How to build own charm jewelry creation

The national charm jewelry trend is taking over the Capital Region, with charm bars on the rise at local shops and events.

From buffet-like selections of pendants, you can customize the chain of your choice.

Grace Robichaux, owner of Designs By Grace Jewelry Co. in the Village at Willow Grove, shares some tips for building a special piece.

Yank your chain

First thing’s first: Pick the base. Thick or chunky—anything is fair game. The thickness will help determine which charms to dress it up with.

Decisions, decisions

Choosing the charms is the hardest part, Robichaux says, but there’s no limit to how many or how few you can add. Her advice: Go with an odd number to balance a main charm with a few on the sides.

Order up

After picking the baubles, it’s time to decide where they’ll lay. Robichaux recommends starting with the biggest pendant in the middle and building around it.

Put it all together

Once the customer is happy with the placement of the charms, it’s time to build. In just a few minutes, charms are fastened to the chain. The result is a unique piece that’s ready to wear out of the store or pop-up event.