Marilyn Brogan's Styling Tips for Handcrafted Gold Charms

Charm bracelets are not just about style - they're a special way to remember important times in your life.

In the past, charms were used to share feelings of love and to celebrate big events. During the Victorian era, people in love would give each other charms to show their feelings. They also believed charms could bring good health, protection, or luck.

Today, charm bracelets are still loved because they're a unique way to share who we are. A charm could celebrate your graduation, your wedding, or even remind you of a special place you visited. So, every charm adds a bit more of your story, helping you show off your personality.

Stand Out With Charms for Bracelets

Charm bracelets let you show your own style. With designs from modern to classic, you can add different charms to make your bracelet truly yours. Each charm you choose turns your bracelet into a display of your unique style and personality.

At Marilyn Brogan, we’ve seen our clients use their gold charms for bracelets to express their personalities as well as their sentiments. Many of them love their charms because they represent the time they've spent in Apalachicola, Florida, where our store is located. It's a small town on the Gulf of Mexico east of Panama City, and it's known for good seafood, historic neighborhoods, and the laid-back lifestyle.

Marilyn has created a number of charm designs to symbolize an easy Apalach summer afternoon, and we encourage our clients to collect them all. Whether you prefer the warm glow of 14K gold or the cool tones of sterling silver, we've got something for you. Choose from the following:

Oyster Charm (Gold Version and Silver Version): Here's to the highlight of our beloved Apalachicola - the irresistible oysters! Nothing quite encapsulates the laid-back essence of an Apalachicola afternoon like a fresh dozen, shucked and served by the shimmering waterfront. Meticulously handcrafted, our oyster charm seizes the heart of the Apalachicola experience - not in a nutshell, but in an oyster shell. Wearing this charm is an invitation to carry this special feeling with you, anytime, anywhere!

Lemon Charm (Gold Version and Silver Version): Embracing the exquisite pairing of oysters and lemons, Marilyn introduced a delightful lemon charm. Handcrafted with precision, it mirrors the tart freshness that lemons bring to oysters, making it a perfect addition to your charm collection.

Cracker Charm (Gold Version and Silver Version): In a whimsical nod to the perfect trifecta of oysters, lemons, and crackers, Marilyn created a charming Saltine cracker charm. Each handcrafted piece captures the quintessential crunch that a Saltine adds to the oyster feast, making it a memorable addition to your charm bracelet.

Hot Sauce Bottle Charm (Gold Version and Silver Version): Capturing the allure of a well-dressed oyster, Marilyn introduced a spicy hot sauce bottle charm. This handcrafted piece symbolizes the zesty kick hot sauce provides, making it a delightful and daring addition to your charm collection.

OCBC Charm (Gold Version and Silver Version): During Marilyn's first summer in Apalachicola, she and her husband would pick up a pound of peel-n'-eats from 13 Mile and head to Oyster City Brewing Co. for a Tate’s Helles pint. The brewery, where Marilyn met many friends, quickly became an integral part of her community. For Marilyn, the charm symbolizes more than just a cold beer; it's a testament to the iconic culture of the town, as representative as the famed oyster.

Manatee Charm (Gold Version and Silver Version): One of Marilyn's treasured memories in Apalachicola involves watching manatees play in Mill Pond at sunset. While these serene creatures aren't always around, they play a crucial role in Florida's ecosystem and unfortunately, are increasingly under threat. As a result, the brand has pledged to donate 10% from each charm's sales to 'Save the Manatee', a highly regarded nonprofit working tirelessly to protect these gentle giants.

Sea Turtle Charm (Gold Version and Silver Version): The intricately designed charm pays homage to the Kemp’s Ridley, the tiniest sea turtle in existence. Marilyn was privileged to encounter one of these critically endangered creatures on St. George Island a few summers back. The turtle had been accidentally ensnared by a fisherman, who responsibly handed her over to the state park. Thanks to their efforts, the turtle received care and was eventually reintroduced into her natural habitat. 10% of sales of each Kemp's Ridley sea turtle charm will be donated to Gulf Specimen Marine lab. Located in nearby Panacea (just 45 minutes from Apalachicola), this organization helps rehabilitate injured sea turtles.

Shrimp Charm (Gold Version and Silver Version): Marilyn has a particular fondness for shrimp! This charm is designed to honor a variety specific to this gulf region - the 'brown shrimp.' Interestingly, it aligns with Marilyn's favorite charm themes: fauna and cuisine. During her initial summer in Apalachicola, Marilyn and her husband developed a tradition of savoring a pound of peel-n'-eats (shells-on, perfectly spiced steamed shrimp) from 13 Mile before strolling to Oyster City Brewing Co. for a pint.

Starfish Charm (Gold Version and Silver Version): A few years ago, while snorkeling for scallops in Apalachicola Bay, Marilyn discovered an enchanting little sea star. Its intricate detail and flawless design captivated her. She kept it, knowing it would someday inspire her jewelry designs, and now, that day has arrived! This charm serves as a memento to cherish life's small marvels. In crafting this charm, the actual starfish was utilized to create a mold, forming the foundation from which these exquisite charms are cast.

Shell Charm (Gold Version and Silver Version): The Shell Charm is based on a charming, petite shell Marilyn found during a beach stroll on St. George Island. To bring this charm to life, the actual shell was utilized to fashion a mold, forming the foundation for these beautiful charms. With a measurement of 3/4 inch tall including the jump ring, it's just the right size to thread on a necklace or incorporate into your charm bracelet. Many of our clients wear them charms every day. That’s why we focus on creating long-lasting pieces made out of 14K gold or pure silver; we want each piece we create to be treasured for years to come.

How to Style Your Gold Charms

Whether you're looking for a modern and minimalist look or a vintage-inspired style, you can wear your charms for bracelets in any occasion:

• For a more subtle approach, try creating a bracelet with fewer charms. Choose a few meaningful pieces you love and create a simple yet stylish look.
• Charm bracelets create a personalized look that reflects your style and personality. You can mix and match different pieces to create a one-of-a-kind bracelet that reflects your uniqueness.
• You can also use handcrafted gold charms to create a statement piece. Choose bolder and more intricate pieces for an eye-catching look, or combine multiple charms to add dynamism to your outfits.

Customize Your Pieces to Get Unique Charms

Customizing your charms is an excellent way to create a unique and meaningful piece you won’t want to get off! Think of what’s meaningful to you and how you can symbolize it with a custom-made gold or silver jewel. Even the most simple details can help you create a beautiful and personalized charm bracelet that tells a meaningful story.

Tips to Care for Your Gold Charms

• Clean your gold charms regularly and gently with a jewelry cleaner or warm, soapy water to keep them sparkling. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt, makeup, and oils.
• Avoid exposing your charm to harsh chemicals such as chlorine, which can cause the metal to tarnish over time.
• To minimize scratches on the surface of your charm, store it in a soft cloth bag or jewelry box away from direct sunlight and moisture, as well as other pieces of jewelry that could cause scratches or damage in any way.
• When wearing your gold charms, take extra caution when putting lotions, sunscreen, or perfumes on that may come into contact with the charm's metal. Always put on your jewelry after applying perfumes and lotions, and take them off first!
• Have your charms professionally checked and cleaned once every few years to restore shine and luster to your charms and bracelets.
• For an elegant and personalized look, adorn your gold or silver chain with an assortment of delicate and meaningful charms, creating a captivating and unique story around your neck.

Redefine Your Everyday Looks with Marilyn Brogan's Handcrafted Charm Collection

Marilyn Brogan's handcrafted charm collection offers a wide variety of unique pieces that can be used to create a personalized charm bracelet. From simple and delicate designs to bold and intricate statement pieces, there's something for everyone. Each charm is crafted with care and attention to detail, using only the highest quality materials for a timeless look.

Shop unique charms and start creating a jewelry collection that will last a lifetime!