Charmed, I'm sure: Charm bracelets a stylish way to mark milestones in a woman's life

Charm bracelets are more popular than ever, gracing the pages of glossy fashion magazines and adorning the arms of women of all ages, yet charm bracelets are much more than a hot trend. The charm bracelet has a long history that makes it a timeless piece of jewelry and each woman's charm collection is an expression of her personal style and her unique story.

"Charms and bracelets are popular year after year for so many reasons. Not only it is a beautiful accessory, it's one that will be cherished forever because the charms represent special people and unforgettable moments," says Cristina Ehrlich, who was most recently named as one of the 25 Most Powerful Stylists in Hollywood by The Hollywood Reporter and Jimmy Choo. "Collecting charms can become a cherished tradition and a wonderful way to celebrate a woman's life."

Ehrlich offers these tips for creating an unforgettable charm bracelet for yourself or the special women in your life:

__* Create balance:__ Charms and bracelets look best when they are grouped in odd numbers, such as three, five or seven, which helps create balance. This is something to keep in mind when buying charms for yourself or someone else. Ehrlich suggests wearing an odd number of charm bracelets or layering them with other bracelets or bangles to achieve the same effect.

__* Celebrate what's close to your heart:__ Build a bracelet with charms for each of the important aspects of your life -- significant others, children, pets, etc. You might also consider selecting charms that have a personal meaning as a way to honor favorite memories such as graduations, vacations or anniversaries. "I have started charm bracelets for some of my dearest friends," says Ehrlich. "It's a beautiful way to celebrate a friendship and commemorate special moments over the years."

__* Add a splash of color:__ Many sterling silver and 14K gold charms are available with colorful accents. Popular options include smoked quartz, bright enamels, pink sapphire, colorful cubic zirconia or Murano glass. "The same color does not need to be used throughout the entire bracelet," Ehrlich adds. "But keeping your choices in the same color palette maximizes the aesthetic appeal."

__* Don't be afraid to mix it up:__ Add a little variety by mixing in two-tone charms or charms with different finishes such as oxidized sterling silver or black rhodium. "Consider wearing a pendant as a charm," suggests Ehrlich. "It's a great way to add an extra eye-catching piece without losing space on the bracelet."

__* Start a new tradition:__ Let friends and family know that you are buying someone a charm bracelet so everyone can select a charm, or buy yourself a new charm to commemorate a special trip or achievement. Adding to your charm bracelet regularly keeps it fresh and exciting. "Whether you're creating one for yourself or want to give one as a special gift, a charm bracelet is a jewelry piece that will be cherished for a lifetime," Ehrlich says.