Charms have been worn for thousands of years, not just for their decorative appeal, but often to symbolise good luck, love and spiritual forces. During prehistoric times, charms were made from shells, animal bones and clay. Later charms were made out of gems, rocks, and wood. The pharaohs of ancient Egypt believed their charms would pass with them into the afterlife. Knights of the Middle Ages wore charms on their belts to identify their status and ancestry. During the sixteenth century, talismans would be carried into battle to ward off evil and bring good fortune to their owners. Queen Victoria invented the charm bracelet as we now know it and her appreciation of these jewels quickly spread throughout European nobility. Charms reached a new height of popularity after the Second World War when service men would bring charms home to their sweethearts from all over the world. With people longing for connection with each other, charms became a way to express feelings and preserve memories. By the 1950s, every girl had a charm collection, with each new bobble commemorating a life milestone. Charms remain a popular jewelry item, as personalized keepsakes feel more intimate in an increasingly mass-produced jewelry market. Popular themes include initials, horoscope signs, birthstone charms, travel souvenirs, and family keepsakes.
This vintage Judaica charm is crafted in 14K gold. The large round disk reads "Shalom" (meaing "peace") and has a lovely dove above it. The back has a personalized engraving "Clare 11-15-73." According to Strong's Concordance 7965, Shalom means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. It would look great layered in with other charms or on it's own. It shows minimal wear consistent with age.
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