Warding off Evil with Small Pieces of Art
A charm is in essence a tiny piece of art. Even in primitive times, pieces of bone would be carved to represent something recognisable in everyday life, perhaps a tree or an animal. The word charm means ~ something to ward off evil or ensure good fortune, a talisman or a small ornament worn on a bracelet or chain. Charms have long been associated with love, mystique, protection and magic, and many cultures in Africa adorned themselves with small charms hanging from leather thongs around their necks or wrists and on their weapons. Even small shells were used. The amount of shells on a warriors weapon would indicate the amount of kills he had, so was in a way a badge of bravery.
Charmed Bracelets by Tracy Zabar The Charm of Charms by Albert Jade and Ki Hackney
There have been a number of gorgeous books written about the history of charms, Charmed Bracelets by Tracy Zabar and The Charm of Charms by Albert Jade and Ki Hackney are two of the best. In each the heart warming stories and atmospheric writing, paired with fabulous photos are every charm lovers dream. With up to the minute articles on today's fashionable charms from the fashion houses in vogue and a nostalgic glance back at famous charms in history, these books tick every charming box. In Charm of Charms, there are fabulous color photographs of pieces belonging to the Duchess of Windsor, Mary J.
Blige, Mariah Carey and Joan Crawford.
An eclectic mix of celebrities from today and from the past they all have one thing in common. They love charms.
