Charm necklaces are making a comeback. From teens wanting to make a statement, to adults on a nostalgia kick, people of all ages are stringing symbols signifying their favorite hobbies and interests together onto chains. In a new evolution of the trend, some Long Island boutiques have debuted do-it-yourself bars where customers can make their own charm necklaces, bracelets and keychains.
Michele Ortiz, 52, a school administrator from Hauppauge, is a repeat customer of Long Island Charm, a traveling jewelry business, who recently made the “it” accessory with friends from work. “Some people chose a theme like summertime. Some people picked letters from universities.
There were just so many options, and as you look through the variety of charms, you can’t help but think of other ideas and want to make more and more,” says Ortiz. The charm trend has grown in popularity again due to social media, particularly TikTok, where content creators have documented their jewelry-making experience by filming it from start to finish. The necklaces tell a story; since the trend is completely customizable, you can pick charms based on personal aesthetic.
You can even choose the type of chain to dangle your charms from. Creating charm necklaces is a popular group activity, with mothers and daughters, Girl Scout troops, couples and families making them together. The process is different depending on location.
At some shops, customers do it all themselves from cutting the chain and clasp.
