Stars, coins, hearts, feathers or tiny medallions dancing along a chain: the charm necklace is the perfect piece to show off your personality. Every charm tells a story, and it's the mix that makes your necklace one of a kind. Here's our guide to choosing your charm necklace, understanding what each symbol means and wearing it well.
What is a charm necklace?
A charm is a small decorative piece that hangs from a chain. A charm necklace carries one or several, spread along the chain or grouped at the center. There are generally three kinds:
- the fixed charm necklace, sold with its charms already in place, ready to wear;
- the charm holder necklace, a chain you add your own charms to over time;
- the dangle necklace, with charms cascading down for a more boho, swingy look.
Our charm necklaces
Hammered gold coins, turquoise or pearly beads, feathers, cascading flowers: our charm necklaces lean into boho chic.
What do charms mean?
Choosing your charms means choosing your symbols. Here are the most popular ones:
- the heart: love, friendship, tenderness;
- the star: dreams, hope, the lucky star watching over us;
- the moon: femininity, intuition, the cycles of life;
- the clover: good luck (see our guide to the clover necklace);
- the evil eye (or Nazar): protection against bad energy;
- the feather: freedom and lightness, often paired with the dreamcatcher;
- the coin or medallion: prosperity, with a lovely vintage feel;
- the lotus: rebirth and purity;
- the butterfly: transformation and new beginnings;
- the letter or initial: a name, a loved one. To go further, check out the personalized necklace.
For more motifs to wear on their own, read our guide to pendant necklaces for women.
How to build your charm necklace
- Pick a common thread: a theme (the sea, the sky, nature) or a color story (all gold, gold and turquoise, gold and white);
- mix up the sizes: one slightly larger focal charm surrounded by smaller ones;
- don't overload it: three to five charms on a dainty chain are enough for an elegant look;
- think about balance: place the main charm at the center and spread the others symmetrically or in a cascade.
Which chain works best for charms?
For a charm holder necklace, the chain needs to be sturdy enough to carry the charms but fine enough to stay elegant. Cable, rolo and snake chains work best. As for length:
- 40-45 cm (15.7-17.7 in) for charms that rest on the collarbones;
- 50-60 cm (19.7-23.6 in) for a more boho charm necklace worn over a sweater or a tee.
A double-strand necklace also lets you spread charms over two lengths, for a layered look in a single piece.
Gold, silver or stainless steel charm necklace?
- Gold-plated and gold-tone stainless steel give the warmest look and go with every colorful charm;
- silver has a cooler, more graphic feel, ideal with enamel or cubic zirconia charms;
- stainless steel is water-resistant and doesn't tarnish: perfect for a necklace you wear every day.
More details in our article sterling silver vs. gold-plated vs. solid gold: what's the difference?
How to wear a charm necklace
- On its own, over a plain top, to let the charms shine;
- layered with a dainty chain without a pendant, for an effortless boho look. Our tips are in how to layer jewelry like a pro;
- with a matching charm bracelet, for a complete set.
The matching charm bracelet
Charms look just as good on the wrist: evil eye, heart, tree of life… A charm bracelet is the perfect partner for your charm necklace.
A charm necklace makes a personal gift
Because every charm has a meaning, a charm necklace is a very personal gift: a heart for your sweetheart, a star for a friend, an initial for a mom. Find more ideas in our jewelry gift ideas for every occasion.
How to care for your charm necklace
- take it off before bed so the charms don't snag or twist the chain;
- keep it away from perfume, which dulls enamel, pearls and plating;
- wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing;
- store it flat or hanging so the charms don't tangle.
All our tips are in our guide to everyday jewelry care.
Charm necklace FAQ
What's the difference between a charm and a pendant?
A pendant is usually a single, larger piece placed at the center of the chain. Charms are smaller and often worn in multiples, spread along the chain.
How many charms should you put on a necklace?
One to five charms for an elegant look on a dainty chain. Beyond that, go for a longer chain or a double strand to space them out.
Can you wear a charm necklace every day?
Yes, especially if it's stainless steel. Just remember to take it off for workouts, showers and at night.
Looking for a necklace that feels like you? Browse our full necklace collection. Every necklace is shipped with care from Aix-en-Provence, France, with free shipping to the USA.
