The beautiful bracelets of Queen Victoria ignited the next big wave of charm wearing in the early 20th century. It was at this stage that charms had a dramatic change of purpose. They went from being practical tools of protection and power and symbols of status to become decorative fashion jewelry. Small lockets, glass beads and family crests that hung on bracelets and necklaces were all the rage.
Let us fast forward through history to the dark days of the Middle Ages a time of knights, castles and many daring fights. We find that charms and amulets were put to use by knights and kings extensively for protection and a wide assortment of other usage. They were most often used with incantations to wreak havoc on the occupants of enemy castles and protect warriors in battle. Charms were also worn on belts to represent family origin, political standing and profession.
Egyptian Fish Amulets or nekhau were worn for protection from drowning. These amulets were given especially to children as a bulwark in their watery environment next to the Nile river. Common during the Middle Kingdom ( c. 1900-1800 BC) these nekhau were pendants made out of gold often with green felspar inlay. It was thought that the amulet allowed the wearer to acquire fish abilities, which meant survival, if a child happen to fall into the water.
