Charms and Charm Jewellery: Your Questions Answered

The Basics

What is a charm bracelet?
A charm bracelet is a bracelet you build yourself. You slide charms onto it, one by one, to tell your own story, whether that’s a pet you love, a place you’ve been or a milestone you want to remember.

What are bead-style (slide-on) charms?
These charms have a hole through the middle, so they thread onto a bracelet like a bead. Our JewelAus charms are made this way. They sit securely on the bracelet and can be moved, swapped or rearranged whenever you like.

Will JewelAus charms fit my bracelet?
Our charms fit [Pandora-style bracelets and 3mm snake chains]. If you have a different brand, check the width of your bracelet against the charm’s hole size, listed on each product page.

Choosing a Bracelet

Should I choose leather or sterling silver?
Every bracelet is designed to carry a full set of charms, so it comes down to how you’ll wear it.

  • Leather is cheaper and a great place to start. If you’ve never worn a charm bracelet, it lets you try the feel of the charms on your wrist without a big investment. It’s best kept dry, and you’ll usually need to replace it after a year or so.
  • Sterling silver costs more but lasts much longer, so it’s the better choice for long-term, everyday wear.

How do I find my bracelet size?
Measure your wrist with a soft tape (or a strip of paper and a ruler), then add about 1 to 2 cm so the bracelet sits comfortably and the charms can move. If you plan to add lots of charms, choose the larger size.

How many charms can I add?
It depends on the bracelet length and the size of your charms. Chunkier charms take up more room, so most people fit [around 12 to 20] charms.

Keeping Charms in Place

How do I stop my charms sliding around?
Use stopper charms. They have a rubber ring inside that grips the bracelet. They work best on silver bracelets and are less effective on leather. Place one on each side of your favourite charms to keep them in position.

What are spacers?
Spacers are small, plain beads that sit between charms to give each one room to shine and to stop detailed pieces rubbing together.

Style and Wear

How do I style a charm bracelet?

  • Start with a theme, such as animals, travel or birthstones.
  • Mix polished and oxidised charms for contrast.
  • Leave a little space so each design stands out.
  • Balance the weight so the bracelet sits evenly on your wrist.

Can I wear charms on a necklace or other jewellery?
Yes, if the hole is the right size for the chain. Check the width of the chain before you buy.

Materials and Care

What is sterling silver?
Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, which makes it strong enough for jewellery. It’s often stamped 925.

What is an oxidised finish?
Many of our charms have a darker, antique finish that sits in the grooves of the design. It brings out fine details like fur, manes and feathers. Please avoid heavy polishing, which can rub the darkening away.

Why does silver tarnish?
Silver reacts with air, moisture, and everyday substances, which can dull it over time. It’s normal and easy to manage.

How do I clean my charms?

  • Wipe with a soft silver polishing cloth.
  • For a deeper clean, use mild soapy water and a soft brush, then dry thoroughly.
  • Keep oxidised charms away from harsh polishes and dips.

How should I store them?
Keep your jewellery dry and separate, in a soft pouch or airtight bag, to slow tarnishing.

Can I wear them in water?
It’s best to take your bracelet off for showers, swimming and cleaning. Chlorine, salt water, perfume and lotions can dull silver, and leather doesn’t cope well when wet.

Is sterling silver suitable for sensitive skin?
Sterling silver is generally well tolerated, but metals vary. If you have a known metal allergy, please check the material details on each product page or ask us before buying.

Keeping your charms in place
If you’d like your charms to stay put, try stopper charms. They have a rubber ring inside that grips the bracelet. They work best on silver bracelets and are less effective on leather.

Leather or silver?
Every bracelet is designed to carry a full set of charms, so the choice comes down to how you’ll wear it.

  • Leather is cheaper and a great place to start. If you’re new to charm bracelets, it lets you try the feel of the charms on your wrist without a big investment. It’s best kept dry, and you’ll usually need to replace it after a year or so.
  • Sterling silver costs more but lasts much longer, so it’s the better choice for long-term, everyday wear.

Will JewelAus charms fit Pandora bracelets?

Yes, JewelAus charms are designed to fit [Pandora-style bracelets with a 3mm snake chain or thread]. They are slide-on charms with a hole through the middle, so they thread onto the bracelet like a bead.

To check a fit:

  • Look up the hole size (inner diameter) on the product page: [x mm].
  • Compare it with the thickness of your bracelet. The charm’s hole must be wider than the chain, and a close fit stops charms from swinging loosely.
  • Stoppers and spacers from the same style of bracelet will also fit.

If you wear another brand, such as Trollbeads, Chamilia or a leather or cord bracelet, compatibility depends on the hole and bracelet widths. [Add which brands you’ve tested or confirmed.] If you’re not sure, contact us with your bracelet details and we’ll gladly check.

How can I tell if a charm is real 925 sterling silver?

Genuine sterling silver is usually stamped “925,” “S925” or “STERLING” on the charm, and is 92.5% pure silver. The stamp is the first thing to check, but a stamp alone isn’t proof, so use several checks together.

  1. Look for the stamp, usually inside the hole or on a flat edge. Use a magnifier if it’s small.
  2. Try a magnet. Silver isn’t magnetic, so a strong pull suggests another metal. This isn’t conclusive, as some fakes aren’t magnetic either.
  3. Check the finish. Real silver tarnishes slowly to grey or black. Flaking, peeling or a layer wearing off to a different colour suggests plating.
  4. Notice the weight and price. Solid silver feels weighty, and very cheap prices are a warning sign.
  5. Watch for green or black marks on skin. Occasionally this happens with real silver, but green staining often points to a copper-heavy or plated piece.
  6. Get it tested. A jeweller can run an acid or electronic test in minutes, and this is the most reliable way to be sure.

What charm is a good gift for a dog lover?

A sleeping puppy charm or a dog breed charm makes a thoughtful gift for a dog lover, because it’s personal, lasting, and easy to wear.

Gift ideas:

  • For a new puppy owner: the sleeping puppy charm captures those first sweet weeks.
  • For someone who has lost a pet: a puppy or dog charm becomes a quiet tribute. Many people choose one that looks like their companion.
  • For a lifelong dog lover: add a paw print, bone or breed charm for a collection to grow over time.
  • For a birthday or Christmas: pair a charm with a bracelet or a stopper so it’s ready to wear.

Tips for giving:

  • If they already have a charm bracelet, one charm is enough. If not, add a bracelet. A leather one is a great, inexpensive start, and sterling silver lasts longer.
  • Think about their style. Oxidised, antique-finish charms suit people who like detail and character.