Diamond Charms 101: How to Build Your Stunning Collection

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Collect, Layer, Repeat: Your Guide to the Diamond Charm Comeback

Good things—and great stories—come in small packages.

Published August 14, 2025
Written by: Shelley Brown

Few pieces of jewelry feel as personal as charms. These miniature works of art have been worn for centuries, carrying everything from talismanic protection to tokens of love and luck. Ancient civilizations strung amulets to ward off evil spirits, while in the Victorian era, charm bracelets became sentimental keepsakes, each piece marking a milestone or memory.

Today, diamond charms are experiencing a glittering revival in fine jewelry—one that feels both nostalgic and fresh. After their heyday in the early aughts, when charm bracelets became a playful fashion staple (think Tiffany heart tags on chunky silver links and Juicy Couture’s whimsical gold-plated cupcakes and crowns), designers are now reimagining the look with modern silhouettes and sleek settings.

Meet the Experts

Collect, Layer, Repeat: Your Guide to the Diamond Charm Comeback

Beth Hutchens, founder and creative director of FoundRae, is an authority in symbolic fine jewelry, known for infusing each design with layers of personal meaning and storytelling. Drawing on years of design experience and a deep knowledge of jewelry symbolism, she has built FoundRae into one of the most influential modern jewelry houses, beloved by collectors and celebrities alike.

Joy Haugaard, co-founder and creative director of Lionheart Jewelry, is a leading voice in modern talismanic design, creating pieces that blend beauty with deep personal significance. The Lionheart collection is a fusion of Scandinavian design and New York’s vivacious and vintage flair, meant. to empower the wearer.

While all diamond jewelry holds sentimental value, diamond charms possess a unique storytelling power. Each one is as distinctive as its wearer, a part of a collection that grows and evolves over time. “Charms as personal talismans are having a moment that’s here to stay. People are choosing them for protection, empowerment, or to mark meaningful milestones,” say Joy Haugaard, Co-founder and Creative Director of Lionheart Jewelry.

How to Start Your Charm Collection

The beauty of a charm collection is that it’s customizable and specific to your memories and identity. Before you buy your first piece, consider the story you want to tell. Will your charms commemorate travel adventures, celebrate milestones, or reflect meaningful symbols like hearts, stars, or zodiac signs—or all the above?

If you’re just beginning, start with one or two special pieces and add over time. Or, if you want to make an instant statement, begin with a bold charm bracelet or necklace that anchors your collection. “I always encourage our customers to begin their story with something deeply personal — picking a tenet that reflects a core value or milestone. Over time, our customers evolve their story by re-styling their pieces or adding new medallions, so think of your first medallion as the first page, or chapter, in your story.” says Beth Hutchens, Founder & Creative Director of FoundRae.

“Your first diamond charm should feel like it can travel with you through every season of life. Choose something that means something to you, whether that is a symbol, a shape, or a motif that feels deeply personal,” Haugaard says.

Once you’ve chosen your starting point, make quality your guiding principle. Pay close attention to craftsmanship—settings should be secure, and each charm’s design should strike the balance between beauty and durability. “Make sure the scale works with how you actually wear jewelry day to day and invest in craftsmanship you trust. A beautifully cut, well set diamond will hold its sparkle and its sentiment for decades,” Haugaard says.

After all, the beauty of natural diamond jewelry is its instant heirloom quality. You’ll pass down diamond charms as well as all the secret meaning and sentiments that comes with them.

Tips for Building Your Diamond Charm Collection Over Time

EF Collection diamond charms — Courtesy of EF Collection

There’s nothing wrong with keeping your charms perfectly matched, but don’t be afraid to mix it up. “Start with one dominant metal tone to anchor the look, then weave in other metals for contrast. Play with texture, whether it is a high polish, a soft matte, or even a hammered finish, to add depth,” Haugaard says. “Diamonds have a way of tying everything together so the mix feels intentional and refined rather than mismatched.”

Blend eras, styles, and origins—pairing vintage finds with contemporary designs—for an eclectic, layered look. For a piece that’s truly your own (a family crest, coordinates of a meaningful place, or a pet portrait), consider commissioning a custom diamond charm that incorporates a personal motif. “I have always believed in creating a look that feels collected, or ‘found’, over time. Mixing metals adds depth and individuality. It’s about layering history, meaning, and personal milestones, not matching everything perfectly,” says Hutchens.

Hutchens continues, “I think of it as a conversation between the past and the present. Vintage pieces bring stories and memories, while modern medallions can speak to who you are now and where you want to go. The balance keeps the collection feeling alive, with each piece contributing its own chapter to your story.”

Explore different sources: jewelers, estate sales, auctions and boutique designers. Keep a running wish list so you can add pieces when the right opportunity—and budget—align. Remember, building a charm collection is a marathon, not a sprint, and the fun is in matching it grow.

Creative Ways to Wear Diamond Charms

diamond charms on a charm bracelet — Courtesy of FoundRae

While charm bracelets are the timeless choice, there are countless ways to showcase your collection. Add a single diamond charm to a chain for a minimalist pendant or layer several on a longer necklace for a more playful effect. “Layered chains at varying lengths creates movement and draws the eye in. I also encourage people to rotate their medallions in and out depending on their mood or what they want to channel that day. A collection should be dynamic, an outward expression of your inner self that evolves alongside you,” Hutchens says.

Hoop earrings make the perfect backdrop for a dangling charm, while brooches, anklets, and even handbag hardware can be dressed up with a sparkling accent. Think beyond tradition and let your imagination guide your styling.

Diamond Charms Styling Tips

One of the biggest appeals of diamond charms is their incredible versatility. They can be worn and layered every day, striking that perfect balance between casual and dressy, fine jewelry and playful adornment. Fashion girl Gigi Hadid effortlessly mixes a medley of gold charms—including a heart key, star, and intricate rectangular pendant—with colorful beaded strands and chunky gold hoops. The result is a vibrant, personality-packed look that feels both luxe and laid-back. Whether paired with a crisp white shirt or a cocktail dress, charms add effortless visual interest without ever feeling overdone.

And don’t be afraid to mix metals and diamond cuts; contrast creates depth and visual interest. Seasonal styling can also be a playful twist—holiday motifs in winter, nautical charms in summer, or birthstones for special celebrations.

Designers Putting Their Spin on Diamond Charms

Today’s diamond charm revival owes much of its magic to contemporary designers who are reimagining the category with fresh, distinctive perspectives.

Foundrae’s symbolic medallions carry layers of meaning, while Lionheart’s Scandinavian-inspired designs are made for everyday wear. Ashley Zhang channels vintage romance with antique diamonds, and Cece Jewellery turns enamel and diamonds into miniature works of art. Harwell Godfrey delivers bold geometry and architectural detail, Marie Lichtenberg adds Parisian flair with her richly enameled lockets, and Renna Jewels brings nautical elegance to the mix. Marlo Laz infuses bohemian drama, and Jade Trau perfects the sleek, stackable staple.

Together, they’re redefining the charm bracelet—and necklace, and earring, and anklet—as the most personal, collectible fine jewelry you can wear.