INSTRUCTIONS & CARE

Instructions for Attaching Italian Charms

The first time you try to attach an Italian Charm can be a little frustrating.  All of us struggle at the beginning.  But don't worry, with a little practice you’ll soon get the hang of it and be rearranging and adding Charms like a Pro! 

Here are 3 ways to learn how to attach charms:

1. Ask someone you know, or a jeweler, to show you how.  It makes a lot of sense if you can see these Charms in action.
2. Use an Italian Charm opening tool.  I have tried a lot of different kinds, and some are better than others.  Sometimes the simplest is the best, and my favorite is a simple Hat Pin.  If you don’t have one, I sell them inexpensively on my Website under Accessories.
3. Follow the instructions and diagram below to learn how to attach Charms by hand.

Whichever way you choose, I recommend practicing with several Charms already attached, if possible.  It is harder to learn the trick using single Charms, but you’ll get the hang of this, too!

Here are some instructions for attaching Charms by hand:

1. Squeeze the 1st Charm tightly, face up, between the tips of your right thumb and index finger.  Get the 2nd Charm ready to hold in your left hand.  For lefties, just reverse hands.
2. To open the Charm, keep squeezing tightly and push your thumb forward.  You will notice as you push forward that the top of the Charm slides out with your thumb, and the bottom remains stationary.  Keep pushing until the top stops sliding, and don't let up on the pressure—the Charm is spring-loaded and will snap back.  If nothing happens, you may not be pushing hard enough, or you may be holding it backwards since Charms open only one direction.  If you opened the charm all the way and look at the bottom of the part that extended, you will see a wide hook.
3. Hold the 2nd Charm in your other hand, and loop the wide hook over the thin “bar" on the back of the 2nd Charm.  You don't have to open up the 2nd Charm—they should just hook onto each other with the 1st one open. 
4. Viola!  If you don’t succeed at first, just be patient and keep trying—you will get the hang of it soon!

Care of Your Charms

Your charms are very durable and will hold up well under normal wearing conditions.  The Stainless Steel will not tarnish and the enamel will do a wonderful job protecting the picture underneath.  These charms require very little maintenance.

Here are some recommendations for your charms:

1. While some contact with water will not hurt your charms, it is not recommended that you continually immerse your charms in water.  Just take off your bracelet if you are taking a shower, washing dishes, swimming, etc.
2. Do not brush the enamel against any kind of abrasive or sandy surface—the enamel will scratch.
3. Do not clean your charms with harsh chemicals or abrasives—just rinse under water, with a gentle soap if needed.
4. Do not allow babies and young children to play with these charms--they could cause injury if swallowed or snapped.

With simple, common sense care, your charms will safely last and look beautiful for many years!

ENJOY your new charms!

Cassandra