearer to create their own look and tell their own story. The charm beads can also be worn on necklaces.

Founded in Denmark in 1976, Trollbeads developed the original charm bead bracelet jewellery concept. Charm bead fans had to wait until 1999 for the launch of Pandora’s ever popular charm bead bracelet on the Danish market. Since 2000 numerous charm bead brands have emerged, each one offering their own particular slant on the charm bead bracelet. At the forefront of the newer brands are Tedora, Truth, Chamilia & Lovelinks.

Possibly the greatest area of confusion that arises when selecting a charm bead bracelet is the subject of compatibility. Will other beads fit onto the bracelet you are about to buy?? Of all the 'major' charm bead systems on the market today, the vast majority are universal and will accommodate beads from other brands. The two exceptions to this are Lovelinks and Truth. Both Lovelinks & Truth charm bead bracelets will only hold their own collection of beads. That said, Truth do have over 450 charm beads in their range so you will not be short of designs to choose from.


On a personal note, I adore the quality and Italian styling of Tedora charm beads. Beautifully crafted from sterling silver, these charm beads simply ooze class. From simple, understated beads to elaborate filigree caged glass, Tedora charm bead bracelets are definately a statement of style.

So there it is. A whistle stop "everything you need to know" tour of charm beads. Now all you need to do is get started and begin your charm bead bracelet adventure today.

So, How Do I Clean & Care for my Silver Jewellery??

Over the past twenty years, one of the most frequently discussed subjects with my customers is how to care and clean silver jewellery. As a natural material, silver reacts with its environment, especially the chemicals in the air and, over time, silver does become tarnished. This doesn’t mean that your fabulous new piece of jewellery is defective, far from it; it just proves that your beautiful accessory is good quality silver.

Many people also encounter tarnishing or discolouring to silver jewellery caused by oils & acids from the skin or perfume and hairspray. It’s very simple to get your silver jewellery back to its former glory and, like most things, the earlier you catch the tarnish the easier it is to get rid of it. My advice falls simply into these few steps.

1. You can clean your mildly tarnished silver at home with Sterling Silver dips - but be warned, you do need to be careful! Jewellery dips, while very effective at removing tarnish, are equally as effective at removing the colour and polish off some gemstones. It’s a good habit to try not to dip any jewellery with stones, but the gemstones that are particularly affected are pearls, sodalite, malachite, lapis lazuli, white opals, turquoise or any soft or porous stones. Remember not to leave your jewellery in the dip too long and don’t rinse it off with cold water otherwise you could find your jewellery gets a white residue which can be as hard to remove as the tarnish. To make sure your jewellery stays perfect, always read the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. To clean untarnished silver (and keep it that way), use a phosphate-free detergent or non-abrasive cloth made for cleaning jewellery - these cloths should come with a built in jewellery cleaner.

3. Try to keep your silver jewellery away from chemicals, in particular strong detergents. I would always strongly suggest removing your silver jewellery before swimming or bathing. Chlorine in swimming pools, salt in the sea & soaps at bathtime don’t react favourably with your silver jewellery.

4. I would also recommend that your silver jewellery is stored in a self seal bag. This isolates the piece from air conditions that may contain sulphides. Also try and store it a dry and cool environment. The hotter the environment the greater the chance of more sulphides which cause more tarnish.

Following these simple guidelines will ensure your silver remains beautiful and sparkling. Above all, make sure to wear and enjoy your jewellery. That’s what it was designed for after all.