How to Use an Italian Charm Bracelet Tool (Step-by-Step)

An Italian charm bracelet tool opens the spring inside each link, so you can add, remove or swap charms in seconds without pinching your fingers. It’s the quickest way to resize a bracelet or change a whole row of charms at once.

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, and you add or remove links to change the size. Not sure how many you need? Use our Italian charm bracelet size chart.

How to Add a Charm With the Tool

1. Hold the bracelet face up and bend it backwards at the spot where you want the new charm, so the joint between two links opens.
2. Slide the small tip of the tool into the gap on the back of the link and press gently. This pushes the spring back and holds the gap open.
3. Hook one end of the new charm into the open link, then repeat on the other side.
4. Take the tool out and straighten the bracelet. The springs snap closed; give it a gentle pull to check the charm is locked in.

How to Remove Links With the Tool

1. Bend the bracelet backwards at the link you want to take out.
2. Push the tip of the tool into the gap on the back of that link to release the spring.
3. Slide the link sideways out of its neighbor, then do the same on the other side.
4. Join the two free ends of the bracelet the same way to close it again.

Tool or Hands: Which Is Easier?

The tool is the easier option if you’re new to Italian charm bracelets, have long nails, or are changing many links at once, because it does the stretching for you. Once you get the feel for it, you can also put charms on without a tool using only your hands.

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.