How to Add Charms to Italian Charm Bracelets: Beginner’s Guide

Italian charm bracelets are fun to customize, and adding charms is easier than it looks. Whether you’re starting fresh or updating your bracelet, you can do it with or without a tool.

If you’re new to how these bracelets work, check our Italian charm bracelet links mini guide before you start.

How the Bracelet Works

An Italian charm bracelet is made of individual 9mm links that connect with a spring mechanism. Each link is both part of the bracelet and a charm. Most bracelets have 18 links, but you can add or remove links to adjust the size.

Method 1: Using a Charm Bracelet Tool

A small tool made for charm bracelets makes adding and removing links quick and easy.

1. Hold the bracelet with the charm you want to replace facing up.
2. Use the tool to push the link open.
3. Slide the old link out and insert the new one.

Method 2: Using Just Your Hands

You can also add charms without a tool:

1. Hold the bracelet firmly in both hands.
2. Push one link back while pulling the other forward to open it.
3. Slide out the charm and replace it with a new one.

For more detail, see our step-by-step guide to putting charms on Italian charm bracelets.

Final Tips

• Work on a flat surface so you don’t lose links.
• Store extra charms in a small container.
• Mix different designs to tell your story.

Adding charms is part of the fun — and once you get the hang of it, you can change your bracelet anytime.