Charm bracelets aren't unprecedented pieces in the modern world. In fact—anywhere from 6000 BCE through 650 CE ancient people began using charm bracelets. The only difference between usage of charm bracelets in the modern and vintage worlds when it comes to charm bracelets is that ancient people regardless of their gender wore charm bracelets as a means to flaunt profession, religion, political affiliation or community status while people in the modern world—especially 21th century wear charm bracelets as the statement pieces.
Speaking about Chinese bracelets—they were mysterious, traditional and artistic. Chinese people wore bracelets containing a black string fastened around the wrist featuring adornment like metal objects, jade carvings and glass beads.
The culture of charm bracelets evolved especially around the 20th century. They were no longer worn for power or status, or for political affiliation but people wore for the purpose of welcoming magical effect in their lives.
For instance—charm bracelets adorned with details like four-leaf clover, horseshoe or dice were believed to welcome good luck. Again—charm bracelets adorned with an elephant were believed to welcome happiness. Charm bracelets adorned with a pig were believed to welcome prosperity. Charm bracelets adorned with a wishbone were believed to welcome dreams.
As reflected in today's world that something crafted with luxury materials like silver or gold is expensive—likewise charm bracelets crafted with gold or silver were expensive compared to those with details like stainless steel, copper or brass.
REFERENCES:
Congram, Marjorie. Charms to Collect. Martinsville, NJ: Dockwra Press, 1988.
Oldford, Kathleen. My Mother's Charms: Timeless Gifts of Family Wisdom. San Francisco, CA: HarperSanFrancisco, 2001.