Jewelry number charms are a popular outlet for self-expression. For years, people have worn special numbers to mark birthdays, significant dates or for luck. Due to the demand for charm bracelets, the large selection of number charm styles provides endless fashion options.
Types of Jewelry Number Charms
Age
People buy number charms to commemorate a special birthday. Popular age specific number charms include 16, 18, 21, 40 and 50. The age number charms are often worn as pendants on necklaces or incorporated in a charm bracelet. Many age charms include the number in a larger design. For example, a round charm with a floral design may include the number 21.
Lucky Number
Throughout the years, people from all over the world have believed in lucky numbers. Number charms are a convenient way to carry a lucky number talisman with you on a charm bracelet, necklace or keychain. Popular lucky numbers include 1, 3, 7 and 33.
Events
Number charms are also a common way to honor a special event. People buy number charms to represent the date of an anniversary, birthday, graduation or the birth of a baby. Graduation charms are available in the four-digit year format or in the last two digits of the year. Anniversary number charms often come in designs with hearts, flowers or birds.
Jewelry Materials and Designs
Number charms are available in a wide range of materials from pewter to precious metals. Number jewelry may be shaped as solitary numbers in different font styles or included in a design. For example, sweet 16 charms are often hearts with a 16 in the middle. Number charms are commonly made from the following materials:
- Sterling silver- Many number charms are made out of sterling silver because it is an attractive and affordable metal. The charms look good with both casual and dressy clothes. The durable metal lasts a lifetime with proper care.
- Gold- Gold numbers are elegant and dress up any outfit. These charms are available in yellow or white gold. Gold charms will last for generations.
- Plated Metal- Plated silver and gold charms are affordable alternatives to sterling silver and gold. However, these charms do not last for years because the plating wears off over time. Many of these plated metals contain nickel, which causes an allergic reaction in some people.
- Pewter- Many fun designs are available in pewter. Pewter is another cheap alternative to sterling silver and gold. It lasts longer than plated metal.
- Copper - Some number charm designs are crafted in copper. The metal is often used in modern artistic number charm styles. Clean copper regularly to maintain a shine.
- Brass- Brass number charms are also available. These are a nice alternative to gold for a more casual look. Brass can stay beautiful for years with regular cleanings.
Number Jewelry Fashion Options
Number charm jewelry offers a variety of fashion options. You can wear a number pendant necklace with a T-shirt or a dress. Add a number charm to a bracelet or anklet and you can wear the special number daily for any occasion. Pin a number charm to a favorite bag or scarf to keep the number close. You can even add number charms to hair jewelry by fastening a charm to a hair stick or gluing it to a French barrette.
Where to Buy Number Charm Jewelry
Jewelry number charms are sold at many jewelry stores around the country such as Kay Jewelers, Zales and Reeds Jewelers. Department stores like Macy's and JcPenney often have number charms. Amazon and Ebay have a large selection of number charms in gold and sterling silver. The following online retailers sell a variety of number charms:
- Auntie's Treasures - Auntie's has a large selection of sterling silver number charms.
- Zulu Moon - Zulu offers a variety of sterling silver number charm designs.
- Etsy - Sellers at this site offer lovely number charm designs in both silver and gold.
- Jewellery Day - Jewellery Day provides a selection of quality gold number charm styles.
Caring for Number Charms
Many jewelry number charms are delicate, small and easy to lose. Fasten the charms securely to a bracelet or necklace when worn. Store detached number charms in small plastic jewelry bags before placing them in a jewelry box to keep small parts together. Put an anti-tarnish strip in the bag before you seal sterling silver, copper or brass charms in the bag. The sealed plastic bag and anti-tarnish strip will slow the tarnishing process. Periodically clean each number carefully with a jewelry polishing cloth. The number jewelry can stay beautiful for years with gentle care.
