cover image The Charm of Charms

The Charm of Charms

Ki Hackney, Jode Albert, Jade Albert. ABRAMS, $32.5 (160pp) ISBN 978-0-8109-5883-8

Inspired by the comeback of charms on the fashion scene and by childhood memories of ornamenting their own bracelets, Hackney and Albert have combined their creative talents to share the significance and magical history behind these accessories. For 30,000 years, people have worn charms to protect against evil spirits, recognize family ancestry and, of course, accessorize. In the book's beautiful color photos, Albert places the bracelets and trinkets against clever backdrops, displaying a golden bee perched atop a velvety pink rose or a four-leaf clover placed amid a spoonful of Lucky Charms cereal. Next to the portraits of jewelry makers and collectors donning their favorite pieces, Hackney tells the stories behind famous charm wearers like Jackie Kennedy and fashion designer Betsey Johnson. The book also displays treasures of other charm aficionados, like artist Marilla Palmer Zaremba, whose 19 bracelets include silver charms of landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Whether displaying a love for travel, intimate family memories or a lifetime of military service, charms can be a unique form of personal expression, and this eye-catching volume, which is suitable for both jewelry makers and jewelry lovers, will charm readers into starting a collection of their own.