Charms for Bracelets and Necklaces: How to Attach and Mix Them

A charm is a small decorative piece you hang from a chain, a bracelet or a necklace. Some come with a loop on top so you can add them to a chain you already own. Others are already attached to a bracelet. Here is how to tell which is which, how to attach them and how to mix them.

How to add charms to a bracelet or necklace

1. Look at the loop. It is the small ring at the top of the charm. Your chain needs to fit through it, or the charm needs a clasp that can hook onto a link.
2. Check the chain. Charms hang from a link, a jump ring or a bar. If the chain has none of those, the charm has nowhere to go.
3. Slide it on or hook it on. With a loop, thread the chain through before you close the necklace. With a swivel clasp, open the clasp, hook it onto a link and close it.
4. Let it hang. The front of the charm should face outward. Hold the chain up and see how it sits before you wear it.

Each charm has its own loop size, so check the product page and, if you aren't sure whether one fits a chain, ask us.

Can you put charms on any bracelet?

Only on a bracelet with somewhere to hang them. A bracelet with links, rings or a bar can take a charm. A bracelet where the charms are already fixed in place is meant to be worn as it is, like our Heart & Pearl Bracelet, which has a star, a heart, a clover and pearl-look beads along a silver-tone chain.

How to mix charms

• Pick a theme. Hearts, animals, luck symbols or one color keep a mix from feeling random.
• Vary the size. One larger charm with a couple of small ones looks balanced.
• Keep the finish consistent, either gold-tone or silver-tone, or mix them on purpose.
• Start with one to three charms and add more once you know how they hang.

Charms to start with

• The Butterfly Charm: gold-tone, with green and lilac stones on the wings.
• The Heart Gem Charm: a heart-shaped stone with a halo of white cubic zirconia, with a gold loop on top for easy hanging.
• The Gummy Bear Charm: in silver and gold tones with color accents.
• The Lucky Soul Charm: a horseshoe in green and blue enamel, sold as a charm or as a 16-inch necklace with the charm.

See the full range in our charms collection, our charm necklaces and our bracelets.

Caring for charms

Small details collect lotion and perfume, so put your jewelry on last, wipe it with a soft cloth and store it dry. Take it off before showering, swimming or exercising. More in our care guide.

Frequently asked questions

Which way should a charm face?

Outward, with the front toward the person looking at you. Let the chain hang and adjust the charm until it sits straight.

What is a charm necklace?

A chain with one or more charms. You can wear it alone or layer it with other necklaces.

Can I add charms to a necklace?

Yes, if the chain can take them. A chain with links or a bar works, and a charm with a loop or a swivel clasp can hook on.

Planning a whole bracelet? See how many charms on a bracelet.