Charmed Bracelets [Hardcover]

Tracey Zabar (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2004

An examination of the recently resurgent trend of charm bracelets looks at the history and cultural importance of the charm bracelet, as well as interesting and unique ways to personalize bracelets, all illustrated with ninety color illustrations. 15,000 first printing.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Stunning photographs of intricately assembled charm bracelets back up jewelry designer Zabar’s contention that charm bracelets function as "history on a wrist." Whether they be sentimental, autobiographical, historically significant, cheap or very expensive, each bracelet reveals what is (or was) close to the heart of its wearer. Some hold silver silhouettes of boys and girls, others gem-studded Cartier figurines or even kitschy miniatures of popular candies or brightly colored dice. Zabar, whose own charmed designs are sold at Barneys New York and Kate Spade, traces the rise and fall of the bracelets’ popularity—beginning with ancient people’s belief in the power of amulets to repel evil and bring about fertility—and celebrates the recent resurgence of the unique accessory, which fell out of fashion during the women’s movement in the 1970s. Zabar showcases many celebrities’ charm bracelets—including the bracelet Desi Arnaz gave Lucille Ball, which was adorned with six records engraved with the titles of his hit songs—and provides ideas for building a bracelet for a specific person, such as an animal lover, bride or career girl. Crucial advice for the proper assembly and care of charm bracelets is offered, as well as clever suggestions for uses of charms "beyond the bracelet," like slipping them on the ribbon of a birthday gift or wrapping them in parchment and baking them into a cake (warning those who eat it, of course, that there is a treasure inside). It is unlikely charm bracelets will ever fall out of style forever, because, as Zabar remarks, "Charm bracelets express who a woman is in a subtle way, simultaneously giving a whimsical little nod to her style while also serving as a record of remembrance of her life."
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

With her popular, vintage-influenced charm bracelets, jewelry designer TRACEY ZABAR has put a fresh new spin on a coveted family heirloom. An artist with degrees in photography and textiles, Zabar lives with her husband and four sons. This is her first book.

LISA BIRNBACH is the editor of the classic Official Preppy Handbook and the author of numerous books about American popular culture.

ELLEN SILVERMAN's photographs have appeared in Simple Stunning Weddings and New Soul Cooking (both STC).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori and Chang (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1435109457
• ISBN-13: 978-1435109452
• ASIN: 1584793341
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.7 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,803 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #58 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Jewelry

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Charmed to no end October 24, 2004

By Joni Levene

Format:Hardcover

Having collected charms and charm bracelets for many years I am always on the lookout for books on the subject. This is by FAR the best, most comprehensive, stunningly photographed, and "charmingly" written book I own on the subject. I highly recommend this book for charm collectors or anyone who who just appreciates a well done and thought out book. You will not be dissapointed.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Girly Book! January 5, 2005

By Heidi Crabtree

Format:Hardcover

I started collecting charms and started a charm bracelet a few years ago, picking up charms from places we've visited, that's my theme. I loved this book, it's filled with photos of vintage charms, some of those bracelets are crammed full! Charms you wouldn't believe, little advertising charms that look like products, photo frames, mad money charms, and even vintage bra and panty charms! Photos are nice, and some are really creative, like the heart shaped box with charms in the empty candy wrappers. Uses for charms besides on bracelets, chart showing what certain flowers stand for, and some celebrities and their bracelets. I can go on but why spoil it for you? Even my sentimental husband enjoyed going through this book!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous, fun book -- perfect gift! September 14, 2004

By Alexandra C. Trower

Format:Hardcover

This book is a gem! The writing is wonderful, the photos beautiful, and the stories -- really vignettes -- are fabulous. The perfect size, it is also readable -- exactly what every woman wants to have on her bedside table.

This book is sure to inspire women across the country to reach into their jewelery boxes and take out their own charm bracelets and wear them again and to start bracelets for their favorite girls to help them create their own "personal histories on a wrist" as Zabar describes these wonderful treasures.

This book will my gift of choice for all my female friends for all their special occasions.