If you’re looking for charm jewelry, a charm bracelet or gemstone charms, there are a few factors to take into account. From fashion statement to personal souvenirs and elegant mystery to worldly sophistication, these little trinkets can say and mean a great deal to many people. A little research on the subject will show you how to select the best charms before getting your credit card out and making a purchase.

Charms can be made out of many different materials, metals being the most common. How your charms look and their contribution to your image, and the way that friends and relations perceive you, will depend on the type of metal used on your charm bracelet. In some cases, appearance may be more important than specifying the type of metal to be used. Here’s why. A metal such as pewter can take on a variety of different appearances. In one form it may look like a genuine family heirloom that has been passed down from generation to generation. In this sense you show your roots extending back over decades if not centuries. In another form, pewter charms can be as shiny and alluring as silver charms or gold charms.

When buying charms, quality counts. This is true whether it's in charm bracelets or gemstone charms. Run your finger over the surfaces if you can, to make sure that the craftsmanship is top notch. The charms and the bracelet should be smooth to the touch with no snags or edges to catch on your skin or your clothes. The workmanship should be well finished, with a fine detail that comes from quality work.

Size and weight of the charm determines the cost. If you are considering a sterling silver charm vs. 14kt gold charm, the sterling silver charm will be more affordable. You may also consider 14kt gold plating over sterling silver, which will be a little more than the sterling silver charm but less than the 14kt gold charm.

Gemstone charms may require particular attention. You should get what you pay for, but it has been known for some charms to contain less in the way of precious stones than expected. When looking for charms of quality, do a little detective work. Check to see if the charm that interests you has a written description or even a certificate. If you’re preparing to spend a significant amount of money on a gold charm or a silver charm, then it is only natural that you get reassurance on the quality of the article that you are buying. Dealers with a good reputation and standing in the market should be able to reassure you on these points and show you how to select the best charms.

Buying a charm is not just a matter of how much you spend, it’s also a matter of what that purchase says about you. A charm, its design, or inscriptions upon it may hold a special meaning for you, something that you want to communicate to the people around you. If you are buying a charm, or charm bracelet, as a present, then the person to whom you are giving the charms will also be concerned by the same questions. Giving a charm bracelet can be a very personal affair! The better you know the person to whom you are giving the charm bracelet, the more chance you have of selecting a gift that will be both a pleasure to give and to receive.