Customer Reviews

Charming: The Magic of Charm Jewelry

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love charms and charm bracelets but this book was so disappointing to me. There were some interesting facts but, overall, it was just too much celebrity worship for me (although the photos of Grace Kelly and Helena Rubenstein were wonderful)and not enough passion about the subject they were supposed to be addressing. I realize the co-author, John Ayton, is the co-owner - with his wife - of Links of London but this book was so much payola for his own business. If you really love charm jewelry skip this book and get "Charmed Bracelets" by Tracey Zabar. You'll be glad you did.

Fashion history and collector insights alike apply in Charming: The Magic Of Charm Jewelry, a coverage of the charm bracelet's jewelry and appeal over the ages. The journey starts in ancient times, with a review of Egyptian scarabs and Chinese works, to modern times, where a range of shapes and materials mean a wide diversity of charm choices. Color photos accompany an art expose which will prove just as valuable to collectors who want background history to better appreciate the modern charm.

I like the perspective of this little (a charming 6 by 8 1/2 inches) book because the story of charms is told with a host of memorable anecdotes and historical facts beginning with the charm's roots as amulets and talismans. Charming is 109 pages with 108 illustrations depicting charm lovers throughout history and the story of why they coveted their charms. Did you know both Queen Victoria and Marlene Dietrich were buried with their charms?

I have to tell you that my favorite bit in the book was pages 22 and 23 which shows a portrait of Anne Boleyn, the second of King Henry VIII's wives, and a photo of a young Diana Spencer, before she became the Princess of Wales. Both are wearing almost identical initial pendants. There is even something familiar about the pensive looks on their faces. Their royal coincidences makes it feel even spooky!

I've always loved charms and this little book does a wonderful job of conveying why they are so magical to everyone.

"Charming: The Magic of Charm Jewelry"
A promising title- unfortunately within the 112 pages in this book, the too limited information is scattered about with just a paragraph here and a couple of paragraphs there- too little new information. There are a few interesting photographs but in general I felt that the artistic presentation was very poor- uninteresting and dull. The dust jacket boasts 108 illustrations with 102 in color- sounds impressive yes- but without artistic vision- it's a wasted effort. Who really needs to see Kelly Osbourne on an entire page- charmed chested. On the other hand, the Elizabeth Taylor charm bracelets and the Hollywood fifties stars- those were great. Still, the highlights too few- this could have and should have been a totaly fun and exciting book -but was not.
I was very disappointed with this book and in my view a waste of money, I took a chance and this time I lost.
A lovely book however - Tracey Zabar and "Charmed Bracelets" which has everything you want in a book about charm bracelets- great photographs, charming chatter and all put together in an interesting and artistic style making it very fun and interesting.

If you are the lucky owner of a treasured bracelet full of charms marking the days of your girlhood or have just one charm, you will love this collector's must for all who share a passion for charm collecting. Come out in 2009, ladies (and yes, you gentlemen, you know who you are) because charm bracelets are definitely back in and very chic, hot and glam!

"Charming: The Magic of Charm Jewelry" is a beautiful little gem in its own right. The glossy cover and lovely pictures of bracelets on the wrists of celebrities as well as the personal quotes from these famous collectors will fill you with the universal appeal of these symbols of a life well lived and loved. You will learn the meaning behind charms as ancient talismen used to ward off bad luck and symbolize emotion throughout the ages.