How to Craft a Charm Necklace That's Uniquely You
Charm necklaces have always been a playful way to make a personal statement. But today the most adventurous charm jewelry designs combine the high with the low, the unexpected with the traditional and the vintage charms with the new, allowing the wearer to fashion a trend that’s all her own. What’s more, while yesteryear’s charms frequently dangled around a bracelet, now ornaments look freshest when grouped on a necklace.

Bing Bang Hopi Sun Face Charm Necklace ($128); Customized BB Heart charm necklace ($150)
Perfectly exemplifying this fashion trend is the work of Anna Sheffield, the jewelry designer behind the label Bing Bang. One of her charm necklaces might feature a bronze feather, a tassel, and an antique-looking key. Another will have a silver number of the wearer’s choice mixed with an elegant bronze spike. For her, there’s beauty in the mix.
Jewelry designer Anna Sheffield says that Bing Bang has featured charms since its inception in 2002—“it’s in the DNA so to speak.” She remembers what first got her hooked: “I was just in love with the idea of something that looked vintage or even 'found' but had some kind of sentiment to it.”

Dream Come True Necklace; Lucky Number Necklace ($85)
Love has always been a popular theme for charm jewelry, Anna Sheffield says, as has luck. For that reason, hearts and horseshoes are a common charm necklace motif. To put her own spin on things, Anna Sheffield will add more unusual symbols, such as owls, bats and the evil eye—one of her favorite charms.
The charm jewelry designer says creating a vignette, or little story, is where the design process gets really interesting. One of Anna Sheffield’s newest charm necklaces, called “Dream Come True,” includes, among other things, a big silver heart featuring a relief of holding hands, a unicorn inlaid with turquoise and a small diary key. Says Sheffield, “The piece is kind of sweet and also a little ’80s sentimental—but in a good way.”

Secret Charm Necklace ($135); Circle Charm Necklace ($125)
To create your version of the modern charm necklace, think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to combine seemingly unrelated styles and materials like gold with mixed metals. Add traditional charms such as a heart, if you’re feeling romantic, or a talisman, if you’re superstitious. Then mix it up with something unusual that makes the piece utterly you. Get started by browsing our selection from over 600,000 new and vintage styles currently on eBay online auctions.
We're totally charmed by these eBay finds.
Five Piece Sea Life Charm Set
Set of 12 Heart Horse Shoe Charms
Hammered Metal Owl Charms
Vintage Lot of Moving and Opening Charms
Lot of 50 Vintage Charms
Vintage Sterling Race Car Charm
Vintage "Forget Me Not" Puffy Heart Charm
Vintage Locket Charm
Vintage Steampunk Key Charm
Vintage Art Deco German Toadstool Charm
Vintage Sterling Silver Cart Charm
Evil Eye Silver Diamond Charm
Vintage Sterling Puffy Heart Anchor
Vintage Sterling Feather Charm
Vintage English Silver Key Number 21 Charm
Vintage Italian Horn Charm
Vintage Crystal Silver Coffee Pot Charm