How to wear a charm bracelet, necklace or Carry Clip

Charm jewelry is simple to wear once the charms are on. This guide covers how to attach charms to a charm bracelet or necklace, how to put a charm bracelet on, how it should fit, how many charms to wear, wearing charms on a bag or keys, layering, and care. Everything here applies to the Travel Charm Set, where every flag charm has its own clasp.

How to attach charms to a charm bracelet

Every charm has its own small lobster clasp on a single jump ring, so attaching one needs no tools.

1. Lay the bracelet flat on a table.
2. Pull back the lever on the charm's lobster clasp with a thumbnail to open it.
3. Hook the open clasp through one link of the chain and let the lever close.
4. Give the charm a light tug to check the clasp has closed around the link.

To move or remove a charm, open its clasp the same way and lift it off. Leaving a few links between charms keeps the flags from stacking on top of each other.

How to add charms to a necklace

The same way: open the charm's clasp and hook it onto a link of the elongated cable chain, with the necklace laid flat so the links do not twist. A single charm usually goes at the center. With two or three, place them close together or a few links apart. Once the necklace is on, the charms settle toward the lowest point of the chain.

How to put on a charm bracelet

The bracelet closes with a secure lobster clasp. Drape it over the wrist with the clasp underneath, hold the clasp open with the fingers of the other hand, and hook it onto the other end of the chain. If one-handed fastening is fiddly, rest the wrist on a table so the bracelet stays in place, or ask someone to help.

How a charm bracelet should fit

The bracelet is roughly 22 cm long. A charm bracelet usually sits best with a little room, so the charms can hang and move rather than press against the wrist. Measure the wrist with a soft tape or a strip of paper and compare it to 22 cm before you choose. If the bracelet would sit too loose or too close, the necklace, roughly 49 cm, or the Carry Clip carries the same charms.

How many charms to wear

Start with one place. On a necklace, one to three charms keep it quiet enough to wear with anything. On a bracelet, several charms read as a collection, and the wrist is where the wearer sees them most. A set is built to grow, so a place can be added any time.

Wearing charms on a bag or keys

The Carry Clip is a smooth leather loop in black or cognac brown with 316L stainless steel hardware, a swivel snap hook on top and a split key ring below. Clip the charms onto it and hang it from a handbag, a carry-on or a set of keys. It suits anyone who does not wear much jewelry, and anyone who wants the places with them on the move.

Moving charms between carriers

Because each charm has its own clasp, it moves between the necklace, the bracelet and the Carry Clip. Wear one place on the necklace for a special evening, then move it back to the bracelet or the bag the next day.

Layering and finish

Silver is the natural steel. Gold is real 18k gold plating over the steel. Choose the finish that matches what is already worn most days, a watch or everyday rings. The necklace is long enough to layer with a shorter chain, and the bracelet sits easily next to a watch on the other wrist or the same one.

Example sets

Each of these opens the set builder with the places, carrier and finish already chosen. Change anything before you check out.

• • 

  

  Necklace · Silver

  One place on a necklace

  Japan alone on a necklace in silver.

  Build this set: One place on a necklace
• • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

  

  Bracelet · 18k gold plated

  A full wrist

  Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Brazil on a bracelet in 18k gold plating.

  Build this set: A full wrist
• • 
  • 

  

  Carry Clip · Silver

  On the work bag

  The United Kingdom and Ireland on a Carry Clip in silver.

  Build this set: On the work bag
• • 
  • 

  

  Necklace · 18k gold plated

  Two homes near the collarbone

  Greece and Australia on a necklace in 18k gold plating.

  Build this set: Two homes near the collarbone

Care

The steel is corrosion-resistant, hypoallergenic and fine to get wet, and every piece is made for daily wear. To keep the finish at its best:

• Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after wear.
• Apply perfume and lotion before you put your pieces on, and keep them away from chlorine and harsh cleaners.
• If they get wet, dry them afterward.
• Store them dry, ideally in the keepsake pouch the set arrives in.

Gold plating is a finish over the steel, so gentle care helps it wear well. More detail is on our materials and care page.

Thirty days to decide

If it isn't right, let us know within 30 days of delivery for an exchange or a full refund. Pieces need to come back unworn and in their original condition. The window counts from delivery, so open the box and check the places before you wrap it. A real person handles it, and it takes one email.

Start with one place

The one that came to mind first is the place to begin. Build your set, or read our guides to charm bracelet ideas and how to choose travel jewelry.